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erected a residence of eight rooms, which has hardwood floors, bath, an air pressure waterworks system and electric lights, thus being fully as modern and convenient as any city home. He has his own electric plant, and storage and not only the house but also the other buildings and the grounds around the buildings are lighted by electricity. He keeps everything about the place in excellent condition and is justly proud of its fine appearance. He has met with marked success as an agriculturist and seldom fails to harvest unusually large crops. He also raises considerable high grade stock, and as he studies the markets carefully he is able to sell to advantage. He is not only efficient in the conduct of his farm work but also manages the business phase of agriculture well, and through his own well directed efforts has gained financial independence.

   On the 14th of January, 1904, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Stiver, a daughter of Jacob and Julia Ann (Hart) Stiver, of Valparaiso. Her parents were both natives of Ohio but came to Nebraska in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have a son, Wendell G., who is attending school.

   Mr. Johnson takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs and keeps well informed as to the questions, and issues before the people. He does not follow the dictates of a party leader but votes independently, supporting the man whom he deems best fitted for the office without regard to his party allegiance. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic order and is past master of Square Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M., of Valparaiso. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. In bringing his farm to its present high state of development he has not only gained individual success but has also contributed to the agricultural development of his county, and his example as a farmer is one that others might well follow, as he is at once energetic, progressive and practical. His entire life has been passed in this county, and he is widely and favorably known. His dominant characteristics are such as invariably command respect and regard, and those who have known him most intimately are his stanchest friends.

   John Joseph Janovec, a dealer in hardware and furniture at Morse Bluff, is accorded a large and profitable patronage in recognition of his fair dealing and progressive methods. He was born in Bohemia precinct, Saunders county, October 12, 1876, and is a son of John Janovec, who was born in Bohemia but emigrated to the United States when sixteen years of age. He came to the middle west and located in Bohemia precinct, this county, where he took up a homestead, which is now in the possession of one of his sons.

   John Joseph Janovec completed the course in the common schools and continued his education in the Fremont Normal School, which he attended during the years 1897 and 1898. Subsequently he farmed for a time but later worked in the Bank of Morse Bluff. In 1900 he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, buying a general store at North Bend, which he conducted until 1906. In that year he sold that business and purchased the Hines & Vopalinsky

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hardware store at Morse Bluff. Four years later he added a furniture and undertaking business and has been successful in those lines also. He carries a full stock of high grade hardware and furniture and as a funeral director gives efficient and unobtrusive service.

   Mr. Janovec was married on the 12th of June, 1902, Miss Emily Soukup becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Anton Soukup and by her marriage has become the mother of a son, Raymond.

   Mr. Janovec votes the republican ticket and for the past eight years has held the office of city clerk. For one term he was chairman of the school board and he has always taken a commendable interest in everything relating to the general goood. Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of which he has been recording financier for four years, and to the Z. C. B. J., of which he is past chairman. He is an enterprising and successful business man, a public spirited citizen and a man of genuine worth, and he commands the respect of all who have been brought in contact with him.

   Among the successful and progressive business men of Prague is John Soukup, who is conducting a confectionery store. He was born in Prague, Bohemia, in 1873 of the marriage of James and Mary Soukup, who came with their family to the United States in 1880, having heard much of the favorable conditions here. For two years they lived in Creston, Iowa, where the father worked for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, but at the end of that time they went to Lincoln, Nebraska, where both resided until called by death. The father was in the employ of various railroad companies until his demise in 1893. He was survived by his wife for sixteen years, her death occurring in 1909.

   John Soukup, who was but seven years of age when he accompanied his parents to the United States, received his education mainly in the public schools of Lincoln, Nebraska, and passed the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. On entering the business world he became connected with a store and spent considerable time clerking in various mercantile establishments. Subsequently he bought a grocery store, which he conducted for three years, after which he engaged in the saloon business for two years. On selling out he came to Prague, where he established a saloon, which he conducted for four years, after which he disposed of it and turned his attention to the insurance business. A year later he began dealing in flour and feed but only continued along that line for one year, after which he established his present confectionery store. His goods are of the highest quality, and he is very careful to see that sanitary conditions are maintained, and, as his prices are reasonable, it is but natural that he should have gained a large and representative patronage.

   On the 27th of March, 1896, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Soukup and Miss Mary Hynek, a daughter of Adam and Anna Hynek. To this union have been born two children: Agnes, who is deceased; and Edward, at home.

   Mr. Soukup casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the

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democratic party and has served ably as a member of the town board. He is identified with Z. C. B. J., a national Bohemian society at Prague, and his religious belief is that of the Catholic church, of which he is a communicant. He takes a commendable interest in everything relating to the general welfare and can be depended upon to support projects seeking the advancement of his community.

   Henry Andrew Henrichson, who owns and operates a good farm, in Chester precinct, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on the 13th of March, 1884, of the marriage of Hans P. and Marie (Paulsen) Henrichson. In the year of his birth they removed with their family to the United States and took up their residence in Douglas precinct, this county, where they are still living.

   Henry A. Henrichson received his education in the common schools of Saunders county and during his boyhood and youth also aided his father with the work of the home farm. By the time that he attained his majority he was an efficient agriculturist and in 1906 he began farming on his own account in Douglas precinct. Subsequently he lived on a farm in Merrill county for three years, after which he followed agricultural pursuits in Douglas precinct for the same length of time. Since 1913 he has operated his farm of eighty acres in Chester precinct and has gained a good financial return from his land. He does general farming and specializes in raising Poland China bogs although formerly he handled Duroc-Jersey hogs.

   On the 10th of April, 1906, Mr. Henrichson was united in marriage to Miss Barbara McDaniel, a daughter of James McDaniel, further mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Henrichson have four children, Katherine, James, Leona and Delbert.

   Mr. Henrichson votes the democratic ticket and has been called to public office and is now serving his second term as road supervisor of Chester precinct. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He is still a young man, and the energy and good judgment which have enabled him to gain the gratify-ing measure of success which he has already won insure his continued prosperity.

   Henry Erickson, who is one of the most progressive and efficient young farmers of Wahoo precinct, is a native son of Saunders county. His birth occurred in Wahoo precinct on the 26th of July, 1884, and his parents are Nels W. and Tilda Erickson, who reside in Mead. After leaving the common schools he attended Luther College at Wahoo for one year, and in 1907 was a student in the State Agricultural College at Lincoln. In 1909 he went to PP county, South Dakota, and was successful in the land drawing, securing homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. He remained upon that place

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for two years and then returned to Saunders county, where he has since engaged in farming. He owns eighty acres of land on section 10, Wahoo township, and rents one hundred and twenty acres besides. The cultivation of this two hundred acres requires his undivided time and attention and he receives a good income from the land. He raises both grain and stock and is practical and up-to-date in his methods.

   On the 16th of June, 1915, occurred the marriage of Mr. Erickson and Miss Lillie Lind. Mrs. Erickson was born in Phelps county, Nebraska, February 21, 1890, her parents being Thure and Ellen (Nelson) Lind, now of Wahoo. Mr. Erickson believes that the national policies of the republican party are based upon sound principles of government but at local elections he votes independently. When he started out for himself he had no capital and he has at all times been dependent upon his own resources, but his enterprise and good management have enabled him to gain a competence and his capital is constantly increasing.

   Various are the business interests and public enterprises which have felt the stimulus and profited by the cooperation of Frederic E. White, the cashier and manager of the National Bank of Ashland. He is a man of resolute will whose purposes are always well defined and promptly executed. Moreover, his activities always measure up to the highest business standards and furnish an example that others might well emulate. He was born at Charlton, Massachusetts, in July, 1856, his parents being Hosea and Anne E. (Seagrave) White, who were natives of Massachusetts and were of English descent. The father was a wheelwright by trade and worked at that calling for many years. He also became a car builder and followed that pursuit throughout his remaining days, which were spent in Massachusetts, where he passed away in August, 1904. His widow survives and is now living in Hartford, Connecticut.

   Frederic E. White was reared and educated in his native state and in New York and after his school days were over went to Boston, Massachusetts, where he was employed as bookkeeper in a wholesale leather house for a year. He afterward spent three years as paymaster in a shoe factory at North Brookfield, Massachusetts, and in 1882 he sought the opportunities of the growing west, making his way to Creighton, Nebraska, where he took a position as cashier of the Knox County Bank, which was later changed to the First National Bank. His connection with that institution covered thirteen years, extending to 1895, and in the meantime he occupied other important relations in connection with the public there. In 1885 he was elected to the state legislature on the democratic ticket in a strong republican county - a fact which indicated his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. After serving for one term he was nominated for the state senate but would not accept the candidacy. During his residence at Creighton, Nebraska, he also acted as a member of the school board for about thirteen years and his indorsement of any public measure secured to it a large following, for his fellow citizens recognized the

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soundness of his judgment and knew that his support of any public plan was an acknowledgment of its value.

   Mr. White was a stockholder and director in the bank at Creighton but in 1895 sold his interest and came to Ashland, accepting the position of cashier and manager of the National Bank of Ashland. During the panic of 1893 U bank was rather hard run, but under the guidance of Mr. White its business has largely increased and it is now regarded as one of the safe and reliable financial institutions of this part of the state. During the panic year of 189 the capital was one hundred thousand dollars and the deposits amounted to only sixteen thousand dollars. Since his removal to Ashland Mr. White he built up the business to a very large extent until there is now two hundred and thirty thousand dollars on deposit. The present capital of the bank is sixty thousand dollars, the surplus and undivided profits amount to twenty-six thousand dollars and every phase of the bank business shows the institution to be in excellent condition. Mr. White is also manager of the Ashland Light, Mill & Power Company and has successfully conducted his various business interests since coming to Ashland. The National Bank of Ashland was organized in March, 1883, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, by John R. Dark Job Fitzgerald, O. M. Carter, D. D. Cooley and others. Mr. Dark became the president and Samuel Waugh cashier. Those officers were later succeeded by O. M. Carter, who became president, and D. D. Cooley, cashier, while the capital stock was increased to one hundred thousand dollars in 1891. The following year Mr. Carter and Mr. Cooley went to Houston, Texas, when they engaged in business, and they were succeeded by J. R. Haywood as president and G. D. Lawson as cashier, the latter being elected in 1892 and the formed in 1893. In July, 1893, during the widespread financial panic and the strenuous financial conditions which were brought about, the affairs of the bank were found to be impaired to a slight extent and the bank was temporarily placed in the hands of a bank examiner for about one month. Assessment was made on the stockholders of the bank, who were wealthy people, and the management was turned back to the officers in August of the same year. J. J. Brown, a wealthy capitalist of Omaha, was elected president of the bank in January, 1894, and continued to fill the office until his death in 1901, when his son, Randall K., was elected president and has since served. He, too, is a prominent and wealthy business man of Omaha. In March, 1895, Mr. White was elected cashier and manager and has since successfully conducted the business. The capital was reduced to sixty thousand dollars in 1895. The officers of the bank are: R. K. Brown, president; J. C. Railsback, vice president; and F. E. White, cashier. These gentlemen are members of the board of directors together with Charles H. Brown of Omaha and Ramon A. Miller of Ashland. C. H. Brown is also a director of the Omaha National Bank. The National Bank of Ashland now enjoys a large business and has the confidence the people of the city and state, for its management is safe and conservative its officials are always courteous and obliging. In addition to his other interests Frederic E. White is the secretary of the Ashland Platte River Bridge Company.

   In May, 1886, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Ada F. Corliss, her Parents being James and Martha (Forbes) Corliss, who were natives of

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Vermont and Massachusetts respectively. The father followed farming throughout his active business career and passed away in the old Bay state. Mr. and Mrs. White are the parents of three children, namely: Corinne C., who was born September 12, 1887, and is now teaching school in Halley, Idaho; Corliss, born in June, 1890, who is the wife of J. H. Broadorn, of Hayes Center, Nebraska, where he is engaged in the banking business; and Leon H., whose birth occurred September 28, 1892, and who is now acting as assistant cashier in his father's bank.

   The religious belief of the family is that of the Unitarian church. Air. White gives his political indorsement to the democratic party and is a stanch advocate of the principles promulgated by Grover Cleveland. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. He is now serving as president of the school board and president of the library board and has continued in each position for several years. While his duties as a banker make heavy demands upon his time and energies, he has always found opportunity to further the public welfare in the support of those things which are most worth while in municipal affairs.

   Nels S. Swanson, a prosperous and representative agriculturist of Stocking township, is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the town of Swedeburg. He is one of the worthy citizens that Sweden has given to Nebraska, for he was born in that country on the 7th of March, 1867, a son of John and Ingrid Swanson. The common schools afforded him his educational opportunities and he continued his studies in the winter seasons until sixteen years of age, while during the summer months he worked at farm labor. After putting aside his textbooks he continued as a farm hand for four years and when a young man of twenty emigrated to the United States, making the voyage by way of Hull and Liverpool on the Nevada, which reached American shores after a rough trip consuming thirteen days. He came at once to Nebraska, locating in Sutton, Clay county, where he secured employment with a railroad. Subsequently he worked on a farm for two years and during the following six years was engaged in farming on his own account in Fillmore county. In the fall of 1895 he came to Saunders county and here cultivated rented land for sixteen years, on the expiration of which period he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining Swedeburg, the operation of which has claimed his attention continuously to the present time. His efforts in this connection have been attended with such success that he is now enabled to live practically retired. He arrived in the new world with but one cent in his pocket and during the first year of his residence here was obliged to sleep on the floor. How well and wisely he utilized his opportunities in the attainment of success is indicated in his present excellent farm and the many material comforts which surround him.

   On the 18th of February, 1890, Mr. Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Pearson, her father being Pear Pearson, a native of Sweden.

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To them have been born nine children, as follows: Anna, who is employed in Lincoln; Esther, who gave her hand in marriage to Emin Eliason; and Ruth, John, Ellen, Teckla, Paul, Laurene and Glennice, all at home.

   When exercising his right of franchise Mr. Swanson votes for the candidate whom he considers best qualified without regard to party ties. His religious faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran church. His has been an active, busy and useful life, which at all times has conformed to the highest principles of manhood and citizenship.

   Hon. Emil E. Placek, lawyer and lawmaker, who has had marked influence in shaping the history of Saunders county and of the commonwealth in recent years and who in all of his public service has been actuated by a spirit of marked devotion to the general good, is a native son of Nebraska, his birth having occurred upon a farm in Fillmore county, December 14, 1877. His father, John Placek, was a native of Bohemia, born in 1838, and there he wedded Katerina Kotas. They came to the United States in 1868, making their way to St. Louis and after a year there passed proceeded up the river to Nebraska City, from which point they traveled by wagon to Crete, Nebraska, where they lived for about seven years. In 1876 they removed to Fillmore county, this state, and through the intervening period of thirty-nine years have there made their home.

   Emil E. Placek attended the public schools at Milligan, Nebraska, and the Western Normal College near Lincoln, there completing his more specifically literary course. A review of the business situation with its many opportunities along various avenues of activity led him to the determination to make the practice of law his life work and with that end in view he matriculated in the Nebraska State University, from which he was graduated with the law class of 1897, winning the LL. B. degree. The following year, in response to the country's call for aid in the Spanish-American war, he enlisted at Lincoln on the 27th of April, 1898, joining Company G, of the First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry, as a private. With that command he remained until honorably discharged at the Presidio in San Francisco in 1899, having in the meantime served in the Philippines for a year, during which he participated in the following engagements among others: the capture of Manila on the 14'th of August, 1898; the capture of Deposito and the waterworks on February 4 and 5, 1899; the march on Milolos, from March 25th to March 31st; the capture of Quinga on the 15th of April and the final engagement, the capture of San Fernando on the 18th of April.

   After his return to the United States Mr. Placek made his way to Fillmore county, Nebraska, and on the 1st of January, 1900, there became clerk of the county court, which position he filled until the 1st of May. He was then appointed to a position in the census department at Washington, D. C., where he continued from the 1st of June, 1900, until the 1st of January, 1901. While thus employed he also attended George Washington University, where he took

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post-graduate work in law, and on leaving the national capital he returned to his home in Nebraska, removing to Wahoo in March of that year. There he opened a law office and continued in active practice until 1905, when be was elected county judge of Saunders county and took his place upon the bench. His decisions were so fair and impartial and his course so far above suspicion that he was reelected to the office in 1907. It then became the feeling of his friends and his party that he should represent this district in the law-making body of the state and in 1910 he was elected state senator from the fifth, now the third, senatorial district, serving in the sessions of 1911 and 1913. When he retired from the office he resumed the practice of law, in which he is now engaged at Wahoo, although he has not confined his attention solely to professional activity, having become connected with various important commercial and manufacturing enterprises. In 1907 he organized the Bank of Prague at Prague, Saunders county, was chosen its president and still acts in that capacity. In 1909 he purchased an interest in the Nebraska Culvert & Manufacturing Company at Wahoo, of which he was made president, and has so continued. He now owns a majority of the stock of that corporation. He is likewise a stockholder in the State Bank of Omaha and his sound judgment constitutes an element in the attainment of success in connection with all of those institutions.

   On May 18, 1904, at Wahoo, Mr. Placek was married to Miss Elizabeth Lindercamp, who was born in Wahoo and is a daughter of John and Agnes (Lent) Lindercamp, the former a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Placek have two children, Corenne S. and Enid Elizabeth.

   Senator Placek is prominently known in fraternal circles, holding membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Royal High land era, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Eagles and the Elks. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and his opinions have long carried weight in its ranks. He has the distinction of being one of the limited number who are known as "Founders of the Lincoln Highway Association," each one of whom must have contributed one thousand dollars or more to that project. He is everywhere regarded as a public-spirited citizen, for the proof of his devotion to the public good has been found in his public service, which has been of far-reaching and beneficial effect. Moreover, in business life he has steadily worked his way upward and his success is the well merited reward of sound judgment, discrimination and wise investments.

   John Wesley Harrell was one of the pioneers of Rock Creek precinct and resided upon his homestead until his death, which occurred on the 2d of July, 1912. He was a successful farmer and one of the leading residents of his precinct and his demise was recognized as a loss to his community. He came to Saunders county from Effingham county, Illinois, where he was born July 29, 1843, a son of Jethro and Effie (Noe) Harrell, natives respectively of North Carolina and Ohio. The father lived for some time near Shelbyville, Indiana,

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whence he removed to Effingham county, Illinois. Of the children born to him and his wife two sons survive, namely: Jacob, who is living in Illinois; and F. H., a resident of Missouri.

   John W. Harrell received his education in his native county and early became familiar with practical methods of farming. In 1869, a few years after his marriage, he and his wife came to this county and homesteaded eighty acres and bought an additional eighty acres on section 14, Rock Creek precinct. At that time there were comparatively few settlers here and the work of development and improvement had not progressed very far. There were the usual inconveniences and hardships of pioneer life to be endured, but they had faith in the future of the county and persevered in the work of making a farm out of a tract of wild prairie land. They gave their place the name of Maple Grove Farm and as the years passed brought all of the land under cultivation and made many excellent improvements upon the farm. Mr. Harrell was energetic and as he followed effective methods of cultivating his crops he seldom failed to reap good harvests. He also raised considerable stock and both branches of his business proved profitable.

   Mr. Harrell was married on the 18th of August, 1864, in Effingham county, Illinois, to Miss Clarissa Keefer, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the 4th of June, 1849. Her father, Benjamin Franklin Keefer, was born in Ohio and passed away in Effingham county, Illinois. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Forrest, was a daughter of John Forrest, a native of Maryland and an early settler of Ohio. Mrs. Harrell has one sister living, Mrs. Loretta Wright, of Neligh, Nebraska, and she also has three half-brothers and two half-sisters living, all of whom are younger than she, as follows: Dr. J. T. Miller, of Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Mary A. Simonton, of Illinois; Siegel Miller, of Robinson, Illinois; Judson Miller, an attorney of Sullivan, Illinois; and Miss Carrie B. Miller, a retired physician living in Los Angeles, California.

   To Mr. and Mrs. Harrell were born three children. The only daughter, Emma Viola, who was born in Effingham, Illinois, passed away at the age of twenty-four years. Horatio Seymour, the elder of the two sons, was born on Maple Grove Farm on the 17th of November, 1870, and has passed his entire life in Rock Creek precinct. His farm, which is situated on section 14 and adjoins the homestead, is one of the best improved eighty acre tracts in the precinct and he derives a good income from its operation. On the 28th of December, 1898, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna R. Scanlon, a daughter of R. Cornelius and Ellen Scanlon, who located in Richland precinct, this county, in 1870. The other son. Rev. William O. Harrell, was born upon the family homestead in Rock Creek precinct on the 20th of September, 1874, and is now a Methodist minister, located at Clearwater, Nebraska. He was united in marriage on the 17th of March, 1897, to Miss Linda V. Keiser, by whom he has three children. Opal Fern, William John and Eva.

   Mr. Harrell cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democratic party but was never an aspirant for political preferment. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his widow and children belong, and his influence was always on the side of moral progress and right. In giving close attention to his farm work and in improving his

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place he not only won individual prosperity but also had a part in the agricultural development of his county and contributed to the community advancement along other lines. He was almost seventy years of age at the time of his death but until shortly before his demise he was still active and vigorous. His memory is still cherished by those who were his close associates and he is remembered as one of the honored pioneers of the county. His widow, who survives, has resided upon Maple Grove Farm for forty-six years and has the distinction of being the oldest living resident of Rock Creek precinct who is still residing upon the original family homestead. She is a woman of refinement and intelligence and takes a great interest in all of the happenings of the day. She has numerous relatives living both in the east and in the west and since her husband's demise has spent much of her time in visiting them and has thus seen a great deal of this country. In 1915 she visited California and the expositions at San Francisco and San Diego. She is widely known throughout the county and is held in high esteem and in warm regard.

   Soren Miller, who is devoting his time and attention to the operation of his excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 27, Cedar township, was born in Aarhus, Denmark, on the llth of November, 1874. His parents, Christian and Maria (Abrahamson) Miller, were likewise natives of that country. The father passed his entire life there but following his demise the mother emigrated to the United States and took up her residence in Fremont, Nebraska, where she is still living. The father was a tradesman and gained a fair measure of success in business. To them were born six children: Nels, who is living in New Mexico; Soren; Magnus, who died in Denmark; Jens, who is a blacksmith living in North Bend, Nebraska; Otto, who is a resident of Copenhagen, Denmark; and Agnes, the wife of Ketchel Henrickson, who lives near Prague, Nebraska.

   Soren Miller attended the common schools of Denmark until fourteen years of age, after which he attended high school for two years. He then began farming and blacksmithing and was so occupied in his native land until 1894, when, at the age of twenty years, he emigrated to the United States. He made his way to Highland Park, Illinois, where he remained for a short time, after which he removed to Worth county, Iowa. Four years later he went to Minnehaha county, South Dakota, but only remained there for a short period, after which he removed to Oakland, Nebraska. After living there for two years he came to Cedar Bluffs, Saunders county, and has since resided here. He now owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 27, Cedar township, and finds that its improvement and operation leaves him little time for other interests.

   In 1901 occurred the marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Caroline Jones, who is a native of this county, and they have become the parents of three children: Louis, who died in infancy; and Irvin and Mabel, both of whom are at home.

   Mr. Miller is a stanch democrat in politics and is now serving his second

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term as county commissioner. At the age of fourteen years he was confirmed in the Lutheran church, with which he is still connected. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order at Cedar Bluffs and he was formerly affiliated with the Eagles. He has thoroughly identified himself with his adopted county and is esteemed as a public spirited citizen as well as a successful and enterprising farmer.

   John A. Pollock, who was a successful farmer of Mariposa township, was born in Sweden, November 3, 1845, and grew to manhood in his native country. When about twenty-five years of age he emigrated to America, making his way across the country to Saunders county, Nebraska, where he bought railroad land on section 1?, Mariposa township. He improved his place and cultivated it, gaining therefrom a good income, and was ranked among the efficient agriculturists of his locality. He continued to reside thereon until his demise with the exception of one year, which he spent in Malmo. He passed away on his farm, October 8, 1899, and was buried at Malmo.

   In January, 1887, Mr. Pollock was married to Miss Minnie Scorp, also a native of Sweden. She emigrated to the United States in 1881 and became a resident of Wahoo. Her father, Erick Scorp, was a blacksmith while living in Sweden but after his removal to this country followed agricultural pursuits. He resided in Mariposa township, where he was well known and highly esteemed.

   Mr. Pollock was a democrat in his political belief and was never remiss in any of the duties of citizenship. His many fine qualities gained him the high regard of those with whom he was associated and his demise was deeply regretted. Mrs. Pollock owns the home farm of one hundred and twenty acres and also a fine residence in Malmo, where she now makes her home. She holds membership in the Swedish Mission church and guides her life by its teachings.

   Among the native sons of Saunders county who have continued to reside here since reaching maturity because of their belief that the opportunities here afforded to the agriculturist are equal to those found elsewhere is John Abraham Stuchlik, who is farming one hundred and sixty acres in Elk precinct. He is also an auctioneer and cries the greater part of the sales in the county. He was born in Elk precinct on the 9th of December, 1877, a son of Anton and Mary Stuchlik, both of whom were natives of Bohemia. In 1875 they emigrated to the United States and located on what is now section 5, Elk township, Saunders county, Nebraska. The father at once homesteaded eighty acres of land, to which he subsequently added a tract of similar size by purchase. He

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carried on general farming until he retired from active life. Both he and his wife are now living with their son Anton.

   John A. Stuchlik received his education in the common schools and worked on the home farm until 1901, when at the age of about twenty-four years he began farming for himself, buying one hundred and sixty acres on sections 7 and 8, Elk precinct, and paying therefor twenty-eight dollars an acre. He has erected all of the buildings upon the place, which include large modern barns and cribs and a good residence. He carries on general farming and specializes to some extent in raising Duroc-Jersey hogs. He does not, devote all of his time to agricultural pursuits, however, as since 1907 he has cried many sales in Saunders and Butler counties and has gained an enviable reputation as an auctioneer. His ability in that line was discovered quite by accident, In 1907, while at a basket social held at the schoolhouse in district 94, he was requested to act as auctioneer and did so; He was so successful in that capacity that the people in the neighborhood asked him to cry their sales, his first sale occurring on the 17th of December, 1907, on a farm in Elk township. As the years have passed he has been accorded a large patronage and has cried many sales both in English and Bohemian. He also has other interests, being a director of the Saunders County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which he represents as local agent, and being also agent for a number of other insurance companies and president of the Farmers Stock & Grain Company at Prague. He has been a stockholder in that concern since its organization, was for four years a director thereof and is now serving as president for the second year.

   Mr. Stuchlik was married on the 2d of September, 1901, to Miss Anna Paseka, a daughter of John W. Paseka, of Prague. Three children have been born to this union, namely, Edward, Victor and Edith.

   Mr. Stuchlik casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democratic party and has served for twelve years as school director. He has also been called to other offices as he is serving for the fourth year as township assessor and in 1907 he was road supervisor for the entire township. His religious faith is indicated by the fact that he is a member of the Plasi Catholic church, of which he has been treasurer for the past five years. He is president of the Catholic Workmen of Prague and is popular within and without that organization. He possesses the power of leadership and has been called to office in many connections, at all times proving efficient and conscientious in the discharge of his duties. He is widely known throughout the county and his sterling worth is indicated by the fact that those who have been most closely associated with him hold him in the highest esteem.

   Among the good citizens that Sweden has given to Nebraska is John Sward, a successful farmer residing on section 26, Marietta precinct, Saunders county. His birth occurred on the 12th of April, 1851, and he is a son of Carl and Caroline Sward, who in 1868 came to the United States. In 1870 the father homesteaded eighty acres of land northwest of Mead in this county, and there

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engaged in farming until his death on the 1st of April, 1908. He is buried in Mead, as is his wife, who passed away June 7, 1884.

   John Sward, who is an only child, attended the common schools in Sweden until he was twelve years of age, when he began learning the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for a year. In 1868 he emigrated to America, crossing on the ship City of Paris, which made the voyage from Liverpool to New York in twelve days. He first located near Rockford, Illinois, and worked on farms near various towns until 1873, when he came to Saunders county, Nebraska. Subsequently he went to Colorado and after remaining there for two years returned to this county and since his father's death has lived upon the home-stead in Marietta precinct. He has never been afraid of hard work and attributes his success to his industry and his thorough knowledge of agricultural methods.

   On September 24, 1881, occurred the marriage of Mr. Sward and Miss Hannah Johnson, a daughter of John Johnson. To them have been born seven children, namely: Hildur, who married Owen Sullivan, by whom she has four children; Ida, who is teaching school in Mead; Carl, at home; Alma, deceased; Emma, at home; Esther; and Ruth, also at home.

   Mr. Sward is a republican but if he thinks that he can best serve the public welfare by voting independently he feels free to do so. His religious faith is indicated by his affiliation with the Swedish Lutheran church, to the support of which he contributes. He has quietly performed to the best of his ability the duty that lay nearest at hand and in so doing has gained a competence and has also been a factor in advancing the agricultural interests of his community.

   Ernest A. Wiggenhorn is assistant cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Ashland and, moreover, is a representative of one of the old and prominent pioneer families of this part of the state, the family name long being a synonym for business enterprise and public progress in this section of Nebraska. His birth occurred in Ashland, September 19, 1877, his parents being Ernest. A. and Augusta (Niemeyer) Wiggenhorn, who are mentioned on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of H. A. Wiggenhorn. Here he was reared and began his education, supplementing his public-school course by study in the State University, where he won the Bachelor of Arts degree. At the outset of his business career he entered the Farmers & Merchants Bank at Ashland, with which he has since been identified and he is now one of its stockholders and directors as well as the assistant cashier. He is also the president and a director of the bank at Hayes Center and a director of the bank at Memphis, so that his identification with banking interests is extensive and important.

   On the 22d of April, 1903, Mr. Wiggenhorn was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Belle Lansing, a daughter of Isaac W. and Ada (Raymond) Lansing, natives of New York and pioneer settlers of Nebraska. Isaac W. Lansing took up his abode in Lincoln in an early day and there practiced law for many

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years, also holding the office of county judge. He was quite a prominent figure in political circles and died suddenly in the east while campaigning for President McKinley. His widow survives. Mr. and Mrs. Wiggenhorn have four children, namely: Barbara, who was born February 10, 1904; Ernest A., Jr., whose birth occurred on the 7th of October, 1905; Miriam A., born July 6, 1908; and Carl H., whose natal day was October 25, 1918.

   Mr. Wiggenhorn is an Episcopalian in his religious faith and is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He stands loyally by his professions and is never afraid to support his convictions. For sixteen years he filled the office of city treasurer, making a most capable incumbent in that position, as is indicated by his long term of service. He has ever regarded a public office as a public trust and it is well known that no trust reposed in E. A. Wiggenhorn is ever betrayed in the slightest degree.

   Benjamin P. Mills owns and operates one hundred and forty acres of good land on sections 30 and 31, Rock Creek precinct, and has gained a measure of prosperity that enables him to enjoy all of the comforts of modern country life. Practically his entire life has been passed in that precinct and he has thoroughly identified himself with its interests.

   He was born in Indiana on the 2d of August, 1870, a son of James W. and Lydia (Mendenhall) Mills, who in September, 1870, when our subject was but six weeks old, started with their family by prairie schooner for Nebraska. They were on the road for six weeks, reaching Cass county, this state, at the end of that time. They spent the winter with a brother of Mrs. Mills who lived in that county, but in the spring of 1871 they continued their journey and came to Saunders county. They located on one hundred and sixty acres on section 30, Rock Creek precinct, which the father homesteaded. The fact that a great deal of land was still in the possession of the government indicates that the county was still largely a frontier district. The Mills family lived for twelve years in a dugout and knew by experience the hardships of pioneer life. The father devoted his time to improving and operating his farm, which he developed into one of the excellent places of his precinct. During the Civil war he served for three and a half years in the Union army as a member of the Twenty-third Indiana Battery, having removed to the Hoosier state from Ohio, where he was born. He took a keen interest in public affairs throughout life but was not an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his agricultural activities. He passed away on the 9th of October, 1911, at the age of sixty-seven years, as his birth occurred on the 12th of September, 1844. His wife is still living. They were the parents of three children, of whom our subject is the youngest. The others are: Frances, now the wife of William Grever, a resident of Harlan county, this state; and Albert, who lives in California.

   Benjamin P. Mills grew to manhood in this county and is indebted for his education to the public schools of Rock Creek precinct. He early began

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assisting his father and has continued to farm since beginning his independent career. His farm of one hundred and forty acres on sections 30 and 31, Rock Creek precinct, is in a high state of development and he receives a good financial return from the cultivation of the soil. He also raises considerable stock and has found that branch of his business profitable. His buildings are commodious and well designed and are kept in good repair, and his farm is equipped with the most up-to-date machinery. He has recently purchased an automobile which he finds a good business investment and also a source of much pleasure to the entire family.

   Mr. Mills was married on the 2d of January, 1893, to Evaline Hanson, who was born in Denmark on the 13th of March, 1873, and accompanied her parents to the United States in 1882. Her father, Rasmus Hanson, located on a farm in Saunders county, Nebraska, where he continued to live until called to his final rest on the 19th of February, 1914, when in his ninety-second year. His widow now lives in Wahoo and has reached an advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Mills have become the parents of eleven children, namely: Bertha, born on the 18th of February, 1894; Frances, who was born April 5, 1896, and died March 14, 1900; Alice, born March 1, 1898; Florence, born on the llth of January, 1900; Anna, April 13, 1902; Ralph, February 16, 1904; Rosa, November 2S, 1905; Lillie, June 10, 1908; Goldie, September 24, 1909; Charlie, November 2, 1911; and Gertrude, February 11, 1914.

   Mr. Mills is a stalwart republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day but is not an aspirant for office. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen and he is likewise identified with the Farmers Union. He has worked hard and has managed his affairs well, and the success which he has gained is well deserved.

   Henry Ostenberg, who has the largest general store in Mead, is one of the most progressive merchants and most public spirited citizens of the town and is well known throughout Saunders county. His birth occurred in Wisconsin on the 4th of May, 1861, and he is a son of Charles and Caroline (Julie) Ostenberg, natives of Germany, who in 1840 emigrated to the United States. Both are now deceased. They were the parents of three daughters and eight sons, and one daughter, Mrs. W. R. Campbell, is living in Mead.

   Henry Ostenberg accompanied his parents to Nebraska in 1876 and for some time thereafter attended the common schools in Schuyler and Fremont. He was associated with his father in merchandising until the latter's death in 1908, since which time he has been conducting the store independently. He not only understands the basic principles of the mercantile business but is also thoroughly familiar with local conditions and the demands of his customers. He is progressive, keeping an up-to-date stock and carrying on the business in a very systematic manner. That he is straightforward in his dealings and gives good value for the money received is indicated by the fact that he usually retains custom once gained.

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   Mr. Ostenberg was married on the 16th of September, 1885, to Miss Emma Leipham, who passed away on the 20th of November, 1914, leaving two daughters: Leila, the wife of Raymond M. Crossman, of Omaha; and Isabel, who is attending school in Mead.

   Mr. Ostenberg is a stalwart republican, believing that the policies of that party are founded upon sound political principles, and he has always taken the interest of a good citizen in public affairs. He is especially concerned for the welfare of the schools and has rendered able service as a member of the board of education. Fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen in Fremont. He is recognized as a man of excellent judgment and of great enterprise, and in building up his store he has contributed in no small measure to the commercial expansion of Mead.

   In the field of business life Hugo A. Wiggenhorn has won distinction and today is numbered among the leading, influential and honored citizens of Ashland. Possessing keen discrimination and sound judgment, added to executive ability, his excellent management has brought to the concern with which he is connected a large degree of success. The safe, conservative policy which he inaugurated commends itself to the judgment of all and has secured to the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank a patronage which makes the volume of business transacted over its counters of importance and magnitude.

   Mr. Wiggenhorn is a native of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, born October 16, 1862, and is a son of Ernest A. and Augusta (Niemeyer) Wiggenhorn, natives of Germany. In 1848 the parents came to the new world and settled in Wisconsin, where they reared their family. The father engaged in farming there for three years and afterward turned his attention to merchandising at Hustisford, Wisconsin, conducting a store for about a decade. In the year 1867 he removed to Plattsmouth, Nebraska, where he also established a mercantile store which he conducted in partnership with Gus Schasse. They continued together until 1870, at which time the father came to Ashland, where he opened a lumberyard which he conducted with substantial success for many years. He also bought an interest in a mill which he operated for some time, in partnership with John Green. Still later he bought the old Dean flour mill and engaged in the manufacture of flour until the plant was destroyed by fire. Subsequently he sold his lumber business and in 1883 organized the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, of which he was president, while his son, H. A. Wiggenhorn, became the cashier. The father remained at the head of the institution as its president until his death, which occurred September 28, 1904. He had long survived his wife, who passed away August ?, 1881. He was a prominent Mason, loyal to the teachings of the craft, while his life was an exemplification of its beneficent spirit. He served on the town council and on the school board and was deeply and actively interested in all matters relating to the public welfare and benefit.

   H. A. Wiggenhorn was a little lad of eight summers when the family came

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to Ashland and after attending the public schools of this city he continued his education in the Northwestern College of Wisconsin. Later he was employed in his father's mill for two years and then entered the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank as its cashier, remaining in that position until the death of his father, when he was elected to the presidency. The other officers are: William A. Harnsberger, vice president; Edwin C. Wiggenhorn, cashier; and E. A. Wiggenhorn, assistant cashier. The bank is capitalized for seventy-five thousand dollars and there is a surplus of twenty-five thousand dollars. They have five hundred and fifty thousand dollars on deposit and the bank's statement or report to the state auditor shows the business of the institution to be in excellent condition. The bank has never had to close its doors in times of financial panic or distress, having ever followed a safe, conservative policy which has carefully guarded and protected the interests of its patrons as well as of its stockholders. H. A. Wiggenhorn has devoted his undivided attention to the business of the bank since first taking active part in its management thirty-two years ago and the success of the institution is attributable in large measure to the enterprise and business ability which he has displayed in the conduct of its affairs. He is also a director of the Bank of Memphis. The Farmers' and Merchants' Bank owns the building which it occupies. This is incorporated with the hotel building, which is owned by the bank company.

   On the 20th of June, 1888, Mr. Wiggenhorn was united in marriage to Miss May Dunbar, a daughter of Homer K. and Louise (Oakes) Dunbar, natives of Ohio. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, serving in an Ohio regiment for five years. He came to Saunders county, Nebraska, in 1885 and was engaged in the hotel business at Ashland for a number of years, while subsequently he went to Fremont, Nebraska, there conducting the Eno Hotel during the remainder of his life. He passed away in October, 1910, but is survived by his widow, who makes her home with our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Wiggenhorn have a daughter, Louise A., who was born January 31, 1897, and is now attending Dana Hall at Wellesley, Massachusetts.

   The religious belief of the family is that of the Congregational church. Mr. Wiggenhorn gives his political allegiance to the republican party and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His political activity has been promoted by a public-spirited devotion to the general good and for two terms he efficiently served as mayor of the city, promoting its interests by a practical and business-like administration of municipal affairs. He has also served on the school board for seven years and his hearty indorsement is given to every measure that tends to benefit and upbuild the city of Ashland, in which he has now so long resided and where his course has made him a most honored resident.

   Joseph F. Krondak, an able young farmer of Chester precinct, is a native son of Saunders county, his birth having occurred near the present site of Prague on the 12th of February, 1881. His parents, John and Veronika Krondak, were born in Bohemia and lived in that country until 1881, when they crossed

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the Atlantic to the United States. Continuing their journey westward, they settled in Chester precinct, Saunders county, Nebraska, and for three years the father farmed rented land. At the end of that time he had sufficient capital to buy eighty acres, to the cultivation of which he devoted his remaining years. He passed away on the 17th of May, 1907, and his wife died on the 20th of February, 1915.

   Joseph F. Krondak was reared at home and in the acquirement of his education attended the Prague schools. During his boyhood and youth he also received valuable training in farming, as he began assisting his father as soon as old enough. He remained at home until he was twenty-four years old, when he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 25, Chester precinct. He immediately took up his residence upon that place and as the years have passed he has made many improvements upon it. He plants his crops in good season and gives them excellent care, with the result that his harvests are generally large. He also raises high grade cattle and hogs and receives a good income from both branches of his business.

   On the 18th of July, 1905, Mr. Krondak was married to Miss Anna Tomes, a daughter of Frank and Rosa Tomes. Four children have been born to this union, namely: Helen, Ludmila, Max and Rudolph.

   Mr. Krondak is a stanch democrat in his political belief and does all in his power to secure the victory of that party at the polls. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and his religious faith is indicated by the fact that he is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his native county and is always ready to cooperate with others in bringing about the advancement of his community along either material or moral lines.

   Cyril Svoboda, the efficient postmaster of Prague and also the proprietor of an excellent drug store, is a native of Bohemia, his birth occurring on the 30th of August, 1863, and he is a son of Frank and Josephine Svoboda. In 1878 he accompanied his mother and sister to the United States and they established their home in Chicago, where the father joined them in 1879. About a year later, however, his parents returned to Bohemia. Our subject began working in a grocery store in Chicago, receiving a wage of seven dollars per week, and remained there for four years. At the end of that time he went to South Dakota and took up a claim, on which he resided until his removal to Nebraska. For some time he worked on farms in this state and later taught school for about four years, after which he became bookkeeper of a bank in David City. He held that position for five years and then, his health failing, he went to New Mexico, where he remained for some time. Subsequently he went to Des Moines, Iowa, where he attended the Highland Park College of Pharmacy for a year, after which, in 1899, he established a drug store in Prague which he still owns. He not only carries a complete stock of pure drugs but also has an excellent line of druggists' sundries, and his good man-

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agement and reasonable prices have enabled him to build up a gratifying trade. Since 1913 he has also been postmaster and has proved systematic and capable in the discharge of his official duties.

   Mr. Svoboda was married in 1892 to Miss Josie Kubik, a daughter of Frank Kubik, and to this union have been born seven children, namely: Helen, now the wife of Louis Kucera, of this county; Jaroslav, who died on the 5th of November, 1907; and Ludmila, Charles, Elizabeth, Cyril and Ivan, all of whom are at home.

   Mr. Svoboda votes the democratic ticket, as his political belief coincides with the principles of that party, and he has served ably as a member of the school board. For twenty-five years he has belonged to the Modern Woodmen and is a highly esteemed member of Praha Camp, No. 1584. He is a communicant of the Catholic church, the teachings of which guide his life in all of his relations to his fellowmen, and his sterling worth has gained him the confidence and regard of all who have been associated with him.

   Dr. Frederick William Woeppel, pharmacist and physician, is now engaged in the general practice of medicine but also specializes to some extent in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. His ability has called him into important professional relations and brought to him a liberal patronage. He was born in Petersburg, Illinois, in 1876 and is of German descent. His father, Carl Woeppel, was a native of Prussia, born in 1833. In 1870 he became a resident of Vandalia, Illinois, and was there married in 1871 to Miss Albertina Diesterhaupt. In the spring of 1877 they removed from Illinois to Nebraska, settling on a farm in Cuming county, where they remained for three years, removing thence to Stanton county, Nebraska, where the father died in the year 1894. His widow, surviving him for two decades, passed away in December, 1914. All through his life the father followed the occupation of farming and thus provided for his family, of twelve children, of whom six sons and five daughters survive.

   After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Stanton county, Nebraska, Dr. Woeppel continued his education in Fremont College and later matriculated in Wayne College in Wayne county, Nebraska. Subsequently he became a student in the State Normal School at Peru. He was graduated from the Fremont College in 1902 and in 1905 completed a course in medicine in Creighton College at Omaha. He is also a pharmacist, having qualified for the practice of that profession. He entered upon the practice of medicine at Polk, Nebraska, but subsequently came to Saunders county, arriving here in September, 1912, and he has since followed his profession in Wahoo, making a specialty of ophthalmology, laryngology and rhinology, although he still continues in the general practice of medicine and is accorded a liberal patronage.

   On the 24th of October, 1905, Dr. Woeppel was married in this county to Miss Hanna W. Louis, a native of this county and a daughter of Gus O.

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Louis, of Wahoo, who was one of the pioneer settlers here. Dr. and Mrs. Woeppel have an interesting little daughter, Louise Belle Wilhelmina. Dr. Woeppel is a republican in his political views and his fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Highlanders. He also attends the Lutheran church and is interested in the material, social, intellectual and moral progress of the community, but he concentrates his efforts in largest measure upon his professional duties, which he discharges with a sense of conscientious obligation. That he keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession is indicated in his membership in the Saunders County Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Association and the American Medical Association, and in the year 1912 he was honored with the presidency of the Polk County Medical Society.

   On the list of honored pioneer settlers in Saunders county appears the name of W. T. March, who for forty-eight years has lived in the state of Nebraska, and for forty-five years of that time in Saunders county, and has taken a helpful interest in the work and progress of state and county. He was born in Davis county, Iowa, February 6, 1843, a son of Jacob C. and Harriett (Kelly) March. The father, Jacob C. March, served in the Seminole Indian war of 1837 and, so far as known, is the only survivor of the regiment in which he served, Colonel Dick Gentry's Regiment of Missouri Volunteers. He moved from Boone county, Missouri, to Iowa in 1840 and was married to Harriett Kelly, May ?0, 1841. The family home was on the western frontier and there were no advantages to be enjoyed in the locality and comparatively few opportunities opened before the settlers. It was a wild, isolated region and the first residents there had to plant the seeds of later civilization. There were no schools until W. T. March, the subject of this sketch, was ten years of age, at which time he received his first instruction, attending school during the winter months until he reached the age of seventeen. The summer months were devoted to regular farm work, to which he devoted his energies until he gave his services to the government as a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting in Company E, Third Iowa Cavalry. He went to the front with that command and served until the close of the war and was mustered out at Atlanta, Georgia, returning home again to take up the work of farming, which he carried on for two years. In October, 1867, he moved his family to Nebraska and established his home in Otoe county, where he farmed until 1870, when he moved to Saunders county, which was then a frontier district in which the work of development and improvement had scarcely begun. He preempted a claim and in time secured title to eighty acres. Later this farm was sold and land purchased near Valparaiso, where he lived a few years, moving back to Ceresco in 1888, where he has since lived. In 1889 he was appointed postmaster of Ceresco, serving four years. In 1893 he became connected with the Ceresco Courier as its editor, which position he still fills, the paper prospering under his management.

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   Before going to war, Mr. March was married January 23, 1863, to Miss Martha Coombs. They have become the parents of eight children: Edmund Lincoln, now deceased; Harriett I., now Mrs. George P. Bemis, of Omaha; Grant, deceased; Stella Augusta, deceased; Edna Gertrude, wife of J. W. Petersen, of Estherville, Iowa; George C., deceased; Martha C., deceased; and W. T. March, Jr., of Mitchell, South Dakota. W. T. March, Jr., married Shirley Le Febre, of Walnut, Iowa, and they have two children, Jane and Martha Elizabeth.

   Mr. March holds membership with the Odd Fellows of Wahoo, Camp 58. He is also a member of the Farragut G. A. R. Post at Lincoln. In politics he usually gives his support to the republican party, yet does not feel himself bound by party ties and casts an independent ballot if he so desires. He has always taken a lively interest in politics, but has never held a county office. For fourteen years he has served as rural mail carrier on route one, out of Ceresco, the first all-Saunders-county route to be established in the county, and he circulated the petition which established this route. His activities have covered a broad scope and his efforts have always been directed along lines which promote public progress and improvement. The family attend the Christian church and they are highly esteemed in this part of the state, where they have an extensive acquaintance, their many sterling traits of character gaining for them the warm and enduring regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact. In this connection it might be well to add that Mr. March's father and mother were early settlers of Saunders county, having settled here in 1873 on a farm just west of Ceresco and moved to Weston, Nebraska, a few years later and thence to Lincoln, where the father still resides, at the age of ninety-eight. The mother died a few years ago at the age of ninety.

   Martin L. Shupe has built up a large patronage as a hardware and implement dealer at Wann and has demonstrated his business acumen and sound judgment. He is a native of Jewett, Cumberland county, Illinois, born on the 8th of July, 1874, and is a son of Daniel and Charlotte (Jordan) Shupe. The birth of the father occurred in Indiana and that of the mother presumably in Illinois. She was an orphan and following the death of her parents was taken by strangers, who reared her. The Shupe family is of Pennsylvania Dutch extraction and the American progenitor came to this country from Germany. Daniel Shupe farmed in Illinois until 1879, when he removed to Seward county, Nebraska, where he remained for a year, after which he took up his residence in Marble precinct, Saunders county, homesteading land on section 11. He built a frame house and otherwise improved his place, upon which he lived until 1913. He then retired and removed to Ashland, where he is still residing. During the Civil war he served for three years in the Union army and made a creditable record as a soldier. His wife died when our subject was but two years of age. There were three children in the family, namely: Lenora,

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deceased; Martin L.; and Daniel O., of Royal, this state. The father was married a second time. Miss Rebecca A. Dryden becoming his wife. One son was born to this union, R. C., who is a minister and is stationed at Ashland, Kansas. Mrs. Rebecca Shupe was called to her final rest in 1918.

   Martin L. Shupe was reared at home and received excellent educational advantages, supplementing his elementary and secondary schooling by attendance at York College, York, Nebraska, from which he was graduated in 1901 with the degree of A. B. For some time after leaving school he worked at electrical engineering, for which he had prepared himself, but at length turned his attention to mercantile pursuits and is now the proprietor of a good hard-ware and implement store at Wann. He carries a large and well selected line of shelf and heavy hardware and handles the best makes of farm implements, and his reliable methods have resulted in building up a large trade. His business has grown so that he has lately erected a shed in which to keep his stock of implements.

   In 1906 Mr. Shupe was married to Miss Martha O. Hendricks, who was born in Missouri, and they have become the parents of a son and daughter, Irwin and Elizabeth.

   Mr. Shupe is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions of the day but does not desire office. He was formerly a member of the Lutheran church but now attends the Christian church. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World at Wann, and both within and without that organization he has many warm friends who esteem him highly for his admirable traits of character. In developing his business interests he has contributed to the advancement of his town, and he has also found time to cooperate in furthering various projects for the general welfare.

   Frank Cernohlavek, who owns an excellently improved farm on section 28, Elk township, is one of the good citizens that Moravia has given to Saunders county. His birth occurred on the 4th of August, 1862, and he is a son of Matthew and Antonia Cernohlavek, who in 1881 came with their family to this country and settled in Elk precinct, Saunders county, Nebraska, where the father homesteaded land.

   Frank Cernohlavek received his education in his native land and lived there until he was nineteen years of age. Following the removal of the family to this county he assisted his father with the work of the homestead for a number of years. Subsequently he began farming independently and now owns two hundred and forty acres of excellent land on section 28, Elk township. The buildings upon the farm are commodious and well designed and everything is kept in excellent condition, which adds much to the attractiveness of the place. He grows the crops best adapted to soil and climate and also raises stock, especially hogs. He is enterprising and up-to-date, and his land returns him a good income.

   On November 27, 1888, Mr. Cernohlavek was united in marriage to Miss

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Katie Matejka, a daughter of Jacob and Rosa Matejka, early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Cernohlavek have eleven children: Anna, who married James Proskovec, of Butler county; Emma, now Mrs. Joseph Smous, of Saunders county; Bessie, who is the wife of Paul Zavodny, of Butler county, this state; and Frank, Edna, Eman, Stanislaw, Emil, Helen, Anton and Rudolph, all at home.

   Mr. Cernohlavek is independent in the exercise of his political franchise, following his judgment rather than obeying the dictates of a party leader. He is now serving as school trustee and is proving capable and conscientious in that capacity. His religious allegiance is given to the Catholic church, to the support of which he contributes. He is not only an excellent farmer but is also a public spirited citizen and a man of unquestioned integrity, and his friends are many.

   H. F. Blunk, a well known and esteemed resident of Weston, Nebraska, was for many years actively engaged in business but is now living retired. A native of Holstein, Germany, he was born May 10, 1845, a son of John Henry and Catherine (Ghral) Blunk, who emigrated to the United .States in 1867, settling at Davenport, Iowa. The father was employed as a laborer while living in Germany. In 1885 the mother passed away but Mr. Blunk survived until 1906, making his home with his son after his wife's death. Both are buried in Davenport, To their union were born four sons: C. H., a retired merchant of Holstein, Iowa; H. F.; C. C., who is also living retired; and M. C., a farmer of Amarilla, Texas.

   H. F. Blunk attended school in Germany until fifteen years of age but on his arrival in this country in 1867 with his brother, C. C. Blunk, he knew nothing of the English language, which greatly handicapped him. He applied himself to learning the language and also familiarized himself with the customs of the people. He remained in Scott county, Iowa, where he had first located, for five years and then went to Fremont, Nebraska, where he farmed for about a year. At the end of that time he became connected with the lumber business as an employe of Captain St. John, for whom he worked for more than two years. He was subsequently for three years with Nye, Coleson & Company, but in 1879 he came to Wahoo, and entered the employ of Anton Jansa, remaining with him until he sold his business to Blackstead Brothers, with whom he continued to work until 1883. For two years thereafter he was not connected with the lumber business, as he served during that time as superintendent of the county farm. He then removed to Weston and engaged in the lumber business for himself, proving very successful in this undertaking. In 1898 he sold out to the Chicago Lumber Company and subsequently bought the controlling interest in the Weston Bank, which was at that time capitalized for twelve thousand dollars. About 1910 the capital was increased to eighteen thousand dollars and the institution is now one of the leading banks of the county. While he was still engaged in the lumber business Mr. Blunk, in 1890, organized

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the Western Grain & Stock Company, of which he was the first manager, and in the control of that concern he manifested the same sound judgment and progressiveness that have characterized him in all of his business dealings. He has made his home with his daughter at Weston for the last four years, since the death of his wife, and is recognized as a leading citizen of the town.

   In 1876 Mr. Blunk was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hansen, a daughter of C. H. Hansen, one of the pioneers of Cedar Bluffs. In 1911, after many years of happy married life, Mrs. Blank passed away and her demise was sincerely mourned. She was the mother of four children: Henry C., who is now in business for himself in Seattle, Washington; John and Louie, both deceased, who are buried at Wahoo; aand Minnie C., the wife of R. E. Novak, manager of the Chicago Lumber Company at Weston, by whom she has two children, Bernard Frederick and Celice Marie.

   Mr. Blunk is independent in politics and has always taken a lively interest in affairs of public concern. For twelve years he served as town trustee, for six years as treasurer of the school board and for three years as moderator. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Wahoo, of which he is a charter member, and he has been connected with the order since 1876, joining the lodge at Fremont at that time. He has passed through all of the chairs and holds the silver medal given those who have been members of the same lodge for twenty-five years. He is a consistent member of the German Lutheran church and in every way possible furthers the moral advancement of his community. His life has been characterized by wisely directed industry, by probity and public spirit, and his friends are many.

   Nels Trued, who was a tailor by trade but for many years devoted his attention to farming, was one of the well known residents of Richland precinct and possessed the qualities of self-reliance and enterprise which are so highly valued in this country. When he removed to the United States from Sweden he was a poor man but in time he gained a competence. He was born on the 27th of November, 1844, in Sweden, of the marriage of Trued and Elsie Nelson, who were lifelong residents of that country.

   Our subject received his education in the common schools and subsequently, worked as a farm hand and also learned the tailor's trade. He remained in Sweden until 1868, when, as a young man of about twenty-four years, he came to the United States and made his way to Saunders county, Nebraska, homesteading land on section 18, Richland precinct. Subsequently he bought eighty acres of railroad land, which he cultivated for some time, and then went to Lincoln, where he worked at the tailor's trade for six years. At the end of that time he again turned his attention to farming and followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the 2d of October, 1909.

   On the 24th of February, 1873, Mr. Trued was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Wallin, a daughter of Andrew and Charlotte Wallin, the former of whom is still living. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Trued, namely,

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Selma, Alfred, Amanda, Herman, Levin, Luther, Dorothy, Martin, Clarence and Carl, all of whom are living. Of these Alfred E. is now a missionary in China and three of the sons are attending Augustana College at Rock Island, Illinois, namely: Levin J., who is studying for the ministry; Martin F.; and Clarence, who formerly graduated from the music department of Luther College at Wahoo.

   Mr. Trued was an independent republican, voting for the man irrespective of his party affiliation when he felt that by so doing he could best further the general welfare. The Swedish Lutheran church found in him an active member and a loyal supporter, and his cooperation could always he counted upon to further any movement seeking the moral advancement of his community. His personal characteristics were such that he gained the warm friendship of many and there was deep and widespread regret when, on the 2d of October, 1909, he passed from this life.

   Ola Carlson, a well known and prosperous grain dealer of Mead, is one of the excellent citizens whom Sweden has given to the United States. He was born in that country in 1844, of the marriage of Carl J. and Ella Swanson, the former of whom passed away in Sweden and the latter in the United States. Our subject attended school in his native land until he was fifteen years of age and then went to work, securing a position as coachman, in which capacity he served for nine and a half years. At the end of that time he came to America, as he believed that there were better opportunities for advancement here than in Sweden. He lived in Omaha for about a year, but in 1870 came to Saunders county and homesteaded eighty acres of land, to which he subsequently added an eighty acre tract of railroad land by purchase. He engaged in farming in Wahoo township until 1885, when he came to Mead and entered commercial circles as a grain dealer. He is still active in that connection and does a good business. He takes a justifiable pride in the fact that his success is due solely to his own efforts and good management and he has never regretted his emigration to this country, for here he found the opportunities which he sought.

   Mr. Carlson was married in September, 1870, to Miss Bengta Nelson, by whom he had four children: Charles, who is in business in Mead; Andrew G., who is engaged in the hardware business in Mead, and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Ida, the wife of Peter Pearson and the mother of eight children; and Emma, who married Ed Turner, of Mead. Mrs. Carlson died on the 22d of February, 1909.

   Mr. Carlson has cast his ballot in support of the republican party since becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States and he has been called to office, having served as treasurer of the school board for two terms. He is a consistent member of the Swedish Lutheran church, the work of which he furthers in every way possible. When he came to this county it was still in many respects a frontier region and for four years he resided in a dugout, after

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which he built a frame house. He was successful as a farmer and has met with equal prosperity as a business man, and in both capacities he has had a part in the development and advancement of the county.

   Eli Keiser, who owns forty acres of land on the outskirts of Ashland and whose residence is one of the finest and most modern in the town or its vicinity, has gained a gratifying measure of success as an agriculturist. His birth occurred in Sandusky county, Ohio, on the 20th of April, 1859, and he is a son of William and Catherine (Beer) Keiser, natives of Pennsylvania. The father, who was a cooper by trade, followed that occupation to some extent in connection with farming until 1869, when he removed to Saunders county, Nebraska, and took up a homestead in Green precinct, to the improvement and development of which he devoted his entire time throughout the remainder of his life. Both he and his wife died in 1891. There were twelve children in their family, all of whom met on the 9th of October, 1913, at the home of our subject, the oldest being at that time seventy-eight years of age and the youngest forty-two years old. They are as follows: John, who is residing on a farm in Furnas county, Nebraska, which he took up as a homestead; Peter, who is farming in Connecticut; Thomas, who resides in Lindsay, Ohio; Levi, who is farming near Memphis, Nebraska; Samuel, a minister who is serving his fifth year in a pastorate at Unadilla, Nebraska; Henry, who is farming in Saunders county; Amos, who resides with his children; Jacob, who lives in Glenwood, Iowa; Eli; William, who is living in Idaho; Mary, who became the wife of M. H. Rafferty and died in October, 1914; and Elizabeth, now Mrs. James Green of West Point, this state.

   Eli Keiser received his education in Ohio and in Saunders county, Nebraska. He early began to assist his father with the work of the homestead and for a number of years before the latter's demise rented the place, he and his parents residing in separate houses on the homestead. During that time he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Green precinct and following his father's demise he removed to that farm, which he operated successfully until 191?, when he sold the place. As the years passed his resources increased, as he seldom failed to raise large crops and as he managed the business phase of farming well. He paid considerable attention to stock-raising and kept none but pure bred stock, specializing in Duroc Jersey hogs and Ayrshire cattle. He is now the owner of a forty-acre tract adjoining Ashland, which he expects to devote exclusively to truck gardening and the raising of small fruits. His success in life is due to his technical and practical training in agriculture and in his work he always employs the latest and most up-to-date methods in dealing with the problems of scientific farming.

   On the 31st of January, 1885, Mr. Keiser was married to Miss Cora A. Deck, a daughter of J. J. and Margaret (Eyer) Deck, who. were born in Pennsylvania but became early settlers of Illinois. The father farmed there until 1868, when he removed to Saunders county, Nebraska, with his family and

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homesteaded land in Clear Creek precinct. He at once began improving his place and divided his time between its operation and the conduct of an elevator at Memphis until 1905, when he removed to Minnesota, where he purchased land which he cultivated for five years. He has now reached the age of seventy-six years and makes his home with his children. In 1910 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in June of that year when sixty-eight years of age. At the time of the Civil war he gave indubitable proof of his patriotism, enlisting in an Illinois regiment and remaining at the front four years.

   To Mr. and Mrs. Keiser have been born nine children, namely: Ira, who was born August 19, 1887, and is farming in this county; Margaret, who was born March 22, 1889, and died February 10, 1891; Mabel, who was born March 21, 1891, and is the wife of Ivan Rogers, a farmer residing near Memphis; Zeima and Elma, twins, born May 20, 1893, the former of whom is at home and the latter the wife of Leland Ensminger of Brunswick, Nebraska; Victor, who was born January 8, 1897, and is attending school at Lincoln; Addie, whose birth occurred October 24, 1902, and who is attending the home school; Catherine, who was born February 1, 1907, and is also attending school; and Edwin E., whose birth occurred September 25, 1910.

   Mr. Keiser casts his ballot in support of the democratic party, as he believes firmly in the wisdom of its principles, and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has resided in this county for forty-six years and during that time has seen it transformed from a region in which pioneer conditions prevailed to a prosperous and highly developed farming district. He takes justifiable pride in the fact that he has aided in bringing about this change, as he has been for years one of the progressive and efficient farmers of the county.

   Dr. Bennett H. Clark, who for thirteen years has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Ashland and is justly accounted one of the representative men of the profession, was born in Boone county, Missouri, March 1, 1861, his parents being Bennett H. and Elizabeth J. (Winn) Clark, who were natives of Kentucky and Missouri respectively. The father was also a physician and in an early day removed to Missouri with his mother. He was educated for the practice of medicine, completing a course in the Kentucky Medical College at Louisville. In 1849 he drove across the plains and over the mountains to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope, and for four years he followed his profession in that state. He then returned to Missouri, settling at Buena Vista, where he remained in active practice for a few years, when he went to Hallsville, where he also spent a few years. He afterward removed to Columbia, Missouri, where he followed his profession for an extended period but finally retired and passed his remaining days on the old home farm near Hallsville. He devoted over sixty years of his life to medical practice and was the loved family physician in many

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a household, where he rendered most helpful service in the restoration of health. He died in March, 1912, while his wife passed away in 1910.

   Dr. Bennett H. Clark was largely reared and educated in Columbia, Missouri, and he began preparation for a professional career by reading medicine under the direction of his father. He afterward entered the University of Missouri at Columbia, where he studied medicine and was graduated in 1880. He won a second degree in 1888 from the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, but in 1880 he entered upon the practice of medicine in Boone county, where he remained until 1887, when he removed to Howe, Nebraska, where he practiced for two years. Later he spent three years in the work of his profession at Peru and still later went to Syracuse, Nebraska, where he remained until 1902, when he came to Ashland and has since practiced here, enjoying an extensive patronage.

   On the 3d of April, 1889, Dr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Deborah Blankinship, a daughter of James and Martha (Lawler) Blankinship, who were natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, came to Nebraska in 1857 and entered land in Nemaha county which he successfully cultivated for many years. He is now living retired in Peru, Nebraska, but his wife passed away in 1907. Dr. and Mrs. Clark have one son, Eugene E., who was born August 22, 1893, and now attends the University of Missouri at Columbia, where he is studying medicine. He will represent the fifth generation of the family in medical practice.

   Dr. Bennett H. Clark is a Baptist and he belongs also to the Masonic fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of America. He votes with the democratic party and is a believer in its principles, but he does not seek nor desire public office, preferring to concentrate his energies entirely upon his private affairs. He has never regarded lightly the duties of his profession but performs his work with a sense of conscientious obligation and at all times keeps in touch with the trend of modern professional thought, so that he is able to adopt and utilize the scientific methods which research is bringing to light.

   E. R. Sandberg, who owns and conducts a drug store in Morse Bluff and who is also serving as postmaster of that town, was born on the 1st of December, 1887, a son of Nels and Josephine Sandberg, the former of whom was born in Malmo, Sweden, and the latter in Stockholm. About 1872 they came to the United States and were married after coming to this country. Locating in South Carolina, the father worked at blacksmithing in that state for about two years, and subsequently followed his trade in Salina, Kansas, for six months, after which he established a blacksmith shop in Roxbury, Kansas, which he conducted successfully for twenty-five years. He gained a competence and is now living retired in that town. His wife also survives.

   E. R. Sandberg attended the public schools until sixteen years of age and then entered McPherson College at McPherson, Kansas, where he was a student for two years. Later he taught school for three years in McPherson and

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          343

Marion county, Kansas, and then he took a year's course in pharmacy at the Fremont College of Pharmacy at Fremont, Nebraska. He found employment in a drug store at McPherson for six months and from there he went to Beaver, where he remained for a similar period, after which he returned to McPherson. In 1911, however, he came to Morse Bluff, Saunders county, Nebraska, and purchased the drug store which he still owns. He carries a full line of drugs and druggists' sundries and gives especial care to the prescription department. He is accorded a gratifying patronage and is finding the business a profitable one.

   On the 1st of September, 1909, Mr. Sandberg was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Johnson, a daughter of Peter and Annie Johnson, of McPherson, and they have become the parents of two children, namely Ns and Ebba.

   Mr. Sandberg is a loyal republican and keeps well informed as to the political issues of the day. On the 22d of June, 1911, he was appointed postmaster of Morse Bluff and he has proved systematic and efficient in the discharge of his official duties. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen and the Masons, associations which indicate his sterling worth.

   Joseph F. Berggren, who has recently retired from the position of county attorney of Saunders county and is now actively and successfully engaged in the private practice of law at Wahoo, entered upon the active work of the profession in 1903 and since that year has made steady progress in a calling in which advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability. He was born upon a farm in this county, August 20, 1876, a son of Nels B. Berggren, who was born in Sweden in 1842 and in 1861 came to the United States with his widowed mother, and located in Chicago, Illinois, where he was employed by the Rosehill nurseries. He was a landscape gardener and laid out the original Lincoln Park in Chicago. Seven years after his arrival in this country he removed to Saunders county, Nebraska, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring December 6, 1899, when he was fifty-seven years of age. His widow survives. The homestead was four miles east of Wahoo but he eventually purchased the Stocking place on the edge of town and that is still the family home. For a long period he was one of the largest live-stock dealers in the west and at one time owned five thousand acres of land in Saunders county, Nebraska. High political preferment would have come to him had he not steadily refused to enter politics, but he preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and the careful and wise conduct of his interests made him one of the most prosperous residents of his part of the state.

   After mastering the branches of learning taught in the common schools of Saunders county Joseph F. Berggren continued his education in the Wahoo high school, from which he was graduated in 1894. He turned his attention to professional life, his choice resting upon the law, and in 1903 he was grad-

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uated from the law department of the Nebraska State University with the degree of LL. B. He then served for four years as traveling auditor for the International Harvester Company and in 1907 he opened a law office in Wahoo, where he has since continued as an active representative of the profession, being accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage, to which he displays a proverbial devotion. He is very careful in the preparation of his cases and utilizes every point to win legitimate success, at the same time never forgetting that his highest allegiance is due the majesty of the law. His business connections also include large farming interests in Saunders county, from which he derives a very substantial and gratifying annual income.

   On the 30th of June, 1909, in Wahoo, Mr. Berggren was married to Miss Elva Gillilan, a daughter of Charles H. Gillilan, and to them has been born one child, Josephine. Mrs. Berggren belongs to the P. E. O. and has served for two terms as president of the local chapter in Wahoo. Mr. Berggren belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and gives his political indorsement to the democratic party, while he and his wife attend the Congregational church. Their interests are on the side of advancement and improvement and their efforts have been an effective force in promoting individual and public welfare. They are most highly esteemed and in social circles occupy an enviable position.

   Simon Jirik, a well known furniture dealer and undertaker of Prague, has built up a large and representative patronage and is recognized as an important factor in the business development of the town. His birth occurred in Bohemia on the 8th of May, 1878, but in June, 1881, he was brought by his parents, Joseph and Mary Jirik, to the United States. The family home was established in Saunders county, Nebraska, where the father purchased eighty acres of land, on which he engaged in general farming until his removal to Prague. After taking up his residence there he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he had followed in Bohemia. He is still living in Prague and has gained many friends, not only in the town but through the surrounding country.

   Simon Jirik was but three years of age when the family came to Saunders county and he received his education in the public schools. During his boyhood and youth he also assisted his father with the work of the farm and thus received valuable training in industry. In 1906 he became connected with the furniture business in Prague and in the years that have since passed he has met with a gratifying measure of success. He owns a good store and as he carries a large stock of high grade furniture and is thoroughly reliable in all of his dealings, he usually retains custom, once gained. He is also engaged in the under-taking business.

   Mr. Jirik was married on the 1st of October, 1907, to Miss Mary Sabata, a native of Saunders county, and they have become the parents of three daughters, namely: Alice, whose birth occurred on the 6th of August, 1909; Adaline, born March 9, 1912; and Sylvia, born October 6, 1914.

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   Mr. Jirik supports the candidates and measures of the democratic party but is not otherwise active in the political field. Fraternally he is connected with the Catholic Workmen, which indicates his religious faith - that of the Roman Catholic church. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his community and is recognized as a citizen of marked public spirit and as a man of ability and foresight. He holds friendship inviolable and has gained the warm personal regard of those who have been brought into close contact with him.

   Martin E. Ballou owns and operates an excellent farm on section 35, Clear Creek precinct, and is ranked among the progressive and prosperous farmers of Saunders county. A native of Ohio, he was born in Ashtabula county on the 16th of September, 1854, and is a son of Emor S. and Susan (Van Buren) Ballou, both of whom were born in Saratoga county, New York. The father, who was by occupation a farmer, became the owner of land in Ohio and followed agricultural pursuits there until 1868, when he removed to Saunders county, Nebraska. He bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 35, Clear Creek precinct, and at once began the improvement of his place, which he operated until his demise in January, 1894. His wife died two years previously.

   Martin E. Ballou remained under the parental roof during his boyhood and youth and received his education in the public schools in Ohio and Saunders county. He early began to assist his father and when he reached young man-hood was taken into partnership, father and son farming together. Following his father's demise he came into possession of seventy-three acres of the home-stead and subsequently bought two hundred and fifty-eight acres on section 36 Ashland precinct. He is cultivating all of that land and his place is conceded to be one of the best developed farms in the county. For a number of years he engaged in stock-raising to a considerable extent but is now concentrating his energies upon the growing of grain. He manages his affairs well and is prompt and energetic in his work, which he facilitates by the use of up-to-date machinery, and he seldom fails to harvest large crops.

   In February, 1875, Mr. Ballou was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Bissell, a daughter of James and Sarah A. (Rumsey) Bissell, natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively. At the time of the Civil war her father enlisted in the Thirteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was given the rank of captain. In November, 1865, he was shot at Franklin, Tennessee, and died almost instantly. He was an attorney by profession and previous to enlisting in the Union army was engaged in successful practice in Indiana. His wife survived him until August, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Ballou have six children, namely: Emor S., who was born in March, 1876, and is now operating two hundred acres of land in Clear Creek precinct; James B., who was born February, 1878, and is farming two hundred acres in Clear Creek precinct; Jessie C., born in December, 1879, who is now the wife of C. Oscar Swanson, and is

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living on a farm near Cedar Bluffs; Elizabeth A., who was born April 15, 1881, and married J. E. Fenton, a farmer of Clear Creek precinct; Otis M., born in March, 1885, who is farming in partnership with his father but owns individually one hundred acres of land in Clear Creek precinct; and Susan M., born May 7, 1890, the wife of Allen W. Cummer, who is engaged in the sugar beet business in Fort Collins, Colorado.

   Mr. Ballou is a republican in politics and his religious allegiance is given to the Congregational church. He has gained many friends during his residence in this county and all who come into contact with him respect him for his many admirable qualities.

   Forty-six years have come and gone since Thomas Trimble Young took up his abode in this section of Nebraska. He was actively and continuously identified with farming from 1869 until 1900, when he retired and removed to Ashland, where he now occupies a beautiful and commodious home. He has not only been a progressive farmer, however, but also a leader in public thought and action, for he has been closely connected with political interests and has twice been called upon to represent his district in the state legislature.

   A native of Ohio, he was born in Pickaway county, June 29, 1844, his parents being Thomas and Sarah (Cole) Young, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. The father Was both a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade and after working along those lines in early life he turned his attention to farming. He next went to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he engaged in general merchandising, continuing active in business for an extended period. In Ohio he had owned and operated six hundred acres of farm land. Finally he retired from active business and spent his last days in honorable retirement at the home of his son, Thomas T. He was born October 8, 1799, and passed away June 11, 1874, while his widow, surviving for twenty-two years, died in June, 1896.

   Thomas Trimble Young was but a little lad when his parents removed to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and there his youthful days were passed. He remained under the parental roof until 1864, when he went to Colorado, where he followed farming. He also took up the business of freighting between Cheyenne, Denver and Pueblo, devoting five years to that work. In 1869 he came to Nebraska, settling in Cass county, where he purchased land and carried on general farming for more than three decades. His labors were attended with good results. He enjoyed the work, and his practical and progressive methods brought to him a gratifying annual income. Not only were his fields placed under a high state of cultivation but he also added many modern improvements to his farm and thereon made his home until 1900, when he retired and removed to Ashland, where he purchased an entire block of ground near the schoolhouse. There he erected a fine residence which he has since occupied. While upon the farm Mr. Young always engaged extensively in dealing in live stock.

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   Mr. Young has ever rejoiced in his success because it has enabled him to provide liberally for his family. He was married February 5, 1870, to Miss Susie Creamer, a daughter of Cyrus and Sarah (Warrenburg) Creamer, who were natives of Ohio, where the father followed the occupation of farming. He went to Indiana at an early day and thence removed to Illinois, where he engaged in farming until 1866. In that year he came to Cass county, Nebraska, where he purchased land and carried on farming throughout his remaining days. He died in 1902, having for two years survived his wife, who passed away in 1900. To Mr. and Mrs. Young were born nine children. Eva M., born November 28, 1870, is the wife of Melvin V. Worrell, a farmer residing in Minnesota. Mary E., born September 8, 1872, married Clayton F. Bouck and they reside in Pasadena, California. Frank T., born June 22, 1876, is a resident of Des Moines, Iowa. Alice E., born December 22, 1879, is the wife of Charles R. Craig, a farmer of Cass county, Nebraska. Myra B., born February 18, 1884, is the wife of Otis D. Dean, of Hillyard, Washington. Those deceased are: Alma G., who was born February 5, 1874, and died September 19, 1876; Susie E., who was born May 22, 1878, and died February 18, 1883; one who died in infancy; and Ralph F., who was born December 17, 1890, and died in May, 1891.

   The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church, to the support of which Mr. Young makes liberal contribution, while in the work of the church he is actively and helpfully interested. Since 1867 he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, joining El Paso Lodge, No. 1?, A. F. & A. M., at Colorado City, Colorado, and he exemplifies in his life the beneficent teachings and spirit of the craft. Politically he is a republican, recognized as one of the party leaders in Saunders county, his efforts doing not a little to promote public welfare. In 1896 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature and made such a creditable record in that office that he was re-elected by an increased majority in 1898, thus serving for four years. His course in the legislature was highly commendable, for he gave careful consideration to each question which came up for settlement, and the weight of his influence was an important element in bringing about much constructive legislation for the benefit of the state. He enjoyed the respect of his colleagues and contemporaries in the house, and in his home locality, where he is best known, he has the deep friendship and warm regard of all.

   Joseph J. Steinbach, who is operating an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, Chester precinct, was born in Saunders county on the 25th of August, 1889, a son of Joseph and Anna Steinbach, both natives of Germany. On removing to the United States they settled on what is now section 23, Chester precinct, where the father became the owner of a quarter section of good land. He farmed that place for many years but at length removed to Dawson county, Nebraska, and purchased a four hundred and eighty acre farm there, on which he is now living.

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   Joseph J. Steinbach received his education in the Prague schools and also devoted considerable time during his boyhood and youth to helping his father with the farm work. When the latter removed to Dawson county he assumed charge of the operation of the one hundred and sixty acres in Chester precinct which he has since farmed. He engages in stock-raising extensively, breeding high grade cattle and hogs, and he also raises considerable grain. He receives a good income from his agricultural activities and he also owns stock in the Farmers Elevator & Grain Company of Prague.

   On the 8th of June, 1915, Mr. Steinbach was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Polacek, of Chester precinct. He is an adherent of the democratic party, whose candidates and measures he supports loyally at the polls. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he holds membership in the Roman Catholic church, the teachings of which are the standards to which he seeks to conform his life. He is well known throughout the county, and the fact that those who have been associated with him since boyhood are his stanchest friends indicates his sterling worth.

   Herman Schultz, who is concentrating his energies upon the operation of his farm of one hundred and forty acres on section 26, Douglas precinct, was born in that precinct on the 6th of June, 1888. His parents, John and Hulda Schultz, were both natives of Germany but in 1870 emigrated to the United States. For two years they lived in Fremont, Nebraska, and then home-steaded eighty acres of land in Douglas precinct, Saunders county. The father not only owned that tract but from time to time purchased additional land, acquiring title in all to two hundred and eighty acres. He continued to engage actively in farming until his death, which occurred suddenly on the 16th of January, 1908. His wife and daughter, Hattie, are living with our subject and are keeping house for him. There are seven children in the family: Otto, a resident of Malmo; Laura, now Mrs. Henry Dowell, of Douglas precinct; John, who is operating the home place; Bertha, now Mrs. Gus Thornsen of Cedar Bluffs; Herman; Hattie; and Hertha, now Mrs. Henry Pagler, of South Dakota.

   Herman Schultz is indebted to the public schools of Douglas precinct for his educational opportunities and to his father for his thorough and practical training in farm work. On the death of the latter he purchased one hundred and forty acres of land belonging to the estate and has since farmed on his own account. He plants his crops in good season, cultivates them well and seldom fails of a large harvest. He also raises cattle and hogs and both branches of his business are proving profitable. He has an attractive and comfortable residence and everything about the place is kept in good repair.

   Mr. Schultz is a stalwart adherent of the republican party and believes that the adoption of its policies would make for the prosperity of the country. He guides his life according to the teachings of the German Lutheran church, of which he is a member, and his many sterling qualities have gained him