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the warm regard of those who have been closely associated with him. Although he is a young man he is already ranked among the successful farmers of the county and his future prosperity seems assured.

   William Vallier was for many years connected with the livery business in Ashland but is now living retired there, having accumulated a competence that enables him to enjoy a period of leisure. He was born in Bellevue, Iowa, June 12, 1858, a son of Peter and Mary (Brothers) Vallier, both natives of Canada. The father was a stone-cutter by trade and after removing to Bellevue, Iowa, in an early day followed that occupation there until 1873. With his family, he then started to drive across the country to Nebraska but was taken sick and died on the way. He was buried at Seward, this state. The mother survived for many years, passing away in January, 1911.

   William Vallier resided in his native state until he was fifteen years of age and attended the public schools there in the acquirement of an education. On removing to Nebraska the family home was established at Republican City, Harlan county, but our subject returned to Bellevue, Iowa, where he learned the cooper's trade. He worked thereat in Bellevue until 1885, when he came to Ashland and became connected with the livery business, in which he was engaged for the greater part of the time for twenty years. However, in 1894 and 1895 he devoted considerable time and attention to operating a farm. Subsequently he again concentrated his energies upon the conduct of his livery business until March, 1914, when he retired from active life. He still owns a fine livery stable and a garage, which are rented to his son-in-law, Dr. B M. Fletcher, and he also holds title to a quarter section of excellent land in Yuma county, Colorado, which he leases to others. He owns his residence in Ashland, which is one of the substantial homes of the town and is located a block from the main street.

   In September, 1877, occurred the marriage of Mr. Vallier and Miss Emma Calvert, a daughter of Richard and Mary (Oliver) Calvert, the former of whom was born in New York, of Irish descent, and the latter in Illinois, of Scotch descent. The father removed westward to Galena, Illinois, and there enlisted in Company F, of an Illinois infantry regiment, with which he served for four and a half years under General Grant. He made an excellent record as a soldier and remained at the front until the close of hostilities. He long survived his wife, who died on the 26th of December, 1873. To Mr. and Mrs. Vallier have been born three children, namely: Clarence E., who was born on the 3d of June, 1879, and is now a barber at Lincoln; Jessie M., who was born June 19, 1881, and is now the wife of Dr. B. M. Fletcher, of Ashland; and William, who was born on the 26th of April, 1887, and died on the 25th of July of that year.

   Mr. Vallier casts his ballot in support of the candidates and measures of the republican party but has never desired office in return for his fealty. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church, the work of which he furthers

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in every way possible. He is well known throughout the county and is held in high esteem as he has always been reliable and upright in business, public-spirited as a citizen and loyal in friendship.

   John L. Tillman, a retired farmer residing in Wahoo, has many sincere friends in that town and throughout the county, where he is well known. He was born in Sweden in December, 1840, and was reared upon the home farm, receiving his education in the common schools. When about seventeen or eighteen years of age he began farming on his own account, so continuing until 1868, when he came to the United States. He came by way of Hull to Liverpool, England, where he took passage on a ship bound for New York. The voyage, which consumed two weeks, was a very pleasant one. He made his way to the middle west and for three or four years ran a dray line in Rockford, Illinois, after which he rented a farm near that city. As soon as he had saved a little money he was married and he and his bride began housekeeping on a farm.

   In 1890 Mr. Tillman removed to Saunders county, Nebraska, and purchased eighty acres of land located between Wahoo and Weston. Subsequently he sold that place and removed to Salem county, where he bought one hundred and twenty acres, to the cultivation of which he devoted his time until 1908. He was energetic and practical in the conduct of his farm work and gained a competence which enabled him to retire from active life. In 1908 he removed to Wahoo, where he has since lived in the enjoyment of well earned leisure.

   Mr. Tillman was married in 1875 to Miss Nellie Trubeck, who died in May, 1908. They were the parents of two children. Mrs. Manda Pager is the widow of James Pager, and has a daughter, Nellie, fourteen years of age, who is in school in Weston. Oscar, a veterinary surgeon of Superior, this state, is married and has a daughter, Fanny.

   Mr. Tillman is a democrat when national issues are at stake but at other elections votes for the man best fitted for the office in question. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Wahoo and has held several of the chairs. Although not a member of any church, he attends services in the various churches in Wahoo, and his life has always conformed to the highest ethical standards. He has gained not only the sincere respect but also the warm personal regard of those with whom he has come in contact.

   Peter Nelson Henning resided in Saunders county from 1871 until his demise in 1913 and during that time witnessed a great change in conditions as the 'hardships of pioneer life gave way to the conveniences of the present. He was a successful farmer and gained prosperity through industry and wise man-

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agement. He was born in Sweden on the 2d of June, 1836, and attended the common schools of that country in the acquirement of his education. He subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in Sweden until 1869, when he came to the United States. For two years he lived in Omaha and during that time worked on the Union Pacific Railroad bridge between Council Bluffs and Omaha.

   In 1870 Mr. Henning made a short visit to Saunders county and filed on land but returned to Omaha, where he remained until 1871. In that year he located upon his claim, which comprised eighty acres, to which he subsequently added a similar tract. For many years he resided upon his farm, which he improved with excellent buildings and from which he received a good financial return. At length, after accumulating a competence, he retired from active life and removed to Mead, where he lived until he was called to his reward on the 80th of January, 1913.

   On the 18th of October, 1861, Mr. Henning was married to Miss Mary Hanson, by whom he had ten children, four of whom are now living: Edward, a resident of Nevada; Hugo E.; Esther, the wife of Albert H. Thorson, who lives east of Mead; and Oscar E., who is living in Mead with his mother.

   Mr. Henning cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party and was a Swedish Lutheran in religious faith. He was recognized as an enterprising and prosperous farmer, as a public spirited citizen and as a man of sterling worth, and his demise was felt as a loss to his community.

   Hugo E. Henning was born in this county on the 19th of November, 1872, and attended the common schools until he was fifteen or sixteen years old. He then entered Luther College in Wahoo, where he remained for three years, taking both an academic and commercial course. On leaving that institution he began working with his father on the home farm and when the latter retired assumed entire charge of its operation. He is prompt and energetic in carrying on his work, planting his crops in good season and giving them careful cultivation, and he seldom fails of rich harvests. He also raises stock and finds that branch of his business likewise profitable.

   He was married in 1907 to Miss Minnie Larson, a daughter of L. P. Larson. Mr. Henning is a progressive in politics, and he holds membership in the Swedish Lutheran church at Mead. He takes a great interest in anything that tends to improve conditions of country life and is a member of the Farmers Union. His success is well deserved, and his enterprise and sound judgment insure his continued prosperity.

   Among the enterprising and up-to-date business men of Valparaiso is John Oeschger, Jr., who owns and conducts a well equipped garage, is agent for well known cars and is also the proprietor of one of the best livery stables in the county. He was born on the 13th of December, 1872, at Crown Point, Indiana, a son of John and Elizabeth (Jorrin) Oeschger, both natives of

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Switzerland. The father was engaged in the bakery business on his own account in that country until 1865, when he came to the new world, first locating in Philadelphia. Later he removed to Indiana and from there to Council Bluffs, Iowa. He died in Omaha and the mother's death occurred in Valparaiso, Nebraska.

   John Oeschger, Jr., was educated in the country Schools in Butler county, Nebraska, and at Cotner University in Bethany, Nebraska. For ten years he engaged in farming and stock-raising, but at the end of that time removed to Valparaiso, where for five years he concentrated his energies, upon the conduct of a livery and sale barn. At the end of that time, foreseeing something of the marvelous development of the automobile industry in this country, he established a garage. The building in which he is located is fireproof and is sixty by eighty feet, affording storage room for forty cars. He also does vulcanizing and all kinds of repairing and is likewise agent for the Ford and Overland cars. He has handled other cars but is now concentrating his attention upon the sale of the two cars mentioned. In the past three years he has sold one hundred and fifty Fords and expects that business this year will at least equal that of any previous year. He also carries a complete line of repairs for Fords. During the past two years he has sold fifty Overlands and he has derived a good profit from the various branches of his business. In addition to his garage he owns one of the best equipped livery stables in this part of Nebraska and does a good business along that line.

   Mr. Oeschger was married on the 3d of June, 1898, to Miss Susan Hawking. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and while living in Butler county held a number of township offices, proving an efficient and conscientious official. He is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, in which he is master workman, and his religious faith is that of the Christian church. The success which he has won is due solely to his own energy, foresight and good management, and he is recognized as an important factor in the commercial life of Valparaiso.

   Charles A. Johnson is of Swedish birth and displays in his life many of the sterling characteristics of the sons of that land. He has made steady progress in a business way, for he started in life here empty handed, working at ten dollars per month. He is now one of the well-to-do citizens of Saunders county, where he owns a half section of rich and productive land in Richland precinct. He was born in Sweden July 10, 1847, and there attended the common schools until he reached the age of twelve years, when he began working on the home farm with his father, devoting the remainder of his minority to that labor. The stories which he heard concerning the opportunities of the new world attracted him to the extent that he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United States in 1868. He first made his way to Illinois, where he engaged in farming for thirteen years, or until 1881. His first purchase of land made him owner of eighty acres, to which he later added. He has now been a

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resident of Saunders county for more than a third of a century and is today the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of excellent land that responds readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields.

   Mr. Johnson was married in 1876 to Miss Anna M. Carlson, of Lancaster county, who died in the year 1909 and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Bethlehem, Nebraska. They became the parents of eight children, five of whom have passed away, Hulda, George, Walter, Cecelia and Lydia. Of the three who are now living Carl remains upon the home farm with his father; Emil married Ellen Erickson and they have three children, Angeline, Lorette and Vivian; and Arthur is married and has one child and is conducting a hardware store at Ceresco.

   While Mr. Johnson usually votes with the republican party, it is his custom to pick the best man for the office, and he does not hesitate to cast an independent ballot if his judgment so dictates. He has never been an office seeker, yet for three years he filled the position of road boss. He belongs to the Swedish Mission church and in his life he displays many sterling traits of character, his career measuring up to high standards of manhood. In business he has made continuous progress since starting out to earn his living at a salary of ten dollars per month. He carefully saved his earnings until industry and economy brought him sufficient capital to enable him to have a farm of his own and during the intervening period he has carefully, persistently and successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits.

   Andrew G. Carlson, a successful hardware and implement dealer of Mead, has not only gained a gratifying measure of prosperity for himself but has also contributed in no small degree to the business and commercial development of his town. He is a native of Saunders county, born on the 20th of January, 1873, and is a son of Ola and Bengta (Nelson) Carlson, further mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

   Andrew G. Carlson was reared at home and received his early education in the local schools. Later he was for two years a student in the Omaha Commercial College, where he was further prepared for the responsibilities and duties of later life. On leaving school he returned to Mead, and in 1900, he embarked in the hardware business, with which he is still connected. He handles the best makes of farm implements in addition to carrying the largest stock of shelf and heavy hardware in Mead, and his patronage is large and representative. His integrity is above question and this has been an important factor in his success. He is also progressive and up-to-date and carries the latest improved machinery.

   Mr. Carlson was married on the 19th of May, 1906, to Miss Josephine Swanson, a daughter of Andrew Swanson, and to them have been born four children: Corinne and Leonora, both of whom are attending school; Genevieve: and Jeanette.

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   Mr. Carlson is independent in the exercise of his franchise, voting for the best man without regard to his political affiliation. His membership in the Swedish Mission church indicates the principles that govern his conduct, and his influence is a factor in the moral development of his community.

   Nels Palm, a progressive and prosperous farmer residing on one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land on section ?, Rock Creek precinct, was born in the southern part of Sweden, July 16, 1857, a son of Nels and Kjersti (Palm) Swenson. According to the Swedish custom our subject's surname should have been Nelson but on emigrating to this country in young manhood he decided to take his mother's name, as it was much less common than Nelson and there would be less danger of his mail being confused with that of someone else. His parents both resided in their native land until called by death. To them were born ten children, five of whom came to the United States, those beside our subject who are still living here being: John Palm, a resident of North Dakota; Mrs. Ellen Rosten, of Omaha, and Mrs. Annie Franson, who lives in Center precinct, Saunders county.

   Nels Palm remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age but in 1880 crossed the Atlantic to New York, whence he continued his journey to Nebraska, reaching Omaha on the 26th of March, of that year. Not long afterward he came to Saunders county and worked on a farm near Mead until 1882, when he returned to Omaha. During the summer he was employed in a lumber and brick yard there but in the fall went to Wyoming, where he worked on a large cattle and sheep ranch for five and a half years and for six months worked in a gold mine. In the meantime, however, he made a hasty visit to Saunders county in 1884 and invested the four hundred dollars which he had saved in land, paying that as an installment on his present home farm, the price of which was twenty-five hundred dollars. He rented the place and returned to Wyoming, where he worked until 1888, when he took up his residence on his farm in this county. The place comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 8, Rock Creek precinct, and is now one of the most valuable and most productive tracts of that size in the county. The improvements are modern and well adapted for their purpose and Mr. Palm uses the latest machinery in facilitating the work of the fields.

   Mr. Palm was married on the 8th of April, 1889, to Miss Anna Charlotta Anderson, who was born in Sweden on the 4th of November, 1861. In 1874, when nine years of age, she accompanied her parents, Carl August and Augusta (Dahlstrom) Anderson, to the United States. They at once made their way to Saunders county and located in Center precinct. To Mr. and Mrs. Palm have been born nine children, as follows: Esther, who was born on the 15th of June, 1890, and died on the 10th of August, 1891; Victor Bernard, born March 25, 1892; Hilda Augusta, whose birth occurred July 26, 1894; Alma Christina, born April 9, 1896; Edward Herman, April 12, 1898; Ebba Elvira, April 22, 1900; Frederick William, January ?0, 1902; Esther Maria, April 28, 1904;

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and Carl August, September 23, 1908 It is interesting to note that four of the children were born in April. Mr. Palm is independent in politics, voting as his judgment dictates and placing the qualifications of a candidate above his party affiliation. He and his family belong to the Swedish Lutheran church of Swedeburg and support all worthy movements. He had no unusual advantages in his youth but through the exercise of energy and good judgment he has gained a competence and his record should serve to inspire others who must also depend upon their own resources.

   Honored and respected by all, no one occupies a higher position in the business circles of Ashland than does Seabury Lovell Sears, whose activities have long been of a character that have contributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to individual success. He conducts a large general mercantile store and he has, moreover, been instrumental in bringing eastern capital to the west for investment in property. Mr. Sears is himself a native of New England. He was born April 16, 1840, a son of John and Abigail (Noyes) Sears, who were natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively. The father was a tanner by trade and followed that pursuit until he reached the age of fifty years, when he went to Michigan in 1855 and purchased land, after which he devoted his attention to general farming until 1870. In the latter year he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, bought land and developed it until 1876, when he retired. He then returned to Michigan and made his home with a daughter until his death, which occurred in 1887. For more than two decades he had survived his wife, who passed away in 1864.

   Seabury Lovell Sears was reared and educated in Michigan and Connecticut, spending his youthful days in the home of his parents. In 1865 he established his residence west, of the Mississippi. For a year he remained in Iowa and in 1866 came to Ashland, where he taught school for a time at a salary of twenty dollars per month, teaching at Waverly and near Elmwood for two terms. Saunders county was then a frontier district and he secured a homestead but did not prove up on it, turning it instead over to his father. He then secured a clerkship in a store, spending about four years in that way, and after selling his farm to his father he purchased a half interest in the general store in which he formerly was employed. He afterward purchased another business and later he and his brother bought the store which Seabury L. Sears had formerly owned. This they conducted for two and one-half years, at the end of which time the brother died. Later Seabury L. Sears admitted another partner and they continued together for about a year, at the end of which time Mr. Sears bought his partner's interest and became sole proprietor. He is now owner of a large general store and enjoys an extensive patronage. His business methods are thoroughly reliable and will bear close investigation and scrutiny. Mr. Sears has wealthy relatives in New York and has made a business of loaning their money for them in Nebraska. This he has made a

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profitable undertaking both for the New York parties and for himself. He has always been very successful in the management of his interests in every way and is now the owner of two thousand acres of land in Thomas county, Kansas.

   On the 17th of March, 1871, Mr. Sears was united in marriage to Miss Martha Reasoner, a daughter of Stephen and Catherine (Hardy) Reasoner, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. During his active business career the father followed farming in Ohio, Indiana and Iowa, his demise occurring in the last named state in 1874. The mother passed away two years later. Mr. and Mrs. Sears are the parents of two children. Charles E., who was born February 22, 1879, looks after his father's interests in Kansas. He married Mabel I. Brewster, of Omaha, and has three children, Noyes L., Fred and Richard Vaughn. Mabel L. was born March 28, 1882, and has charge of her father's store.

   Mr. Sears votes with the democratic party and, as every true American citizen should do, keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, into which he was initiated in Moscow, Michigan, and to the Congregational church, and is a man of high and honorable purposes whose business integrity has ever been above question and who in every relation of life has directed his actions so that the highest regard is entertained for him.

   Charles Joseph Gibbs, who is living retired on his farm on section 18, Richland township, was born in England, March 11, 1845, a son of William and Betsy Gibbs. He received his education in his native land and worked as a bricklayer there until 1870, when he came to the United States, sailing on the steamer Austria of the Allan line. He made his way to Omaha, Nebraska, and thence to Lincoln, where he worked for a number of years. At length, however, he came to Saunders county and proved up on a claim of eighty acres, which he has improved and upon which he has lived continuously since 1908. Previous to that time he worked at bricklaying in various places but always called the farm his home. After taking up his residence there in 1908 he built most of the sidewalks in Ceresco but is now living retired, having accumulated a competence that supplies him with the comforts of life.

   On the 20th of May, 1879, Mr. Gibbs was married to Miss Annie Isherwood, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Isherwood, both natives of England. To this union have been born five children: Walter Wilson, who married Gertie Corey, by whom he has three children; Harry, who married Mabel Beaman and has three children; Josephine, who became the wife of Milo Gross and has three children; Myrtle, the wife of Travel's Cameron and the mother of two children; and Lottie, who is now Mrs. Gus Johnson and has two children.

   Mr. Gibbs indorses the policies of the democratic party but does not consider himself bound to vote the party ticket when he believes that the candidate of another party would prove a better official. He is a member of the Masonic order and is true to the beneficent spirit of the craft. His wife is a member

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of the Presbyterian church. Both are well known throughout the county and those who have been most intimately associated with them are their closest friends, which is indisputable evidence of genuine worth.

   D. A. Hagelin, manager of the D. E. Phelps Lumber & Coal Company, of Touhy, is a representative and able young business man, who carefully looks after the interests intrusted to his care. His birth occurred in Wahoo on the 1st of October, 1887, and he is a son of H. C. and Carrie J. Hagelin, the former of whom was born in Denmark and the latter in Sweden. Our subject was given good educational advantages, completing a course in the high school at Wahoo with the class of 1907. On beginning his independent career he turned his attention to the trade of painting, which he followed successfully until he accepted the position of manager of the lumber and coal yard at Touhy owned by D. E. Phelps. He gives his entire attention to this business and has made it one of the important features in the commercial life of the town. He is not only aggressive and up-to-date but also manifests sound judgment in all business transactions and under his management the yard has returned to its owner a good profit.

   On the 3d of April, 1912, at Lebanon, Missouri, Mr. Hagelin was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Harlamert, a daughter of John and Tillie Harlamert, of Phillipsburg, Missouri. Mr. Hagelin supports the best man at the polls but has been too busy to take an active part in politics. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and in all relations of life he strives to conform his conduct to high standards. Although a young man he has already gained a large measure of success and his ability and enterprise make certain his continued prosperity.

   Frank Vondra is one of the excellent citizens whom Bohemia has given to Saunders county, and his energy and good management have enabled him to win gratifying success in his agricultural activities. He owns a good farm on section 31, Elk precinct, from which he derives a substantial financial return. He was born in Zvestonice, Bohemia, in June, 1862, a son of John and Annie Vondra, both natives of that country, whence in 1874 they came with their family to America. Making their way at once to Saunders county, Nebraska, they homesteaded the one hundred and twenty acres on which our subject now resides. The father engaged in farming during his active life and passed away at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. The mother is now eighty-five years of age and makes her home with our subject. They were the parents of six children, all of whom were born in Bohemia, namely: John, deceased; Joseph, who is living in Butler county, Nebraska; James, a resident

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of Boyd county, this state; Frank; Mattie, now Mrs. Martin Holubor, of this county; and Barbara, deceased.

   Frank Vondra was twelve years of age when he was brought to the United States and has since resided in this county. He received a common-school education and was also trained in agricultural work during his boyhood and youth. He has continued to follow the occupation to which he was reared and now owns the homestead of one hundred and twenty acres on section 32, Elk precinct. The place is well improved and as the soil is fertile and his methods are practical, he annually harvests good crops. He also engages in stock-raising to some extent and finds that branch of his business also profitable.

   On the 9th of October, 1889, occurred the marriage of Mr. Vondra and Miss Annie Zavodny, who was born in Bohemia but has lived in Saunders county, Nebraska, since she was two years of age, as her parents took up their residence here at that time. To Mr. and Mrs. Vondra have been born three children: Emma, who is now the wife of Benjamin Junek, a farmer of Saunders county; Annie, now Mrs. Ludvik Krivanek, of Butler county, this state; and William, who is at home.

   Mr. Vondra supports the republican party as he believes that its policies are based upon sound principles of government. He is liberal, in his religious views and lays emphasis on ethical principles and a strict regard for the rights of others. He is justly held in high esteem by those who have been associated with him and he has made many warm personal friends.

   Honored and respected by all not alone because of the success he has achieved but also on account of the straightforward business policy that he has ever followed, Joseph Mauritz Ohslund, president of the Citizens State Bank, is regarded as one of the foremost residents of Wahoo. He proved himself an able educator before entering financial circles and in both relations has exerted an influence for good upon the business development of the city. He was born in Sweden, January 6, 1867, a son of the Rev. Nils Ohslund, who is a retired Lutheran minister. He was born in Sweden in 1839 and was married in that country in 1865 to Rebecca Bengtson. They came to the United States in 1869, settling at Rockford, Illinois, and seven or eight years later removed to Bucklin, Missouri, where they remained for a year. They next became residents of Republic county, Kansas, where they spent nine years, and in 1886 they went to Sibley county, Minnesota. They were afterward residents of St. Louis county, Minnesota, and thence removed to Clarissa, Todd county, Minnesota, where they now reside. During the greater part of his life the father devoted his efforts to the work of the Lutheran ministry, but now in the evening of life is living retired although the influence of his labors in. behalf of the church still continues.

   Joseph M. Ohslund acquired his education in the public schools of Kansas and in Gustavus Adolphus College at St. Peter, Minnesota, in which he completed a commercial course by graduation with the class of 1892. He then

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accepted the chair of commercial branches in Luther College at Wahoo, retaining that connection for five years. He subsequently matriculated in Drexel Institute at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he spent, one year as a student, being graduated from the department of commerce and finance in 1899. The same year he returned to Luther College, resuming his duties in the department of commercial branches, where he continued to teach until June, 1912. In that year he was elected to the presidency of the Citizens State Bank of Wahoo and as such has since aided in directing and guiding the interests of the institution, which is one of the strong financial concerns of the county. He recognizes the fact that that bank is most worthy of patronage which most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors and the policy he is pursuing, while a progressive one, is tempered by a conservatism. Mr. Ohslund is also a director of the Mid-West Clay Manufacturing Company, conducting business at Wahoo.

   On the 8th of June, 1899, in Republic county, Kansas, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ohslund and Miss Nellie Louise Johnson, a daughter of Andrew S. Johnson, now deceased. They have three children: Hilding Mauritz Theodore, Mildred Helma Rebecca; and Marie Eunice Louise.

   Mr. Ohslund gives his political allegiance to the republican party but the honors and emoluments of political office have had no attraction for him. He is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, however, and for three years he served on the school board of Wahoo, his efforts proving directly beneficial to the school system of the city. He is a charter member of the Commercial Club of Wahoo and cooperates in all of its plans and projects for the general good. He also belongs to the Lutheran church, which indicates his interest in the moral progress of the locality. In a word, his influence has always been on the side of advancement and improvement and his efforts have been effective forces in promoting the material, intellectual, social and moral interests of his community.

   Eugene D. Hurst, who owns and operates a good farm in Marble precinct, is one of the alert and enterprising agriculturists of the county and has gained a gratifying measure of success in his chosen work. He is a native of Wayne county, Ohio, his birth occurring on the 1st of September, 1869. His father, John Hurst, was also born in that county, but the paternal grandfather was a native of England and his wife was of Pennsylvania Dutch stock. John Hurst came to Saunders county, Nebraska, when he was twenty-two years of age and bought land, which in time he brought to a high state of development. He was married when twenty years of age to Miss Katherine Walters, also a native of Wayne county, Ohio. He died on the 7th of June, 1891, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, but his wife is still living and makes her home in Oklahoma with a son. They were the parents of six children, namely: Eugene D.; Ernest G., who is engaged in farming in this county; Owen V., a barber living at Lincoln, Nebraska; Louis Walter, who is farming in Wood-

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ward county, Oklahoma; Oliver Paul, also an agriculturist of that county; and Ruth Zeila, who died when six years old.

   Eugene D. Hurst was brought by his parents to this county when an infant and here grew to manhood. After completing the course offered in district school No. 6?, in Stocking precinct, he entered the high school at Wahoo, from which he was graduated in due time. He then began his independent career and carried on agricultural pursuits for a year in Cuming county, while for the two following years he operated a farm near the homestead in this county. At the end of that time he entered the employ of the Huber Threshing Machine Company of Lincoln and after remaining in that city for a year traveled for the same concern for three years. He then farmed a place adjoining the homestead for a year, after which he went to Wahoo and was associated with W. R. Carlisle in the conduct of a machine shop for two years. He next purchased his present farm, which comprises eighty acres on section 19, Marble precinct, and now devotes his time to general farming. He has taken especial pains, however, in building up a good dairy herd and finds that branch of his business very profitable. He has made good improvements upon the place and keeps everything in excellent condition. Since locating here he went to Tripp county, South Dakota, where he homesteaded a quarter section of land but after receiving the patent to his claim he returned to this county.

   Mr. Hurst was married on the 30th of November, 1898, to Miss Daisy Draper, by whom he has five children, all of whom are at home, namely: Earl, Gladys, Bernice, Orla and Morris. Mr. Hurst supports the democratic party at the polls but has never taken a very active part in politics. His wife is a member of the Christian church at Wann. Mr. Hurst has lived in Saunders county for many years and has not only been an interested witness of its development but has also contributed to its advancement, especially along agricultural lines. He is an efficient farmer, a good citizen and a man of sterling integrity and is accorded the respect to which his good qualities entitle him.

   Fred Dunder, of Prague, whose garage business is constantly growing, necessitating an addition to the already commodious building, was born November 12, 1874, upon a farm near Crete, this state. His parents, John and Anna Dunder, were both born in Bohemia, the former on the 2d of November, 1840, and the latter in October, 1841. They became residents of the United States in 1868 and first located four and a half miles southeast of what is now Crete, Nebraska. To his homestead of eighty acres the father added a similar tract by purchase and still later bought a half section of land in Merrick county. He engaged in general farming until 1909, when he retired and removed to Wither, where he and his wife are still living. His land has been divided equally among his nine children and our subject has sold his share, receiving one hundred and five dollars per acre for land which his father bought at seven dollars per acre in pioneer times.

   Fred Dunder is indebted to the public schools for his education and until

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          367

1895 he remained at home, assisting in the operation of the homestead. He then went to Merrick county, where he farmed until 1911. Two years later he came to Prague and became connected with the automobile business, with F. A. Broz, and the partnership still continues. They built a garage one hundred by twenty-five feet in dimensions, which, however, is now inadequate to meet the demands of their trade, which has grown steadily and rapidly, and they expect to enlarge the garage in the spring of 1916. The garage is well equipped and they do all kinds of repair work in addition to selling automobile parts and accessories.

   Mr. Dunder was married on the 31st of December, 1900, to Miss Sophia Belik, a daughter of John and Mary Belik, early settlers of Saunders county. Mr. Dunder supports the republican party at the polls but is not otherwise active politically, his business requiring his undivided attention. Among his dominant characteristics are determination, sound judgment and integrity, qualities which go far toward insuring success in any line of work.

   On the list of honored dead of Saunders county appears the name of Frank Rudolph Scheel, who for a considerable period was a leading merchant at Wahoo, where he owned and conducted a mercantile and undertaking establishment. He was born April 17, 1858, at Koslin, Germany, where he was reared and educated. There he learned the cabinetmaker's trade and in 1879, when twenty-one years of age, he bade adieu to friends and native country and came to the United States, attracted by the favorable reports which he heard concerning the opportunities of the new world. He located in Chicago, where he followed his trade for four or five years, and in 1885 he came to Wahoo, where he established furniture and undertaking business, forming a partnership with W. W. Harrison. This was successfully maintained for some time, after which Mr. Scheel and Jacob Ort conducted the business for several years. Mr. Scheel then became associated with Nels Rosengren and this connection continued for fourteen years, at the end of which time Mr. Scheel purchased his partner's interest and conducted the business independently for six years, winning substantial success by his intelligently directed efforts. At length through the use of embalming fluid his eyes became affected and in 1907 he sold the business and for about six months lived retired. But indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and he became connected with the Wahoo Land Company, thus operating in the real-estate field until January, 1911, when, because of his health, he retired from active business.

   Mr. Scheel was married in 1901 to Miss Huldah Rocker, who was born in Manito, Illinois, a daughter of Professor E. A. and Mary (Cox) Rocker. Her father was born in Hanover, Germany, was educated there and entered professional circles as a musician. In early manhood he came to the United States and in this country was married. In 1890 he removed to Wahoo for the benefit of his health and here taught music until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-four years of age. His wife a native of Manito, Illinois, is still

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living here at the age of sixty years. Mrs. Scheel was educated in Havana, Illinois, and by her marriage became the mother of two children, Lyman Frank and Corinne, aged respectively thirteen and ten years.

   Mr. Scheel was a member of the German Lutheran church, to which faith the family still adhere. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained the Knight Templar degree, and he also held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he was an active democrat, doing everything in his power to advance the interests of the party, and upon that ticket he was elected to the office of county coroner. His death, resulting from an operation, occurred on the 27th of March, 1911, and in his passing the county lost one of its representative and valued citizens. His business associates had found him not only enterprising but reliable; his neighbors and friends recognized his loyalty and his helpful spirit, and in his own household he was a devoted husband and father, finding his greatest happiness in advancing the welfare of his wife and children. Wherever he was known he was held in high esteem and most of all where he was best known.

   Albert C. Knapp, a retired agriculturist residing in Ithaca, came to this county a half century ago and experienced all the hardships and privations incident to the establishment of a home in a pioneer district. His birth occurred in Fort Madison, Iowa, on the 25th of January, 1845, his parents being William D. and Deborah Knapp, natives of Orange county, New York. He began his education in the common schools of his native town and during his boyhood days also lived at Appanoose, Illinois. In 1864 he joined the Union army as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, with which he served until the close of hostilities, his command being attached to the Army of the Mississippi.

   Mr. Knapp returned home with a most creditable military record and then with some boyhood friends came to Nebraska, taking up a homestead claim in Saunders county which is still in his possession. He operated the farm for a period of thirty-seven years and conducted his interests in a most careful, systematic manner, so that he annually gathered good crops which found a ready sale on the market. Since putting aside the active work of the fields he has lived retired in Ithaca, where he erected a commodious, attractive residence and owns two surrounding acres of ground as well as two town lots. He came to this county without funds and lived in a dugout during the first three years of his residence here. His wife assisted in the arduous work of the home farm, driving a harvester, corn planter, etc., and also helping to shock wheat. They frequently gave food to the Indians and made many friends among the red men. Mrs. Knapp often sat on horseback and knit stockings, and she made dresses for the baby while herding cattle. Ashland, the nearest trading post, was fifteen miles away. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp witnessed the gradual transformation which took place as this part of the state became more

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PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          371

   thickly settled and the conveniences of modern civilization were introduced, and they now enjoy the comforts and many of the luxuries of life which material prosperity has enabled them to procure.

   On the 24th of January, 1871, Mr. Knapp was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Huebotter, whose father still survives and makes his home in Mexico, Missouri. Her mother is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Knapp were born two children: Bertie B., who gave her hand in marriage to R. M. Railsback and resides in Ithaca; and William D., who died at the age of four years.

   In politics Mr. Knapp is a socialist and for three years he has served in the capacity of school director. With his family he attends the services of the Methodist church. He has now passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten and enjoys the respect which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on life's journey and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable.

   Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose and there was a feeling of general and deep regret when Edward P. Folsom, of Ashland, passed away. He was born in Worcester, Vermont, June 6, 1844, a son of David and Maria (Seaver) Folsom, who were also natives of the Green Mountain state. The father was a carpenter by trade and in 1869 he removed westward to Nebraska, securing a homestead claim in Green precinct, Saunders county. It was a tract of wild land, upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made, but with characteristic energy he began its development and continued its cultivation for many years. He afterward removed to South Bend, Nebraska, where he worked in a lumberyard, but finally retired from active business and spent his remaining days in Ashland, enjoying a well earned rest.

   Edward P. Folsom resided in Vermont through the period of his boyhood and youth and is indebted to its public-school system for his educational opportunities. He started out in life as a farm hand and afterward engaged in farming for himself in his native state but with the outbreak of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations and offered his services to the government, becoming a member of Company H, Sixth Vermont Infantry, with which he served as corporal for seven months. Following the war he returned to farming pursuits in the Green Mountain state and there resided until 1870, when he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, and secured a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Green precinct. With characteristic energy he began its development and continued to cultivate that farm for six years, on the expiration of which period he came to Ashland and established a livery business which he conducted throughout his remaining days. He gained a liberal patronage in that connection and was ever courteous and obliging in his business dealings as well as thoroughly reliable.

   On the 17th of May, 1868, Mr. Folsom was married to Miss Sophia Durgan, a daughter of Darius and Prudence (Page) Durgan, who were natives of

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Vermont. The father was a wheelwright who worked at his trade in Vermont throughout his entire life, there passing away in 1872 at the age of sixty-seven years, while his wife died in July, 1893, at the remarkable old age of ninety-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Folsom became the parents of the following children: David, born February 28, 1864, who is a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska; Arthur, born October 10, 1865; Emma, born September ?, 1869, who is the wife of Christopher Vidriksen and resides in California; Charles, who was born January 24, 1871, and resides in Ashland; Don C., born May 4, 1873; Delia, who was born November 27, 1876, and died in September, 1908; Guy, who was born January 9, 1878, and makes his home in Ashland; Zay, who was born May 31, 1879, and died July 19, 1880; Nellie, who was born August 22, 1887, and is now engaged in teaching school; and Lulu May, who was born August 7, 1889, and died in November, 1891.

   Mrs. Folsom resides in a pleasant home not far from the business section of Ashland. In his religious faith Mr. Folsom was a Congregationalist, loyal to the teachings of his church and at all times actively interested in its work. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and on several occasions he was called to public office, serving as deputy sheriff for two years, while for ten years he capably filled the office of assessor, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He died in July, 189S, when forty-nine years of age, and many who knew him felt the deepest regret at his passing, for they respected him as a citizen and business man and greatly enjoyed his friendship.

   Christian T. Magley was for many years a farmer of Saunders county and gained a gratifying measure of success in his chosen occupation. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 3d of October, 1840, and when but nine years of age he left home and began working for a farmer. He followed agricultural pursuits in his native land until twenty-nine years old and then emigrated to the United States, where he had heard that exceptional opportunities were to be found. He at once came to Saunders county and homesteaded eighty acres of land in Marietta precinct, which he brought under cultivation as soon as possible. His labors were rewarded by good crops and as he saved his money he was able to purchase additional land and at the time of his death owned a half section in Marietta precinct. He was prompt and energetic in his work, planting his crops in good season and cultivating them carefully.

   Mr. Magley was married on the 22d of November, 1877, to Miss Amanda Carlson, a daughter of Charles John Carlson, deceased. To this union were born nine children: Ruth, now Mrs. Lawrence Johnson; Joshua, who married Miss May Hoaglund; Esther, who became the wife of Arthur Christianson, by whom she has two children; Phoebe, now Mrs. Louis Whitney; Ruby, the wife of Charles Selin; Aaron, who married Florence Willey; Seth, who is at home; Florence, now Mrs. Fred Bergstrom; and Frances, who married James Christianson.

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   Mr. Magley was a stalwart republican but had no desire for office, being content to perform his civic duties as a private citizen. He held membership in the Swedish Mission church and took a commendable interest in the spread of its influence. The success which he gained was not due to any good fortune but to his energy, thorough knowledge, of farming and business ability. He passed away on the 20th of March, 1905, and was buried in Mead. His demise was deeply regretted, for during the many years of his residence in this county he had made a host of friends, who esteemed him highly for his estimable qualities.

   Walter Crinklaw, who was one of the honored pioneers of Marietta precinct, Saunders county, was recognized as a very efficient farmer and as a man of excellent business Judgment. He was born in Scotland on the 15th of April, 1825, a son of James and Janet Crinklaw. In his boyhood he herded sheep for Sir Walter Scott, whose estate adjoined the Crinklaw farm in Scotland, and he could relate many interesting reminiscences of the famous author. When sixteen years of age he went to London, Ontario, Canada, and worked there at the carpenter's trade for fifteen years. At the end of that time he came to the States and settled in Illinois. He operated a farm there for eight years but in 1866 he took up his residence in Omaha, where he lived until the spring of 1869. In the spring of the preceding year he had filed on a homestead in Marietta precinct, this county, but returned to Omaha. On locating upon his land in 1869 he built a frame shanty, which served as his home for a few months. Later it was replaced with a commodious residence. He prospered in his farm work and invested in additional land, becoming the owner of four hundred acres, which he divided among his children before his demise. He raised both grain and stock and was instrumental in advancing the agricultural interests of his community. At length he retired and spent his last days in well earned rest, his demise occurring on the 4th of November, 1914. He had long survived his wife, who died November 19, 1892.

   Mr. Crinklaw was married to Miss Helen Graham, a daughter of James and Helen (Smith) Graham, and eleven children were born to this union, as follows: Helen, the wife of A. P. Kempton, of Lincoln, and the mother of four children; James, a resident of Neligh, Antelope county, who married Marion Smith, now deceased, by whom he has four living children; Annie, who gave her hand in marriage to George Fletcher, of Neligh, Nebraska, and has six living children; Walter F.; Jennie S., who married George Orme, of Colon, by whom she has two children; Emily B., the wife of J. L. Carson and the mother of four children; Andrew B., a resident of Kansas City, who married Pearl Soule, by whom he has two children; John A.; Hattie, deceased; George: and an infant daughter, deceased.

   Mr. Crinklaw was a stalwart republican in politics and served his district acceptably as school director. He guided his life by the teachings of the Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder, and his influence was always on the

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side of righteousness. Although he began his career without capital he believed that the opportunities offered in the new world were such that a young man of enterprise and good judgment could achieve success and his record justified his faith as he gained financial independence. He reached an advanced age and was accorded the honor to which his long and useful life .entitled him.

   His second son, Walter F. Crinklaw, was born in London, Ontario, on the 26th of September, 1855, and attended school in Illinois until he was about twelve years of age. Subsequently he continued his education in a country school which stood on the present site of Jefferson Square, Omaha. When eighteen years of age he put aside his textbooks, and began working for his father. He so continued for four years and then homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Antelope county, where he remained for six years. At the end of that time he returned to Saunders county and has since been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits here. He was married on the 13th of January, 1887, to Miss Estella M. Smith, a daughter of Zenas B. Smith, further mention of whom occurs elsewhere in this work. Fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Wahoo, in which he has held all of the offices save that of recorder, and with the Modern Woodmen at Mead, in which he has filled nearly all of the chairs. He attends the Baptist church and contributes to its support. He votes the democratic ticket at national elections but when only local issues are at stake casts his ballot for the best man irrespective of party lines. He has served as precinct assessor and as school director, making an excellent record in those capacities. He has gained a gratifying measure of success and has never had occasion to regret his choice of agriculture as an occupation.

   John Crinklaw, also a son of Walter Crinklaw, is a native of Illinois and his natal day was the 16th of August, 1865. He has lived in Saunders county since 1869 and received his education in the common schools here. At the age of eighteen years he finished his education and thereafter for several years gave his entire time and attention to helping his father. At length he rented the homestead, on which he has since lived, and he has not only kept the place in excellent condition but has also made additional improvements upon it. He is an able farmer and receives a good income from his labor. He was married on the 29th of December, 1897, to Miss Nellie Lybolt, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Lybolt, natives of New York. Three children have been born to this union, namely: Bernice, who is attending high school at Wahoo; and Evelyn and Harold, both of whom are in the country schools. Mr. Crinklaw is a democrat but on occasion votes independently. He has served as a member of the school board but is not an office seeker. Fraternally he belongs to the Workmen at Wahoo, and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He has made many friends during his long residence in the county and is highly esteemed wherever known.

   George Crinklaw, the youngest son of Walter Crinklaw, was born in Saunders county on the homestead on the 30th of March, 1872, and received his education in the public schools, which he attended until he was fifteen years of age. He then concentrated his energies upon assisting his father and he has since devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. He is still living upon a portion of the homestead, which he now owns, and as the years have passed

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          375

has accumulated a competence. He was married on the 26th of November, 1896, to Miss Eunice Manners, a daughter of Joseph Manners, formerly of Wahoo. Mr. and Mrs. Crinklaw have two children, Raymond and Helen. He is independent in politics and in religious faith is a Presbyterian. He is a member of a family which has done much to promote the agricultural development of the county and which has always been held in high esteem and his record is in accord with those of his father and brothers.

   O. O. Ladenburger, who is successfully conducting a poolroom and confectionery business in Morse Bluff, was born in Chester township, Saunders county, on the 4th of March, 1880. His parents, Moritz and Caroline Ladenburger, were both natives of Baden, Germany, but were married after their emigration to the United States. The father first settled in Chicago, but later removed to Fremont, Nebraska. On coming to Saunders county, he took up a homestead in Chester township but subsequently removed to Morse Bluff township, where he engaged in general farming. He passed away at an advanced age.

   O. O. Ladenburger attended school in Willow Creek and also in North Bend, Dodge county, Nebraska, but even during his boyhood assisted his father, with the farm work. After finishing his education he devoted his entire time to aiding in the operation of the home farm until he was about twenty-one years old, when he began working for others. In 1911 he bought the poolroom and confectionery store in Morse Bluff which he still owns and in the four years that have since intervened he has gained recognition as an able and successful business man. He is reliable in his dealings and as he seeks to please his patrons his business is growing.

   Mr. Ladenburger casts his ballot in support of the candidates and measures of the democratic party and takes the interest of a good citizen in everything pertaining to the general welfare. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and in religious faith is a Roman Catholic. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his native county and cooperates in movements calculated to promote the business and civic development of Morse Bluff. He is well known and his personal friends are many.

   Among the native sons of Saunders county who are convinced that the opportunities offered here are the equal of those found elsewhere is Charles A. Jones, who is farming one hundred and sixty acres of good land on section 14, Chester township. His birth occurred in Douglas township on Christmas Day, 1882, and he is a son of William Henry and Mary Jones, both natives of Sanford county, Indiana. They became residents of Nebraska in 1871, in

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which year they settled in Nebraska City, where they resided until their removal to Saunders county. The father homesteaded a quarter section of land in Douglas township and had to break the prairie sod before he could put in his crops. At that time the nearest house was seven miles distant. Although there were many inconveniences and even hardships to be endured, he persevered in the work of developing his farm, which he at length brought to a high state of cultivation. He raised both grain and stock, and as the years passed his resources increased and eventually he retired from active life and removed to North Bend, Nebraska, where he purchased a good home. Not long after his removal he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, her demise occurring in January, 1914.

   Charles A. Jones was educated in the country schools and through helping his father also gained much valuable knowledge of practical farming. He has continued to follow agricultural pursuits since attaining his majority and now owns eighty acres in Chester township which he cultivates, together with eighty acres of rented land. He engages in diversified farming and receives a good financial return from the sale of his grain, cattle and hogs. He also owns a threshing outfit which he operates during the threshing season and from which he derives a substantial addition to his income. He is energetic and possesses good business judgment and has been successful in all that he has undertaken.

   On the 30th of August, 1904, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Wakelin, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Wakelin. They now have two sons, George and Leslie. Mr. Jones is convinced that the principles of the democratic party are best calculated to promote the welfare of the country and supports that party at the polls. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist church and fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is recognized not only as a successful farmer but also as a public spirited citizen and a man of sterling worth.

   John Hultstedt is a self-made man whose life record proves that success may be attained through perseverance and diligence, for while he started out upon his business career empty handed, he is now the proprietor of the Evergreen Lawn Farm, an excellent tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres in township 14. He was born in Sweden, August 4, 1851, and there attended the common schools until he reached the age of fifteen. He afterward worked upon a farm until 1870, when he came to the United States, making his way first to Illinois, where he remained for five years. In 1875 he arrived in Nebraska and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of railroad land in Saunders county. He immediately took up his abode, upon that place and has since made it his home, during which time he has converted the raw prairie into productive fields. He performed all the arduous work incident to the development of a new farm and as the years have passed by his labors have been attended with a gratifying measure of success. He has brought his place to a high state of cultivation and it is now an excellently improved

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property. Beautiful trees adorn the place, all of his own planting, and his property is appropriately called the Evergreen Lawn Farm.

   Mr. Hultstedt has one sister, Mrs. John Nelson, living near Colon, and another, Mrs. Sophia Johnson, in South Dakota, while his two brothers are: Oscar, a resident of Nebraska; and Frank, who lives upon a farm south of that of his brother John. On the 12th of December, 1888, Mr. Hultstedt was united in marriage to Miss Engrie Olson, a native of Sweden, who passed away December 4, 1900, her remains being interred in the Swedish Lutheran cemetery.

   In his political views Mr. Hultstedt is a democrat but has never sought nor desired public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, and by the careful control of his interests he has gained a place among the substantial farmers of Saunders county.

   Charles J. Ficenec has been identified with financial affairs in both public and individual relations in Wahoo for a number of years, being now cashier of the Citizens State Bank. He has a wide acquaintance in this place, for he has been a lifelong resident of Saunders county, his birth having occurred upon a farm within its borders in 1873. His father, John Ficenec, was born in Bohemia in 1830 and the grandparents spent their entire lives in that country, but John Ficenec, following his marriage in Bohemia to Miss Frances Machac, came to the United States in 1866 and in 1869 established his home in Saunders county, where he spent his remaining days, devoting his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. He died in 1902, having long survived his wife, who passed away in 1878.

   Charles J. Ficenec was a lad of only five years when his mother's death occurred. He attended the country schools and afterward spent two years as a pupil in the high school of Wahoo, while in 1895 he completed a course in a business college at Omaha, from which he was then graduated. For three years he engaged in teaching in the country schools of this county, after which he turned his attention to commercial pursuits, becoming a partner in an implement business in Weston, where he remained for about six years, or until 1902. He then became deputy county treasurer and filled that position for five years, making so creditable a record that in 1907 he was elected to the office of treasurer of Saunders county. His previous experience well qualified him for this position, which he capably filled until he had served for two terms, having been reelected in 1909. He retired from the office as he had entered it - with the confidence and goodwill of all concerned. He subsequently became cashier of the Citizens State Bank at Wahoo and for four years has capably filled this position, bending his energies to administrative direction and displaying marked executive ability in controlling the affairs of the bank.

   On the 26th of April, 1898, in Weston, Mr. Ficenec was married to Miss Mary A. Rehak, a daughter of Winslow Rehak, and they have become the

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parents of four children: Emil B., born in 1899; Adolf A., in 1900; Charles, in 1906; and Raymond, in 1909.

   The parents are communicants of the Catholic church and Mr. Ficenec holds membership with the Knights of Columbus. In politics he is a democrat and is a loyal supporter of the principles of that party but has held no office other than that of county treasurer. He is concentrating his efforts upon his business affairs as a banker and his close application and energy are elements in the growing success of the institution of which he is cashier.

   Rock Creek Farm, the homestead of Anton F. Sabatka, is one of the finest farms in Rock Creek precinct and its owner has gained recognition as an unusually successful agriculturist. He also owns other valuable land, and his holdings total five hundred and sixty acres. He was born in Moravia, Austria, on the 22d day of May, 1868, a son of Anton and Agnes (Hobza) Sabatka. In 1879 the family came to the United States and made their way immediately to Nebraska. After staying for two months at North Bend they located on a one hundred and sixty acre tract of railroad land on section 9, Rock Creek precinct, for which the father paid five dollars an acre. They at once erected a sod house, in which they lived for five years, and then built another sod house, which was at length replaced by a good frame dwelling. The father passed away upon the farm on the 7th of June, 1909, and the mother's death occurred there on the 18th of February, 1902. The elder son, Matthew Sabatka, an account of whose life appears elsewhere in this work, died on the 16th of August, 1902, leaving a wife and five children.

   Anton F. Sabatka was but eleven years old at the time of the family's removal to the United States and the greater part of his life has been passed in this county. He was reared upon the home farm and has continued to follow agricultural pursuits, which he has found profitable and congenial. He is the only one left of the family and has kept in his possession the farm on section 9, Rock Creek precinct, which is known as Rock Creek Farm. It comprises two hundred and forty acres of excellent land, the father having added eighty acres to the original quarter section. Mr. Sabatka has also bought more land and now owns five hundred and sixty acres in all, the greater part of which is in Rock Creek precinct, but one hundred and sixty acres of which is in Chapman precinct. He has gained financial independence and his capital is constantly increasing, as he is thoroughly efficient in his work and is always ready to adopt new methods if they promise to secure better, results than the old. His home farm is improved with seventeen modern buildings, including a splendid eight room frame residence, which he erected in 1913. Everything is provided to add to the comfort and pleasure of country life and the family find a great deal of enjoyment in their fine automobile, which has also proved a good investment from a business point of view.

   On the 12th of April, 1891, Mr. Sabatka was united in marriage to Miss Mary Krafka, also a native of Moravia. She was brought to this country by

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her parents when but a child and has since resided in Saunders county. Mr. and Mrs. Sabatka have twelve children, namely: George, born May 25, 1892; Frank, August 17, 1893; Stella, February 1, 1895; Mary, October 17, 1896; John, February 8, 1898; Rose, May 25, 1899; Catherine, on the 25th of November, 1900; Anton J., July 26, 1902; Charles, March 29, 1904.; James, April 4, 1906; Agnes, March 17, 1908; and Bessie, November I, 1912.

   Mr. Sabatka gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has been too busy with the management of his farming interests to take an active part in politics. He and his family are identified with the Roman Catholic church, to the support of which he contributes. He has gained an enviable standing in his community and his personal characteristics are such that he has won the sincere friendship of many.

   The enterprise and good management of S. S. Sanders have been well rewarded, as he now owns two hundred and forty acres of productive land on section 34, Marble precinct. His birth occurred in Lucas county, Iowa, on the 18th of June, 1861, and he is a son of W. A. and Leah (Birley) Sanders, the former born in Pennsylvania of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry, and the latter in Ohio. They were married in the Buckeye state and lived there for some time thereafter, but at length removed to Iowa, whence in the fall of 1863, they came to Saunders county, Nebraska, by wagon. The father homesteaded land in Clear Creek precinct and for many years concentrated his energies upon its cultivation and development. He gained a gratifying measure of success and at length retired from agricultural pursuits and removed to Ashland, taking up his residence at the Selma Hotel, where he lived for about twelve years. He passed away in April, 1914, and his wife died on Christmas Eve, 1886. He was prominent in his community, and the esteem in which he was held is indicated by the fact that he served in the state senate for two terms from Saunders and Sarpy counties. He was a democrat but was elected to the senate on the fusion ticket. He began his career with practically nothing, but was so capable and enterprising that he gained financial independence. To him and his wife were born ten children, namely: J. A., now a resident of Ashland; G. W. and David, both of whom are deceased; S. S.; Elizabeth, now Mrs. G. S. Smith, of Ashland; Martha and Milo, both of whom have passed away; Arley and Pharis, who are residing upon a farm in Marble precinct which formerly belonged to their father; and Nova, who is living on the home place in Clear Creek precinct.

   S. S. Sanders was reared in this county and received his education in the pioneer schools. Judged by the standards of today those early schools were very primitive and were so poorly equipped that the pupils had to bring their own seats. Mr. Sanders remained at home, assisting his father until he was twenty-four years of age, and then removed to an eighty acre tract on section 34, Marble precinct. Subsequently he took up a timber

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claim of forty acres and he has become the owner of additional land from time to time so that his holdings now comprise two hundred and forty acres. He specializes in raising hogs and baby beef and also in the production of potatoes, his crop the past year totaling about thirty-five hundred bushels. He keeps his work well in hand and as he gives much attention to the proper marketing of his farm products, he derives a good financial return from his land. He has made all of the improvements upon the farm and has recently erected a fine residence which he occupies, while his son Hugh lives in the old house.

   Mr. Sanders was married in 1884 to Miss Emma Macy, and they are the parents of three children: Oren S., who is farming in Marble precinct; Nellie, who married Earl Fletcher and resides near Ashland; and Hugh M., who is assisting his father in operating the homestead.

   Mr. Sanders gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has served ably as road overseer in Marble precinct. His wife was formerly a member of the Christian church but is now a student of Christian Science. He belongs to a number of fraternal organizations, namely: the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Ashland, the Modern Woodmen of America at Yutan and the Degree of Honor and the Royal Highlanders, with both of which his wife is also identified. He is interested in the public welfare and is recognized not only as an efficient agriculturist but also as a public spirited citizen.

   Walter Fleming, a retired farmer residing in Morse Bluff, owns six hundred acres of fine land in Douglas and Morse Bluff precincts, from which he derives a handsome income, and he is also prominently connected with banking interests of the county as president of the Bank of Morse Bluff, which he aided in organizing. A native of Canada, he was born near London, Ontario, on the 12th of December, 1842, a son of Robert and Christina (Beattie) Fleming, both of whom were born in Scotland, the former in Roxburghshire and the latter in Dumfriesshire, near the home of Robert Burns. Robert Fleming settled in New York after emigrating to America and lived there for five years, at the end of which time he returned to Scotland. Subsequently he again crossed the Atlantic and located in London, Ontario, Canada, where he remained until the fall of 1868, when he came to Saunders county. He built the first residence in Douglas precinct and became one of the foremost farmers of his locality. He was the first postmaster of Sand Creek and held that office for thirteen years, and while a resident of Canada was quite prominent in politics there. Further mention of the family is found in the sketch of R. J. Fleming, a brother of our subject.

   Walter Fleming received a common school education and remained at home for several years after he had attained his majority. He accompanied the family to this county and during the first winter worked in a sawmill but at the end of that time began farming for himself. He had received thorough

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training in agriculture through assisting his father, and to his knowledge of farming he added enterprise and sound judgment. As the years passed he persevered and invested in additional land. Douglas precinct, in which he lived, was divided at length and formed into two precincts, Douglas and Morse Bluff, and he still owns six hundred acres of fine land in those precincts. He supervises his farming interests but in 1913 turned his place over to others and removed to Morse Bluff, where he owns a comfortable residence. He aided in organizing the Bank of Morse Bluff, of which he served as a director until he was elected president of the institution, which office he still holds. He keeps in close touch with all phases of the bank's business, and his foresight and astuteness have been important elements in the success of the institution.

   Mr. Fleming was married on the 22d of October, 1872, to Miss Julia Wheeler, a daughter of William Wheeler. To them have been born the following children: Ada, now the wife of John Tawney, who is farming in Douglas precinct; T. M., who married Ada Wilson, and is an attorney of Lewiston, Idaho; W. G., who married Louise Seligman and is farming in Douglas precinct; and R. H., who married Webka Peglar and is operating a farm in Douglas precinct.

   Mr. Fleming is a stalwart republican and has taken an active part in public affairs. He aided in organizing the first school district in his part of the county and during the years 1871 and 1872 held the office of county superintendent of schools, instituting a number of improvements in the school system during that time. He has also been county commissioner for three years and for many years held the office of precinct assessor. At all times he has considered a public office as a public trust. He is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Cedar Bluffs and is loyal to the high principles of that organization. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian but as there is no church of that denomination in his locality he is now affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church of Morse Bluff, which he assisted in organizing and of which he is a trustee. The growth of his interests is further indicated by the fact that he is a sustaining member of the Nebraska State Historical Society. He keeps well informed as to all matters of general interest and his advice is often sought by others in regard to politics and to business questions. He is characterized by a progressive spirit and the desire to. promote the welfare of his community and is one of the most valued residents of Morse Bluff. Personally he is affable and friendly, and he is held in warm regard by those who have been closely associated with him.

   Dr. Edward T. McGuire has successfully practiced medicine in Mead since 1908 and has also been identified with other professional work as for a number of years he was engaged in teaching. He was born in Rossville, Iowa, on the 6th of June, 1870, a son of Edward Thomas and Anna (Toomey) McGuire. Both parents were born in Ireland, the mother of Scotch parentage. The father emigrated to the United States in 184<7 and the mother in 1857. Their marriage

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was solemnized in 1862 and in 1872 they removed from Iowa to Furnas county, Nebraska. Both are now resting in the cemetery at Norton, Kansas. They were the parents of three children: William T., who is married and resides in South Dakota; Miss Margaret C., who is living in Lincoln; and Edward T.

   The last named was brought to Nebraska when less than two years of age and attended the common schools in this state until he was twelve years old. Subsequently he attended the high school at Norton Kansas, after which he was for two years a student in Hastings College at Hastings, Nebraska, and then entered the University of Nebraska, from which he was graduated in 1898 with the degree of LL. B. Later he took a course in the Fremont College and School of Pharmacy at Fremont, Nebraska, from which he received the degree of Ph. G. in 1904. He had determined to devote his life to the practice of medicine and accordingly entered the College of Medicine, of Cotner University at Bethany, Nebraska, where in 1908 he completed his professional work and received the degree of M. D. In that year he located at Mead, where he has built up a large and representative practice, and where he is recognized as an able and up-to-date physician. He is careful in diagnosis and gives his patients the closest attention, neglecting no means that might restore them to health. He holds the confidence of both the general public and his professional brethren and has gained a gratifying success in his chosen field of work. He earned the money that paid for his college course by teaching school, with which profession he became identified in 1885, and he taught in country schools, in high schools and in college. While at the Fremont School and College of Pharmacy he served for some time as dean and proved very efficient in that responsible position.

   Dr. McGuire was married June 14, 1908, in Fremont, to Miss Julia Reckmeyer. By a former marriage he has one daughter, Miss Vivian A. McGuire, who is now teaching in Furnas county, Nebraska.

   Dr. McGuire is independent in politics, refusing to obey the dictates of a party leader. He has taken an active part in public affairs and has served as a member of the town board and as mayor of Mead, in which office he is now serving his fourth term, his several reelections indicating his efficiency and popularity. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic lodge at Fremont, the Odd Fellows lodge at Edison, and the Modern Woodmen camp at Mead. He not only stands high in professional circles but is also esteemed as a citizen of marked public spirit and as a man of genuine worth of character. He is a member of the Saunders County Medical Society, the Eclectic State Medical Society and the Nebraska State Medical Society.

   Among the native sons of Saunders county who have continued to reside here and have found that the opportunities offered by the county are such as to enable them to secure a gratifying measure of prosperity is Frank P. Bartosh, who is manager of the Farmers Grain Company at Morse Bluff and is also operating a good farm in Bohemia precinct. He was born in that precinct on

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the 15th of January, 1879, and is a son of Frank and Josephine Bartosh, who were born in Bohemia, Austria, but emigrated to the United States and settled on a farm in Bohemia precinct, Saunders county, at an early day in the history of Nebraska. The father has passed away, but the mother is still living and resides with a daughter in Spokane, Washington.

   Frank P. Bartosh received the greater part of his education in the public schools of Bohemia precinct, but for one year attended school at Spokane, Washington. On beginning his independent career he accepted a position as bookkeeper in North Bend, Nebraska, but at the end of a year took charge of the family homestead in Bohemia precinct, which he operated for nine years, or until April 12, 1915. He was then made manager of the Farmers Grain Company at Morse Bluff; and, although he has had charge of the business for only a short time, he has already demonstrated his fitness for the place. The company is accorded a good patronage and he is recognized as a factor in the business development of Morse Bluff. Mr. Bartosh still successfully operates the homestead in Bohemia precinct, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres and which he now owns.

   Mr. Bartosh was married on the 15th of January, 1907, to Miss Mary J. Chvatal, a daughter of Anton and Mary Chvatal, and they have become parents of two children, Irene and Francis. Mr. Bartosh is independent in the exercise of his right of franchise and keeps well informed as to the political issues of the day. He is serving as treasurer of the school hoard and his record in that capacity is highly creditable. His fraternal affiliation is with the Woodmen of the World and his religious faith is indicated by the fact that he is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church. His business interests naturally make heavy demands upon his time and energy, but he also finds opportunity to cooperate in movements seeking the advancement of his community and is recognized as a public-spirited citizen. Personally he is popular, for his salient characteristics are such as invariably command respect and warm regard.

   Irvin H. Frahm, who is extensively and successfully engaged in farming in Douglas township, was born in Saunders county on the 2d of August, 1875, of the marriage of Jacob and Carolina Frahm, natives of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. In 1847 they emigrated to the United States and took up their residence in Illinois, whence they came to Saunders county. The father homesteaded an eighty acre tract in Douglas township on what is now section 32 and there carried on general agricultural pursuits. From the beginning he prospered and from time to time he invested in more land, becoming the owner of four hundred acres on section 32, Douglas township. In 1899 he bought two hundred and forty acres of land one mile north of the homestead and took up his residence on that, place, where he lived for four years. At the end of that time he retired from active life and he and his wife are now living in Wahoo.

   Irvin H. Frahm received his education in the district schools of Douglas

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precinct and gained his training in farm work through assisting his father. When the latter retired and removed to Wahoo he assumed charge of the two hundred and forty acres and for about six years devoted his time to the operation of that place. At the end of that time he removed to Wahoo but in 1918 located on the home farm of four hundred acres, which he has since operated and on which he has erected a beautiful residence and a good barn and outbuildings. He keeps everything about the place in excellent condition and in his work follows modern methods and uses up-to-date machinery. He harvests good crops and also raises cattle and hogs, for which he receives a good price.

   Mr. Frahm was married on the 30th of September, 1903, to Miss Anna Reeder, a daughter of J. L. Reeder, and two children have been born to this union, namely: Odette I. and Fay S.

   Mr. Frahm votes the republican ticket but has never taken an active part in politics, as his farm work leaves him little time for outside interests. He is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is ranked among the most progressive and most efficient farmers of the county and is also esteemed as a good citizen and as a man of sterling integrity.

   A history of Wahoo would be incomplete without extended reference to Douglas R. Phelps, who was long accounted one of the foremost business men and representative residents of the city. He had many sterling qualities which gained for him high respect and won for him the warm friendship of those with whom he came in contact. At his demise a local paper spoke of him as "one of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens . . . whose death was a shock to the people of the community."

   Mr. Phelps was a native of Wyoming county, New York, born April 25, 1844, and in the Empire state spent the period of his boyhood and youth, acquiring his education in the public schools. He was eighteen years of age when in 1862 he responded to the country's call for aid to put down the rebellion in the south and enlisted as a member of Company C, First Regiment, New York Dragoons, with which he served until the close of hostilities, participating in a number of important engagements which led up to the final victory that crowned the Union arms. He was always a faithful soldier, never faltering in the performance of duty, whether stationed on the lonely picket line or facing danger on the firing line.

   In 1868 Mr. Phelps removed to the west, making his way to Nebraska, where he first settled in Omaha, but in June of the same year took up a homestead in Cedar precinct, Saunders county. After living upon and developing that place for four years he located in Fremont and became connected with the line of business in which he afterward engaged, securing employment in a lumberyard, where he worked until the fall of 1879. He then came to Wahoo and began conducting a lumberyard in connection with F. M. Stratton. Some time afterward he disposed of his interest in the business to his partner and

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          389

purchased another yard, of which he remained the owner until his death, although for several years before his son, M. A. Phelps, had attended to the details of the business, relieving his father of the active management and responsibilities. In August, 1907, they incorporated the business under the name of the D. R. Phelps Lumber & Coal Company, but three days later the father passed away.

   Douglas R. Phelps was united in marriage to Miss Clara Harrington and for a long period they traveled life's journey happily together, their mutual love and happiness increasing as the years passed on. In March, 1907, they were separated by the death of the wife and Mr. Phelps survived only until the following August. They were the parents of three children: Grace L., now Mrs. Harry S. Sayer, of Brookings, South Dakota; May I., of Los Angeles, California; arid Marion A., of Wahoo.

   Mr. Phelps was a republican in his political views and fraternally was connected with the Odd Fellows lodge and also with John Andrews Post, G. A. R., of Wahoo, through which he maintained close and pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He was ever as true and loyal in matters of citizenship in days of peace as when he followed the old flag upon the battle-fields of the south. He was a man of broad ideas, liberal in his opinions, holding to high and manly principles and always ready to do his part in anything that tended to the development of the community. In 1890 he united with the Congregational church and was thereafter one of its devout members, guiding his life according to its teaching's. He had many substantial qualities worthy of praise and not the least of these was his capacity for warm and true friendships.

   Joseph Vaclav Kaspar, manager of the Prague Farmers Stock & Grain Company, was born in Elk precinct, September 1, 1876. His father, Vaclav Kaspar, was born August 14, 1839, and his life's activities covered the intervening period to the 5th of August, 1914, when death called him. He wedded Mary Cizek. The father and grandfather were employed in the coal mines in Bohemia, the latter acting as a mine superintendent. The family of Vaclav and Mary Kaspar numbered two sons and four daughters, of whom Joseph Vaclav is the youngest. The others are: James, living upon the home farm in Elk precinct; Mrs. Anna Vasina, who was born in Prague and whose husband is now deceased; Mary, the wife of Anton Fujan, a farmer of Elk precinct; Christina, the wife of James A. Kliment, of Prague; and Josephine. It was in the year 1861 that the father came from Bohemia and settled in Illinois, locating in Will county, where he was employed in the coal mines for a year or more. He then came to Nebraska, journeying westward by way of Nebraska City, where he purchased a team of oxen and thence proceeded to Saunders county. Here he took up a homestead of eighty acres in Chester precinct and afterward removed to section 1, Elk precinct, where he secured a homestead claim and a timber claim of three hundred and twenty acres.

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   It was upon his father's farm that Joseph Vaclav Kaspar learned the value of industry and perseverance. He worked there until seventeen years of age and in the meantime attended the public schools of Prague. Afterward he entered the Omaha Business College, in which he studied for a year, and still later he secured a position in the mill which his father and brother had started at Prague. He was there employed for four years, after which he removed to Ashland, Nebraska, where he engaged in the flour milling business for another year. He then returned to Prague and in partnership with his father engaged in the milling business for eight years, at the end of which time he sold out to Charles Kastl and Dr. J. F. Kaspar in 1903. For a period he remained inactive in business, enjoying a well earned rest, but later turned his attention to the live-stock business, in which he continued for three years. In April, 1914, he accepted his present position and is proving most capable and efficient as manager of the Prague Farmers Stock & Grain Company. He is also a stockholder in the same company, is the owner of eighty acres of land in Oklahoma and also has a tract of forty acres in Chester precinct, on which he lives. The Prague Farmers Stock & Grain Company was organized in 1893 and was reorganized in 1903. Two of their elevators have been destroyed by fire, one in 1904 and another in 1905. In 1914 their elevators took in over one hundred and thirty-five thousand bushels of grain and in 1915 the amount exceeded one hundred and fifty thousand bushels.

   On the 31st of October, 1903, Mr. Kaspar was united in marriage to Miss Mary Otradovsky, a daughter of Joseph Otradovsky, of Schuyler, Nebraska, and they have two children, Olga and Hilda.

   In politics Mr. Kaspar is a democrat, and for one term served as a member of the city council. His father was one of the charter members of the Plasi Catholic church in Elk precinct, but the family are not now connected with any church. Mr. Kaspar of this review, however, is a loyal and devoted member of several fraternal organizations. He belongs to the Z. C. B. J., a Bohemian society, the Woodmen of the World, of which he served as secretary for six years, and to the Masonic lodge at North Bend. His has been an active and well spent life, his labors being intelligently directed, and in the conduct of his business affairs he seems to have readily discriminated between the essential and the nonessential and has made every point in his career one that has counted for the utmost in the attainment of honorable and growing success.

   William Bays, a real-estate dealer of Valparaiso, is also filling the offices of city clerk and township assessor, in which capacities he is proving very efficient. He was born upon a farm near Solsberry, Greene county, Indiana, on the 13th of July, 1843, a son of David and Rose Bays. The father, who was a native of Kentucky, died when our subject was only three years of age and the mother subsequently married Abner Arthur. She passed away in 1905 at Bloomfield, Indiana, when seventy-nine years of age, as her birth occurred on the 7th of January, 1826.

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PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          393

   William Bays received a very meager education, as the district in which he was reared was then a frontier region and his assistance was required in the arduous work of developing a farm. The only schools at that time were subscription schools, which he attended for two terms of three months each and for one forty day term. His early experiences on the frontier, however, developed in him hardihood, perseverance and determination that enabled him to succeed in spite of obstacles. He continued to work upon the home farm until he was nineteen years of age and then enlisted in the Seventy-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry for service in the Civil war. His regiment was cut to pieces at Richmond, Kentucky, and not long afterward he was discharged on account of physical disability. Later; however, he reenlisted, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he held the rank of sergeant. He was on detached duty on the Missouri river and on the 28th of September, 1864, at the end of the term of one hundred days, for which he had enlisted, he was discharged at Mattoon, Illinois. On the 22d of January, 1865, he reenlisted for a year and was commissioned second lieutenant of Company F, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. With that command he participated in the battles at Chattanooga and Cleveland, Tennessee, and at Dalton, Georgia. He received his final discharge from the army on the 22d of May, 1865, and then located in Camargo, Illinois, where he farmed for two years. At the end of that time he removed to Lancaster county, Nebraska, where he homesteaded eighty acres in Wesook precinct, section 12, range 12, township 5, and in 1869 he took up an additional eighty acres in Hamilton county. He continued to farm in Lancaster county, until 1880, but on the 15th of February, that year, removed to Valparaiso, Saunders county, Nebraska, where he engaged in the live-stock business until 1895. He was one of the most successful stock dealers in the county, shipping on an average of two carloads of hogs a week during the year and during the winter months shipping a carload of cattle a week.

   In 1895 Mr. Bays turned his attention to the grain business, renting an elevator which he conducted for three years. At the end of that time he became connected with the Omaha Elevator Company, with which he remained until 1903, when he turned his attention to the real-estate field, in which he has since operated. He knows the property upon the market and as he is a good judge of realty values he is able to buy and sell to an advantage.

   Mr. Bays was married on the 12th of January, 1865, at Tuscola, Illinois, to Miss Mary M. Bagley, who was born in Douglas county, that state, in 1840 and died in December, 1871. To that union were born two sons, Thomas and William, both of whom are deceased. On the 3d of February, 1873, Mr. Bays was again married, Miss Matilda J. Branch becoming his wife. She was born in New York in May, 1839, and died on the 2d of May, 1908. She was the mother of three children: Clayton and Erne, both of whom are deceased; and Burton R., now deputy secretary of state of Nebraska. Mr. Bays was united in marriage on the 22d of October, 1909, to Miss Lodema Anderson.

   Mr. Bays gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has for many years taken an active part in public affairs. For the past five years he has been township assessor and for the last two years city clerk, and he has also held those offices in previous years. He likewise served on the school

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board in Lancaster county, Nebraska, and held the offices of president and treasurer of that body. Since becoming a resident of Valparaiso he has been a member of the city board of education. In addition to the offices already mentioned he has been justice of the peace for fifteen years and in that capacity, as in the others in which he has served, he has regarded public office as a public trust. Through his membership in the Major Harlan Baird Post, No. 64, G. A. R., he keeps in touch with his comrades of the '60s and is at present serving as adjutant. Fraternally he belongs to Square Lodge, No. 151, F. & A. M., of which he has served as secretary for twenty years. His connection with so many phases of life has made him widely known, and his genuine worth is attested by the fact that those who have known him most intimately are his stanchest friends.

   Cyrus T. Condit, a well known citizen of Mead, was formerly active in the lumber trade but has now disposed of his interests in that business and is devoting his time and attention to banking. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on the 15th of October, 1843, a son of Jonas and Miranda (Church) Condit, both natives of Pennsylvania. In 1868 they removed westward to Fremont, Nebraska, and a year later went to Denver, Colorado, where both died and were buried.

   Cyrus T. Condit received his education in the common schools of Geneva, Ohio, where the family home was established when he was a year old. When he reached the age of eighteen he left school and began working at the carpenter's trade, assisting his father, who was an expert workman in that line. When a young man of twenty-five years he became a resident of Fremont, Nebraska, where he worked at carpentering until 1877. He then removed to Mead and dealt in lumber and grain here until 1907, building up a large and profitable business. In 1885 he also became interested in banking and is still connected with the Bank of Mead, of which he is cashier - a position he has held for many years. Among his salient characteristics are decisiveness, business acumen and the ability to correctly judge men, and these qualities have enabled him to succeed in all that he has undertaken.

   On the 10th of January, 1876, Mr. Condit was united in marriage to Miss Jeanette Williams, a native of Wisconsin, whom he met while she was visiting in Fremont. They have one daughter, Delia, now the wife of Percy A. Adams, of Wahoo, by whom she has a son, Charles Condit Adams.

   Mr. Condit supports the republican party at the polls and keeps well informed on the events and movements of the day. He attends a number of churches and is ready to cooperate with all agencies seeking the development of the community along moral lines. His record should serve as a stimulus to young men beginning their careers without capital and without the aid of influential friends, for he has at all times depended solely upon his own efforts and by planning wisely and persevering in the working out of his plans he has gained financial independence and at the same time has won the respect

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and goodwill of all with whom he has had dealings. He is widely known throughout the county and is generally recognized as one of its foremost citizens.

   James Orville Beaman, one of the leading farmers of Rock Creek precinct, owns one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land on sections 26 and 35 and has given to his place the name of Willowdale Farm. His birth occurred on a farm in Davis county, Iowa, on the 19th of September, 1854, and he is a son of Alonzo and Elizabeth (Kelly) Beaman. The father, who was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, served in both the Mexican and Civil wars and in times of peace manifested the same spirit of patriotism that led him to join the armed forces of his country when its interests were in danger. By his marriage with Elizabeth Kelly he had six children, four sons and two daughters, namely: Justus W.; Sarah Frances, who was killed by lightning in Davis county, Iowa, when a girl; Ira K.; James Orville; Martha Harriet; and William Madison. Following the demise of his first wife Mr. Beaman married Mrs. Susan (Ethell) Holmes, by whom he had three children, only one now living, namely David L. The demise of Mr. Beaman occurred in Redwillow countv, Nebraska, in 1886, and his widow died in 1908.

   James O. Beaman resided in Iowa until he was about ten years of age, when he accompanied his father and stepmother to Otoe county, Nebraska. He remained under the parental roof for eleven years more, but in 1875 he came to Saunders county and became the owner of his present farm on section 26, Rock Creek precinct. His place is three and a half miles west of Ceresco and comprises one hundred and sixty acres of productive and highly cultivated land, from which he derives a substantial financial return. He has managed his business affairs well and has proved efficient as an agriculturist and is now one of the substantial men of his precinct.

   Mr. Beaman was married on the 23d of March, 1879, to Miss Mary Ann Ethell, a daughter of Benjamin Ethell, one of the early settlers of Rock Creek precinct, having arrived here in 1872. Mrs. Beaman passed away on the 1st of May, 1904, leaving three children, a daughter and two sons. Grace Ethell, who was born on the 23d of March, 1880, has capably presided over her father's home since her mother's death. James Otis, the elder son, was born December 8, 1888; and George Everett, the youngest of the family, was born on the 25th of January, 1899.

   Mr. Beaman has supported the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he has held various local offices. For twelve years he served as assessor, and for thirty years he has been a member of the school board, his long continuance in those positions proving the efficiency and conscientiousness with which he discharges his duties. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church. He has visited the Pacific coast twice, first in 1905 and again in 1915. In the latter year he was accompanied by his daughter, Miss Grace, and son George Everett, and in addition to visiting both

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expositions in California they stopped at many cities, including Houston, Galveston, San Antonio, Fort Worth and El Paso, Texas; Juarez, Mexico; Los Angeles, California; Portland, Oregon; Seattle and Spokane, Washington; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado. Moreover, they took a side trip from Los Angeles to Catalina island. They were gone for three months and derived much pleasure and profit from their trip. Mr. Beaman has lived in Rock Creek precinct for forty years and during that time has always done all in his power to advance the interests of his community and is recognized as a prominent resident of his precinct.

   Ashland is the home of a number of well known retired farmers, men who have been active along agricultural lines and through intelligently directed effort have won success that has brought to them a comfortable competence enabling them to rest from further labors. Such is the record of Jefferson B. Russell, who was born in Ohio, February 2, 1841, a son of William and Rachel (Robins) Russell, natives of Pennsylvania. The father went to Ohio in early life with his parents and in that state was reared to manhood. Eventually he became the owner of a farm near Wooster, Ohio, upon which he lived for five years. Later he removed to Sandusky county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of government land, which he developed and improved, continuing its cultivation from 1830 until 1863. In the latter year he became a resident of Lee county, Illinois, where he purchased land which he cultivated until 1870, in which year he arrived in Saunders county, Nebraska. Here he also operated land and devoted several years to the further improvement and development of that farm but eventually retired and removed to Ashland, where he continued to make his home until he was called to his final rest in October, 1898, when he had reached the remarkable old age of ninety-two years. For some time he survived his wife, who passed away in September, 1897, at the age of eighty-six years.

   Jefferson B. Russell was reared and educated in Ohio and remained with his parents to the age of thirty-three years. He was a young man of but twenty, however, when in 1861 he responded to the country's call for troops and joined the Union army as a member of Company F, Seventy-second Ohio Infantry, with which he served until September, 1865, when, the war having closed, he was mustered out with the rank of first lieutenant, returning to his home with a most creditable military record. Not long afterward he removed to Illinois, where his father had in the meantime taken up his abode, and there Jefferson B. Russell operated the home farm until he reached the age of thirty-three years, when he became the owner of land in Saunders county, Nebraska, securing a tract in Clear Creek precinct, which he developed and improved for many years. He converted this into very productive fields from which he annually gathered good harvests. There he resided until 1906, when he retired and removed to Ashland and purchased a nice residence which he now occupies.

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   In June, 1874, Mr. Russell was married to Miss Elmina Moon, a daughter of Abner D. and Sarah (Hillman) Moon, the former a native of Coopers-town, New York, and the latter of England. About 1889 the parents became residents of Lee county, Illinois, where the father purchased land. They were married on the 18th of August of that year at Malone, New York, after which they went to Illinois, where the father preempted land, which he cultivated for a long period. He later sold his original farm and bought a tract of land near the town, to which he devoted his remaining days. He died September 17, 1877, at the age of sixty-one years, while his wife's death occurred on the 19th of December, 1900, when she had reached her eighty-fourth year. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have become the parents of three children. Pearl H., born October 4, 1877, is the wife of Fred R. Hackney, who is operating his father-in-law's farm in Clear Creek precinct. Doshie G., born November 1, 1879, is the wife of Errette Woodford and they reside in Palmer, Nebraska. Roe I., born April 19, 1881, married Thomas B. Moore, of Friend, this state.

   The religious faith of the parents is that of the Congregational church, to which they loyally adhere. Mr. Russell gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has several times been called to public office by the vote of his fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth, ability and public-spirited citizenship. He filled the office of county commissioner for three years, has been a member of the council of Ashland and for two terms served as mayor, giving to the town a businesslike administration productive of many improvements in municipal service. He has also been school director and school treasurer and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he is a member of Bob McCook Post, No. 31, G. A. R., of Ashland, of which he is now commander.

   Peter H. Dau, an efficient and prosperous farmer residing in Marble precinct, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, on the 23d of June, 1854, a son of R. J. and Wiebke (Stohl) Dau, both of whom passed their entire lives in that country. To their union were born four children: Sophia, who is still living in Germany; Peter H.; and Herman and Maria, also residents of Germany.

   Peter H. Dau was educated in his native land and remained there for a number of years after attaining his majority. In 1880, however, he emigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago, where for six months he followed his trade, that of a cabinetmaker. At the end of that time he went to Kankakee county, Illinois, and embarked in the furniture business, in which he continued for about a year. In the spring of 1884 he returned to Chicago but after remaining there for a year came to Saunders county, Nebraska. For a similar period he was associated with his cousin, Nicholas Miller, but in 1886 he began farming on his own account. He proved successful as an agriculturist and in 1893 purchased his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres

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on section 21, Marble precinct. He has erected almost all of the buildings, which are modern and substantial, and has otherwise improved his place. For a considerable period he engaged in carpentering in addition to his agricultural pursuits but he now concentrates his attention upon the operation of his farm.

   On April 2, 1887, Mr. Dau was united in marriage to Miss Anna Jacobs, who was also born in Germany, and by whom he has eight children, namely: Henry R., who is assisting his father; Herman, a resident of North Dakota; and Otto, Henrietta, Amelia, Caroline, Clarence and Elmer, all of whom are at home.

   Mr. Dau gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, as he believes that its policies are based upon sound principles of government. He is liberal in his religious belief and was formerly identified with the Knights of Pythias, but the lodge to which he belonged has now ceased to exist. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers Union and has always taken an active part in the work of that organization, which has done much to promote the interests of the farmers of Saunders county. He is widely known and is justly held in high esteem by all who have been associated with him.

   Daniel Shupe is a well-to-do farmer residing in Ashland and is also a veteran of the Civil war, having served, in an Illinois regiment for three years. His birth occurred in Parke county, Indiana, in August, 1843, and his parents were Daniel B. and Mary (Bloxom) Shupe, both natives of Ohio. The father removed to Indiana at an early day in the history of that state and there purchased land, which he improved and operated until 1849. With his family, he then took up his residence in Cumberland county, Illinois, where he bought a farm, to the operation of which he devoted the remainder of his life. He passed away in 1872 but was survived by his wife until 1888.

   Daniel Shupe received his education in Illinois, as he was but six years of age when the family removed to that state. He remained at home during his boyhood and youth, gaining much valuable training in agriculture through assisting his father. When nineteen years of age he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Illinois Infantry, as did three of his brothers, and he remained at the front until the close of the war, or for three years. During that time he took part in ninety-seven battles and skirmishes but escaped without even so much as a scratch. When peace was restored he returned home and began farming land which his father had given him. Subsequently he purchased an adjoining tract and continued to follow agricultural pursuits in Illinois until 1879. In that year he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, and bought land in Marble precinct in addition to taking up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres twelve miles north of Ashland. He concentrated his energies upon the operation and improvement of his farms until 1912, when he rented his three hundred and twenty acres and removed to Ashland, where he owns a commodious residence on the main street. He was energetic and efficient in the cultivation of his land and seldom failed to

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