PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          401

harvest good crops. He also managed his business affairs well and is now one of the substantial men of his community.

   In September, 1868, occurred the marriage of Mr. Shupe and Miss Charlotte E. Jordan, a daughter of Washington and Leonora (Johnson) Jordan, who were pioneers of Indiana, where the father engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Shupe became the parents of four children: William F., who was born August 24, 1869, and died August 18, 1870; Mary L., who was born January 4, 1871, and passed away February 8, 1900; Martin L., whose birth occurred July 8, 1873, and who is now a merchant at Wann, this county; and Daniel O., who was born June 2, 1875, and is farming in Antelope county, this state. The wife and mother died on the 3d of December, 1876, and on the 18th of April, 1878, Mr. Shupe was again married, Miss Rebecca A. Dryden becoming his wife. Her parents, Jonathan and Nancy (Allison) Dryden, were natives respectively of Tennessee and of North Carolina, but they became pioneers of Cumberland county, Illinois, where the father farmed until called by death in 1863. The mother survived until 1875. By his second marriage Mr. Shupe has a son, Robert C., who was born March 12, 1884, and is now the Presbyterian minister at Ashland, Kansas. In December, 1914, Mrs. Shupe passed away after an illness of five years.

   The republican party has a stanch adherent in Mr. Shupe, who believes that its policies are based upon sound principles of government. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church, to which he belongs, and no movement seeking the moral progress of his community lacks his cooperation. Through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic he keeps in touch with others who fought in defense of the Union, and he has in times of peace manifested the same patriotism that led him to enlist in the Union army, as he has at all times placed the general good above his personal interests. He is highly esteemed by all who know him, and his circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

   The field of education seems to be one for which woman is eminently fitted, for many are the notable records that have been made by women in the profession of teaching. Among this number is Ella B. Williams, now county superintendent of schools of Saunders county. A native of Erie county, Pennsylvania, she is a daughter of Hiram and Emeline R. (Dumond) Owen. Her father was born in Cattaraugus county. New York, in 1821, while her mother was a native of Delaware county, that state, and they were married in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in 1848. The paternal grandfather, James Owen, was a native of New York and served his country as a soldier in the War of 1812. His son, Hiram Owen, died October 20, 1895, having for more than two decades survived his wife, who passed away in 1874.

   The daughter Ella pursued her education in the public schools, supplemented by study in the Waterford (Pa.) Academy and in a Nebraska college. She received her Bachelor of Science degree and holds a life certificate. Com-

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pleting her education, she entered upon the work of the teaching profession, in which she continued successfully, and in January, 1910, recognition of her ability came in her election to the office of county superintendent of schools, in which position she is doing effective work to uphold the standards of education and to inspire teachers and pupils with much of her own zeal and interest.

   It was in Erie, Pennsylvania, that Ella B. Owen became the wife of C. C. Williams and to them has been born a daughter, Agatha May, the wife of Norman C. Gregory, now of Portland, Oregon. Mrs. Williams is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a lady of attractive social qualities as well as of marked business and professional ability. In connection with the county superintendency she is constantly studying out new methods for the improvement of the schools or to stimulate the interest of teachers and pupils and under her guidance a marked advance has been made in the system of education of Saunders county.

   Starting in life as a farm hand, Peter H. Olson has worked his way steadily upward step by step and as the result of his indefatigable industry and sound judgment has become one of the substantial farmers of his community, owning two hundred acres of good land. He was born in Sweden April 8, 1856, a son of H. G. and Bengta Olson, who in the year 1873 crossed the Atlantic to the new world. They made their way westward to Saunders county, Nebraska, and Mr. Olson purchased eighty acres of railroad land, taking up his abode on section 15, Wahoo township. He purchased an additional eighty acres in 1880 and became one of the active and progressive farmers of his community. In 1854 he wedded Miss Bengta Giessel, by whom he had seven children, as follows: Nels, who is deceased; Peter H., whose name initiates this review; Engrie, deceased; Engrie, the second of the name, who has also passed away; Nels, the second of the name; Swan; and Katie. The religious faith of the family is that of the Swedish Lutheran church, the parents holding membership in the church at Mead. In his political views Mr. Olson is a republican. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out in life empty handed, having no financial assistance nor the influence of friends to aid him. He recognized the fact, however, that hard work is the basis of all honorable prosperity and he applied himself closely to the tasks which confronted him. He worked steadily and persistently year after year, carefully saved his earnings and made judicious investments. As opportunity offered he added to the improvements upon his farm and in time became recognized as one of the well-to-do agriculturists of the county.

   Peter H. Olson largely acquired his education in the country schools of his native land and when seventeen years of age crossed the Atlantic to the United States with his parents and became a resident of Saunders county. Later he spent two months during two winter seasons in school, thus improv-

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ing his knowledge of English as well as acquainting himself with certain branches of learning. He began to earn his living as a farm hand and was thus employed for eight years, during which time he carefully saved his money, hoping to one day become owner of a farm. At length he felt his capital was sufficient to justify his purchase of land and he bought eighty acres of railroad land, to which he afterward added another tract of forty acres. Since that time he has continuously engaged in farming and is numbered among the leading agriculturists of his community. He has planted a grove, for there was nothing but the raw prairie when he took possession. At present there is embraced within the boundaries of his farm a good tract of land of two hundred acres, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, annually gathering good crops as the reward of his perseverance and labors.

   When a young man of twenty-seven years Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Miss Emma Anderson, who died four years later. Two years afterward he wedded Miss Ellen Swanson, daughter of Swan Johnson. They became the parents of three children, namely: Swan Elof Olson, who is deceased; Arthur Herbert, a resident of Montana; and Russella Matilda, at home.

   Mr. Olson and his family hold membership in the Swedish Lutheran church at Mead and in politics he is independent, voting for the man whom he regards as best qualified for office without consideration of party affiliation. He has lived to see many changes in the county, where he has resided since pioneer times or for a period of forty-two years. He has borne his part in the work of general development and improvement along agricultural lines and he rejoices in what has been accomplished for the benefit and upbuilding of the county in every way.

   Frant Zabka, who owns a saloon at Prague, was born in Austria on the 24th of June, 1888, and dates his residence in the United States from 1898, when he accompanied his parents, John and Anna Zabka, to this country. The family settled in Schuyler, Nebraska, where the father, who was a retired army surgeon, lived until his death on the 15th of February, 1913. The mother is now living in Omaha with a son and daughter. There were five children in the family, namely: Frant; Anton, deceased; Louis and Marie, both living in Omaha; and Ludwig, deceased.

   Frant Zabka received his early education in his native land but attended school in Schuyler for three and a half years after his emigration to this country and was also for a year and a half a student in the Omaha high school, from which he was graduated in 1903. He then entered the State University at Lincoln, where he remained for a year and a half, after which he taught school for some time, following that profession at Schuyler and Omaha, where he had charge of a Bohemian school, and at Prague. In 1913 he became the owner of a saloon in Prague, which he is still conducting. He derives a gratifying profit from that undertaking and is also the owner of the opera house.

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   Mr. Zabka was married on the 24th of November, 1908, to Miss Marie Bures, a daughter of John and Marie Bures, and to this marriage have been born five children: Marie, Frank, Sylvia, Albin and John.

   Mr. Zabka is an adherent of the democratic party and fraternally is connected, with Lodge No. 39, B. P. O. E., of Omaha; and Nebraska Lodge, No. 1, K. P., of Omaha. He is also identified with the Z. C. B. J. at Prague and with the C. S. D. P. J., at St. Paul, Minnesota, of which he is national vice president. He is energetic and efficient, qualities which insure his continued success.

   S. P. Rosengren, who resides in Center township, is one of the good citizens and efficient farmers of the county. His birth occurred near Copenhagen, Denmark, on the 81st of December, 1855, and he is a son of Jens and Ellen (Bengtson) Rosengren, who were born and reared in Sweden. They were married in that country but subsequently removed to Denmark, where they resided for five years. Becoming converted to the Mormon religion, they decided to remove to Utah and on the 12th of May, 1861, sailed from Copenhagen on the ship Monarch of the Sea, which reached the United States seven weeks later. On the voyage a severe storm was encountered which lasted for three days. Mr. and Mrs. Rosengren and their family at once made their way westward, going to Chicago, thence to Quincy, Illinois, and from that point by boat to Hannibal, Missouri. They continued their journey to St. Joseph, where they took a river boat to Florence, Nebraska, whence they went by ox team across the country to Salt Lake City, Utah, reaching their destination ten weeks after landing in this country. They settled at Ephraim, Utah, where they resided for eleven years, after which, in 1873, they came to Saunders county, Nebraska, and the father purchased railroad land on section 7, Center township, where he continued to reside until his death in 1885. His wife died in 1893 and both are buried in Sunrise cemetery at Wahoo. They were the parents of seven children, of whom three reached mature years, namely: John, a resident of Fremont; Nels, deceased; and S. P.

   The last named attended school in Utah for a comparatively short time and is largely a self-educated man. He possesses the faculty of close observation, has read widely and is now well informed on all questions of general interest. During his boyhood and youth he assisted in the operation of the home farm and after reaching maturity farmed in partnership with his father. He still resides upon the homestead, which came into his possession following his parents' death. He owns one hundred and eighty acres of excellent land and is very successfully engaged in general farming, raising both grain and stock.

   On September 4, 1885, Mr. Rosengren was married to Miss Margaret Elizabeth Erickson, a native of Sweden, by whom he has had five children: Anna, the wife of W. E. Weis, a native of Westside, Iowa; Agnes H., at home; Elvira S., deceased; Adele V., who is teaching school in this county; and Orion S., who is a graduate of the State Agricultural College at Lincoln, and is now at home.

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   Mr. Rosengren believes in the principles of the republican party but when national issues are not at stake often votes independently. He has been quite active in public affairs, having served for two or three terms as assessor and having been school director for twenty-one years, during which time he has been influential in advancing the standards of the public-school system. His wife and children belong to the Lutheran church but he was reared in the Mormon faith. He is a man of unquestioned integrity, and his agreeable personal qualities have gained him the warm friendship of many.

   Dennis Grimes, who is devoting his time to the operation of his fine farm of two hundred acres in Marble precinct, was born in Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania, on the 16th of November, 1854, of the marriage of Richard and Anne (Armstrong) Grimes, both of whom were natives of County Sligo, Ireland. They were married before coming to the United States, to which country they emigrated in 1853, and took up their residence in Pennsylvania, where they lived until called by death. The father was a railroad man and helped to build the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, in whose employ he remained for more than forty years. His long continued and faithful service was recognized and after retiring he received a pension until his demise, which occurred on the 2d of December, 1906, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. His wife died in April, 1911, when eighty-five years old. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Maria, deceased; Dennis; Richard W., Ellen, Anna, Lizzie and Maggie, all of whom have passed away.

   Dennis Grimes was educated in the public schools and in 1875 was graduated from the high school at Moscow, Pennsylvania. The following year he came west, believing that there were better opportunities for the ambitious young man in this section than in the more fully developed and more thickly settled east. He came to Saunders county, Nebraska, where he homesteaded one hundred and twenty acres and purchased eighty acres of land in Marble precinct. For a short time after his arrival here he herded cattle but as soon as possible began the development of his farm, which he made one of the well improved places of Marble precinct. At length he sold that place and purchased his present farm, which comprises two hundred acres on section 30, Marble precinct, and which he has improved with excellent buildings, including a fine silo. He raises grain and also stock and derives a good income from both lines of activity. He is not only efficient as a farmer and stock-raiser but he also markets his produce and manages his affairs in accordance with the principles of good business and for five years he conducted the elevator at Wann in addition to his agricultural work.

   Mr. Grimes was married in 1894 by Father Bor, formerly of Wahoo and now of Weston, to Miss Edith Cottrell, who was born in Fremont county, Iowa. Five children have been born to this union, Richard William, Edward, Mary, Edith and Helen.

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   Mr. Grimes has always supported either the democratic or populist parties and for a number of years served as central committeeman. He was assessor of his precinct for over two decades and for the last quarter of a century has served as school treasurer, his long connection with these offices indicating the confidence in which he is held by his fellow citizens. In religious faith he is a Catholic and since her marriage his wife has also become identified with that church. He recognizes the need of cooperation among farmers and is a charter member and a director of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. He was also one of the promoters of the Saunders County Agricultural Association, of which he has been a member since its organization and under whose auspices the local fair is held. The Clear Creek drainage district, which has been of such value to the farmers of the county, is due in large measure to his foresight and initiative as he was one of the promoters of the ditch and has been secretary since the organization of the association, which has carried the project to successful completion. He has been associated in this work with George Heldt, treasurer, and Martin Shupe, assistant secretary. Mr. Grimes is active in fraternal circles and is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias lodge, both at Ashland. His good judgment and enterprise have been important factors in gaining his individual success, and they have also been used for the advancement of the public welfare. He is justly considered as a leading resident of Marble precinct.

   George H. Gilchrist, who owns a well equipped garage in Mead and has built up a large and profitable business, was born in McHenry county, Illinois, on the 21st of July, 1866, a son of James and Janette Gilchrist, both natives of Scotland. The father came to the United States when twenty-two years of age and the mother in her girlhood. They were married in Illinois, where they lived until 1869, when they removed to Saunders county, Nebraska. The father took up a homestead six miles northeast of Wahoo, proved up on his land and devoted his time to its cultivation until 1901, when he removed to Omaha. He passed away in that city and is buried in the Marietta Presbyterian cemetery northwest of Mead.

   George H. Gilchrist received his education in the common schools of Saunders county, which he attended until fourteen years of age. He then gave his entire time to helping his father and continued to assist in the operation of the home farm until twenty-three years of age. He then rented a quarter section from his father and cultivated the same for eight years, after which he removed to Mead and purchased a blacksmith shop, which he conducted for nine years. At the end of that time he sold out and engaged in the land business, in which he is still active to some extent. However, he gives the greater part of his attention to the conduct of his garage, carrying on business in the best building in Mead. He has been connected with the automobile business since 1911 and has gained a gratifying measure of success.

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   On the 21st of April, 1891, occurred the marriage of Mr. Gilchrist and Miss May Templeton, a daughter of John Templeton. To this union have been born three children: Eloise, now the wife of Henry Johnson, who is living south of Mead and by whom she has one child; Marie, at home; and Leila, who is attending school in Mead.

   Mr. Gilchrist is a stanch democrat and does all in his power to further the success of his party. He has served as a member of the school board and is at all times interested in affairs of public concern. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen at Mead and is now serving as venerable consul. He and his family attend the Baptist church and their influence is invariably on the side of right. During the many years that he has resided in this county he has gained many warm friends, who esteem him for his admirable traits of character.

   A. H. Williams has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and has won financial independence. He formerly owned six hundred and fifty acres of land but has given much of this to his children and retains title to only one farm, which is situated on section 36, Marble precinct. He was born in Sussex county/New Jersey, on the 8th of May, 1840, and is a son of Amos and Eliza (Stickels) Williams, who. were born in the state of New York but were married in New Jersey. They lived there until our subject was seven years of age, when they removed to Pennsylvania, where both spent their remaining days. The father was a farmer by occupation. He took a commendable interest in public affairs and was never remiss in any of his duties of citizenship. At the time of the Civil war he gave indisputable proof of his patriotism by enlisting in the Union army, in which he served throughout almost the entire war. To him and his wife were born eight children: Jacob, who was also at the front during the greater part of the Civil war and is now living on the same section as our subject; A. H.; Abbie, deceased; Stella, who makes her home with her brother A. H.; Emeline, deceased; Mrs. Catharine Thomkins, who is living two and a half miles from our subject; and two who died in infancy.

   A. H. Williams received his education in the common schools of Pennsylvania and remained at home until 1862, when, at the age of twenty-two years, he began his independent career. He worked in the Keystone state until 1878, when he came west and located on his present farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres on section 36, Marble precinct. His thorough knowledge of agriculture, combined with his energy and good business judgment, enabled him to gain a gratifying measure of success and he at one time owned six hundred and fifty acres of land. He has since given much of his land to his children but still owns his original farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres. He has followed general farming, raising both grain and stock, and has found that more profitable than, specializing in either line of activity.

   On July 3, 1867, occurred the marriage of Mr. Williams and Miss Isabelle Spencer, who was born in Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania. They became

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the parents of six children, namely; Mary, the wife of Jacob Decker, a farmer of Marble precinct; Olive, who married Alvin Laderty, also farming in Marble precinct; Margaret, the wife of M. L. Williams, an agriculturist of that precinct; Nettie, the wife of A. L. Williams, who is farming near our subject; and Calvin and Edith, both deceased. The wife and mother passed away on the 10th of April, 1905, and was buried in Carr cemetery.

   Mr. Williams gives his political support to the democratic party and keeps well informed on the issues before the people. For forty years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has passed through all of the chairs in that organization. As he believes that the churches are an important factor in promoting the moral welfare of society, he attends and supports the local churches and his influence is always cast on the side of personal and civic righteousness. His record is one that should inspire the young man beginning his career, as he had no capital and no unusual opportunities when he started out to make his own way and as by dint of hard work and good management he has become a man of independent means.

   Unacquainted with the English language at the time of his arrival in America and having no capital with which to start in business life here, John Hanson nevertheless overcame the hardships which awaited him and as the years have passed has made steady progress in business, his labors being persistent, earnest, and intelligently directed. His efforts, too, have been a feature in promoting the public welfare and the consensus of opinion on the part of his fellowmen establishes him as one of the representative residents as well as pioneer settlers of Saunders county. He is now living retired but for a long period was actively identified with farming interests.

   A native of Sweden, Mr. Hanson was born March 16, 1840, near Lund, Skona, where he was reared to farm life and pursued a public-school education. When twenty-one years of age he began learning the carpenter's trade, serving a four years' apprenticeship, and in the year 1868 he came to the new world, landing at Quebec. He afterward made his way to Chicago and thence came to Nebraska, arriving at Fremont in June, 1868. He secured farm work, being thus employed one month, when he took a homestead on section 8, Center precinct, Saunders county, thus securing eighty acres in July, 1868, at which time there were but two shanties between Fremont and the present town of Colon. His first home was a dugout and hardships and privations confronted him on every hand. He worked on the railroad for a few years but afterward began the development of his claim and continued in active connection with general agricultural pursuits until 1900. He then rented his place and removed to Wahoo. His original claim was near the town of Colon and as his financial resources increased he added to his holdings by the purchase of two hundred acres, for which he paid eight thousand dollars. He also bought forty acres of land adjoining his original tract and he became one of the leading and successful farmers of his part of the county. He was also

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one of the organizers and the treasurer of the Swedish Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which organization has been very successful and is still in existence. For a long period he was actively identified therewith, serving as its treasurer.

   On the 9th of December, 1870, Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Eva Charlotte Wall, who was born in Vestergotland, Sweden, January 6, 1850. She came to the United States in 1865 in company with her father, their home being established in Nebraska City, where she remained until she came to this county. Her father, Joseph Wall, secured a homestead in Center precinct, Saunders county, in 1868 and at once began to develop and improve that property, whereon he made his home for several years, after which he sold out and removed farther west. His daughter was one of the pioneer women of this county and died January 12, 1905, in Wahoo. In the family were ten children, of whom five died in infancy, the others being: Alfred E., who cultivates one of his father's farms; Andolph F., who was formerly a merchant of Colon but is now living retired on a farm in Marietta precinct; Selma F., the wife of Gus Gustafson, of Mead; Frithiof F., who was also engaged in merchandising at Colon and is now in the rural mail service there; and Hilda A., the wife of Laurin W. Walther, of Ravenna, Nebraska.

   Mr. Hanson votes independently and does not ally himself with any political party. In 1890 he acted as census enumerator. He was one of the men who organized the first school in his district, was made a director and was an active worker in school affairs for twenty-eight and a half years, or until he removed to Wahoo, doing everything in his power to advance the interests of education in his locality. Mr. Hanson is spoken of in terms of high regard by all who know him. He is still hale and hearty and enjoys life, keeping in touch with questions and issues of the day. Mr. Hanson thinks of his native land with no feeling of regret, for he has always been glad that he decided to come to the new world, for he found here good business opportunities and in their utilization has worked his way steadily upward.

   Daniel Frank Riley, a well known carpenter and contractor residing at Valparaiso, has been successful in his chosen occupation and has also found time to cooperate in movements seeking the public welfare. While still a youth he served in the Federal army during the Civil war, and the spirit of patriotism which led him to go to the defense of the Union has characterized him throughout his life.

   Mr. Riley was born near Zanesville, Ohio, on the 29th of April, 1848, a son of John and Sarah (Bennett) Riley, who in 1850 removed with their family to Green county, Wisconsin. He remained at home until the spring of 1864, when he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Freeport, Illinois, for one hundred days. He was sent to Memphis, Tennessee, and was employed at guarding trains in that vicinity until the expiration of his term of enlistment, when he was honorably discharged. He soon afterward became a member of Company A, Forty-sixth

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Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and did guard duty, etc., until he was discharged at Madison, Wisconsin, after the close of hostilities. He returned to Wisconsin and worked on the home farm until 1870, when he removed to Seward, Nebraska, where he farmed for a few years. At the end of that time he located in Valparaiso, where he has since resided, and in the intervening years he has devoted his time to carpentering and contracting, gaining an enviable reputation for fair dealing and high grade work. He is himself an expert carpenter and refuses to countenance slipshod work by those in his employ.

   Mr. Riley was married in 1876 to Miss Lily Carr, by whom he has a daughter, Jessie Ellen, at home. He is a stanch adherent of the republican party and has served ably as marshal and as county constable. Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, in which he is now filling the office of treasurer, and he is also affiliated with Major Harlan Baird Post, No. 46, G. A. R., of which he is commander. He is widely known throughout the county and has gained a warm place in the regard of those who have been closely associated with him.

   Charles H. Cornell, a resident farmer of township 14, range 8, was born in Germany, May 5, 1859, his parents being Christ and Henrietta Cornell, both of whom passed away in Germany and were there laid to rest. In the schools of his native country the son pursued his education until he reached the age of fourteen years, after which he devoted a year to work upon the home farm, but attracted by the opportunities of the new world, he then came to the United States, taking passage on the ship Leipzig, which after a pleasant voyage reached New York harbor. He then proceeded across the country to Saunders county, arriving in 1875. His first purchase of land made him owner of one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land, which he cultivated from 1882 until 1900. In the latter year he added a forty-acre tract to his place and afterward purchased an additional tract of one hundred and twenty acres. In 1902 he embarked in the hardware business in Ithaca and was thus identified with its commercial pursuits for ten years or until 1912, when he disposed of his store and invested in Minnesota land, upon which he resided for one year. He then returned to his farm, since which time he has given his undivided attention to general agricultural pursuits. He owns now three hundred and twenty-four acres and his land is all well improved. He carries on farm work according to the most modern and scientific methods and his labors are attended with a gratifying measure of success. He contemplates returning to Minnesota in the spring of 1916 to remain permanently, his address to be Olivia, Minnesota.

   In 1887 Mr. Cornell was united in marriage to Miss Ida Hageman, her parents being John A. and Frederika (Seifert) Hageman, both of whom have passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Cornell have been born the following children: Ella and Sadie, both at home; Hubert, who is also still under the parental roof; Robert, twin brother of Hubert, who is a resident of Minnesota; Florence,

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at home; Melva and Alvin, twins, who are attending school in Ithaca; and Lottie, also a school student at Ithaca.

   In his political views Mr. Cornell is a republican and has held various local offices, having for some time been officially connected with the schools. He belongs to the Evangelical Association and his life conforms to its teachings. Those who know him recognize the fact that his life has been well spent and that industry and perseverance have constituted important features in his growing success, bringing him to a position among the substantial and well-to-do farmers of his adopted county. While he has maintained a love for his native land, he has never regretted his determination to come to America and gives the stronger loyalty to his adopted 'country, which has provided him the opportunities for the attainment of success.

   David S. Ethell is now devoting his entire time to the operation of his excellent farm on sections 26 and 27, Rock Creek precinct, but was for more than a quarter of a century engaged in teaching in Saunders county. He was very successful in that work and was one of the best known and most popular instructors in the county. He was born in Davis county, Iowa, on the 30th of July, 1849, of the marriage of Benjamin H. and Sarah Jane (Holmes) Ethell. The father was born in Kentucky but the mother's birth occurred in Boone county, Missouri, where they were married. Subsequently they removed to Davis county, Iowa, where the mother passed away in 1865. In 1872 the father came to Saunders county, Nebraska, with his five children and purchased an eighty acre farm on section 26, Rock Creek precinct, where he resided until called by death on the 4th of July, 1884, at the age of seventy-four years. He had added to his original purchase and at the time of his demise owned two hundred acres, all in Rock Creek precinct. There were three sons and two daughters in the family but all are now deceased save our subject.

   David S. Ethell grew to manhood in Davis county, Iowa, but when twenty-three years of age accompanied his father to this county and has since resided in Rock Creek precinct. He received a good common school education in his native county and also attended school for some time in Wahoo. Removing to Nebraska in 1872, he began teaching and for twenty-five years followed that profession in the various precincts of Saunders county. He was not only an excellent instructor but also inculcated high ideals in his scholars and taught them the value of industry and concentration, thus preparing them to gain success in later life. He was held in high esteem by the general public and also by his colleagues and his record as a teacher is one of which he has just cause to be proud. About 1905 he gave up his professional work and has since concentrated his energies upon the operation of his splendid farm of two hundred and forty acres on sections 26 and 27, Rock Creek township.

   For many years Mr. Ethell has resided with his brother-in-law, James O. Beaman, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work and whose farm adjoins that of our subject. The latter gives his political allegiance to the

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democratic party but while he keeps well informed on questions of public interest has never been an aspirant for public office. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church. For forty-three years he has resided in this county and during that time he has gained a. high place in the regard and esteem of all who have been closely associated with him.

   Anton David Kliment, who is successfully engaged in farming in Elk precinct, was born in Bohemia in July, 1865, a son of Anton and Marie (Vejnar) Kliment, both likewise natives of that country. The father engaged in farming there and following his emigration to the United States in 1875 purchased eighty acres of railroad land on section 8, Elk precinct, Saunders county, Nebraska. He concentrated his energies upon the improvement and operation of his farm until he retired from active life and removed to Prague, where he died on the 12th of November, 1893. His wife also passed away there.

   Anton David Kliment continued his education, which was begun in Bohemia, in the public schools of this county and also devoted much time during his boyhood and youth to assisting his father in the operation of the homestead. In 1890, when twenty-five years of age, he began farming on his own account and as the years have passed his resources have increased. He specializes in the raising of Poland China and Berkshire hogs but also grows the usual crops. He owns eighty acres of excellent land and is also a stockholder in the Prague Farmers Stock & Grain Company.

   Mr. Kliment was married on the 27th of April, 1890, to Miss Christina Mach, by whom he has five children: Mary, the wife of Anton Fend, who is living in Louisiana; Rose, the wife of Joe Haba, a resident of Chester precinct, this county; and Francis, Joseph and Edward, all at home.

   Mr. Kliment casts his ballot in support of the candidates and measures of the republican party but has never been an aspirant, for office. He is affiliated with the Presbyterian church of Prague and fraternally is a member of the Woodmen of the World. He has lived in this county for four decades and during that time has witnessed a marked transformation, as when he came here in 1875 there were still many evidences of frontier life.

   John F. Gross, who early recognized the fact that industry is the basic element of success and has made that quality his guiding principle in life, is now engaged in the meat business in Wahoo, where he is accorded a liberal and well deserved patronage. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1878, a son of Frank Gross, a native of Austria, born in 1852. The first twenty-four years of his life were spent in that land and in 1876 he crossed the Atlantic to the new

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world. He was married in Chicago to Miss Katie Kristufeck, a native of that city, and in 1884 they came to Wahoo, where they spent two years, Mr. Gross engaging in the brewing business. He then established a meat market, which he conducted with growing success for about eighteen years, or until 1904, when he turned the business over to his son John and retired from active life, his competence being sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries that go to make life worth the living.

   In his youthful days John F. Gross acquired a fair English education in the Wahoo schools and also attended the normal school at Fremont, Nebraska, but put his textbooks aside in 1896 and entered his father's meat market at Wahoo. For eight years he continued to assist his father and then succeeded to the ownership of the business. He has a well appointed shop with good refrigerating rooms and all the facilities for keeping meat in excellent condition and he handles a fine line of meat.

   On the 7th of August, 1911, in Denver, Colorado, Mr. Gross was married to Miss Elizabeth Woodward and they have become the parents of two sons, Jack E. and Frank R., Jr. Mr. Gross is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His life has been one of diligence and determination and it has been by reason of close application and indefatigable energy that he has gained and retained a substantial measure of success.

   A. J. Ladenburger, an up-to-date and enterprising farmer of Morse Bluff precinct, devotes his entire time to the operation of his excellent farm of two hundred and twenty acres. He was born in that precinct on the 7th of October, 1873, of the marriage of Moritz and Caroline Ladenburger, both natives of Baden, Germany. In 1860 they emigrated to the United States and for about three years lived in Chicago, where the father engaged in the saloon business. Subsequently a removal was made to Fremont, Nebraska, and Mr. Ladenburger started the first brewery in that city and for about five years concentrated his energies upon its operation. In 1868, however, he homesteaded eighty acres of land on Sand creek in Saunders county, and thereafter engaged in general farming. His demise occurred in Columbus, Nebraska, in January, 1911.

   A. J. Ladenburger received his education in Morse Bluff precinct, and during his boyhood and youth also gained valuable knowledge of agricultural methods through assisting his father. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began dealing in live stock, but he has now turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He owns two hundred and twenty acres of fine land in Morse Bluff precinct and has been very successful in its cultivation, seldom failing to harvest good crops. He also raises considerable stock, from the sale of which he derives a substantial addition to his income.

   Mr. Ladenburger was married on the 12th of May, 1902, to Miss Emma

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Malloy, a daughter of Joseph and Jane Malloy, and five children have been born of this marriage, namely: Caroline, Francis, Ethel, Thomas and Leo.

   Mr. Ladenburger votes the democratic ticket and takes a commendable interest in public affairs, although he has never sought office. Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Woodmen of the World, and in religion he is a Catholic. In developing and operating his farm he has not only secured his individual success but he has also contributed to the prosperity of the county, which derives its greatest wealth from its fertile soil.

   William Ellison, who is one of the well known and popular young farmers of Marietta precinct, is proving very efficient in the operation of the homestead. He was born upon that place on the 20th of May, 1.881, and is a son of William and Annie (Martin) Ellison. He received good educational advantages, attending the public schools until eighteen years of age. He then assisted his father for two years, after which he worked as a farm hand for a similar period of time. He then took charge of the operation of the home place and in the intervening years has gained a gratifying measure of success, proving at once practical and progressive in his work. He raises both grain and hogs and as he watches the market carefully seldom fails to secure good profits.

   On the 27th of November, 1907, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ellison and Miss Murle Hoagland, by whom he has three children, Leona, Eula and Wilmer.

   Mr. Ellison is a democrat when national issues are at stake but at local elections votes for the best man without regard to party ties. His religious faith is indicated by his membership In the Presbyterian church. He is a self-made man and has gained a measure of prosperity that is very creditable for one of his years. He has made and retained many warm personal friends and is held in high esteem throughout the county.

   Fred Jelinek, who owns and conducts a hardware store in Valparaiso, is one of the leading merchants of the town and is accorded a large and representative patronage. He was born in Crete, Nebraska, January 12, 1877, of the marriage of Joseph and Anna (Kaslowski) Jelinek. The father, who was born in Bohemia in 1887, remained in that country until 1853, when he came to tile United States and settled in Wisconsin, where he divided his time between working in sawmills and farming until 1864, in which year he removed to the vicinity of the present city of Crete, Nebraska, homesteading a quarter section of land two and a half miles from that town. He is a repub-

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          419

lican in politics and is connected with the Z. C. B. J., a Bohemian mutual benefit society. His wife, who was born in Bohemia in 1840, also became a resident of Wisconsin, where their marriage occurred.

   Fred Jelinek attended the public schools in Crete, Nebraska, until he was seventeen years of age and thus acquired a good education. After leaving school he worked on the home farm until May, 1898, when he enlisted in Company F, First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry, for two years' service. He went with that command to the Philippine Islands and participated in a number of engagements, including a skirmish near Malate, which occurred on the 5th of August, 1898; and in the battle of Manila, which took place on the 13th of that month. His regiment was a part of the Second Philippine Islands Expedition and remained at the front until July, 1899.

   After returning from the Philippines Mr. Jelinek entered a business college in Lincoln, where he remained for a year, after which he returned to the home farm. He assisted in its operation for four years and then removed to Jerauld county South Dakota, where he owned and operated a ranch for one year. He was later in Wakefield, Nebraska, for two years and in 1912 came to Valparaiso and purchased the hardware store, which he has since very successfully conducted. He carries a complete stock of all kinds of hardware, including guns and ammunition, aluminum and granite ware, kitchen cabinets, the famous Round Oak and Peninsular stoves, washing machines, builders' hardware, farming small hardware, tools of all kinds, wagons, farm implements, Mound City paints, oils and varnishes, sheet metal and tin roofing, hammocks, sporting goods of all kinds, cutlery and silverware. In buying he keeps in mind the needs of his community, and his efforts to please his customers and his straightforward business policy have resulted in the building up of an extensive and profitable trade.

   On the 9th of January, 1907, occurred the marriage of Mr. Jelinek and Miss Lillian A. Prochaska, and they have become the parents of four children, Irma, Wilma, Leona and Fred, aged respectively eight, six, four and two years.

   Mr. Jelinek is an independent republican in politics, supporting the party when national issues are at stake but otherwise voting for the best man irrespective of his political affiliation. His fraternal connections are with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Z. C. B. J., a Bohemian organization. He possesses marked business ability, and his energy and close attention to his affairs have made him an important factor in the commercial life of his community.

   The name of Vlcek has long figured prominently in connection with business enterprise in Wahoo, where William Joseph Vlcek is now conducting a meat market. He was born in this city, February 9, 1882, a son of Henry and Frances Vlcek, both of whom were natives of Austria and of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. The son entered the public schools at

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the usual age, passed through consecutive grades and at length put aside his textbooks to assist his father in the conduct of a meat market, thoroughly learning the business of cutting up meat and caring for the trade in every particular. Upon his father's death on the 13th of January, 1915, he succeeded to the ownership of the business, which he is now carefully, ably and successfully managing and conducting.

   On the 9th of August, 1909, in Colon, Saunders county, Nebraska, Mr. Vlcek was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Orme, by whom he has two children, Frances Janet and Ruth Josephine. Mr. Vlcek votes with the democratic party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government, and his name is on the membership roll of the Knights of Pythias lodge. Having always lived in Wahoo, he has a wide acquaintance among its citizens, who speak of him in terms of favorable regard and who number him with the representative and progressive young business men of the town.

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   Ernest B. Tomes is acceptably filling the responsible position of cashier of the State Bank of Touhy, although he is but eighteen years of age, and his record indicates that he has business ability and soundness of judgment unusual in one of his years. He was born in Touhy on the 4th of February, 1897, of the marriage of Ernest J. and Eleanore (Codek) Tomes, well known residents of that town. He attended the public schools of Touhy until he had completed the work of the eighth grade and then entered the St. Wenuslaus parochial school in Wahoo, where he continued his studies for three years.

   At the end of that time Mr. Tomes entered the business world, becoming assistant cashier of the Dwight State Bank at Dwight, in which connection he served for a year and a half. He took the keenest interest in his work and sought constantly to add to his knowledge of banking procedure and to gain a better understanding of the financial principles which underlie the banking business. He proved so capable that on the 19th of August, 1915, he was made cashier of the State Bank of Touhy, and he has already gained the confidence of all who have had dealings with him. He is recognized as a progressive and efficient bank official, and his many friends predict for him continued and growing success.

   Henry Vlcek, who ranked with Wahoo's prominent and successful business men, passed away January 13, 1915, and in his death the city lost one of its valued residents. He was born in Austria, in 1849, and continued a resident of his native country until 1877, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, making his way at once to North Bend, Nebraska, where he lived for about a year. He then came to Wahoo, where he resided for about thirty-

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five years and throughout the entire period was connected with the meat business. In 1888 he embarked in business on his own account, opening a meat market which he conducted to the time of his demise. He was always courteous and obliging with his patrons and he built up his business upon the principles of strict integrity and unswerving honesty.

   Ere leaving Austria, in 1876, Mr. Vlcek was united in marriage to Miss Frances Hich and they became the parents of three children, of whom the first born, a daughter, died in infancy. The surviving daughter, Caroline, is now the wife of John Snelling, of Saunders county, and the son is William J. Vlcek, who succeeded his father as proprietor of the meat market in Wahoo and is mentioned on another page of this work.

   Mr. Vlcek gave his political allegiance to the democratic party from the time that he became a naturalized American citizen. He held membership in the Catholic church, remaining a faithful communicant thereof until his death, when he was laid to rest with the rites and services of the church. He had a large acquaintance, the majority of whom entertained for him the warmest and most kindly regard, and thus it was that his death was the occasion of deep regret throughout the community in which he lived.

   William McReynolds occupies an attractive residence in the northwest part of Ashland, in which city he has made his home since 1895. For more than two decades he was identified with farming interests in Saunders county and his labors brought to him the success which now enables him to live retired. He was born in Wisconsin, September 4, 1842, his parents being John and Rebecca (Johnson) McReynolds, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee respectively. The father was a blacksmith by trade and, in early life went to Wisconsin, where he purchased land and began farming. At the same time he carried on his blacksmithing shop on the farm and divided his time between these two occupations. He died in the fall of 1863, while his wife, surviving him for thirteen years, passed away in 1876.

   William McReynolds was reared and educated in Wisconsin and remained with his parents until he reached the age of eighteen, when, desirous to provide for his own support, he started out to work by the month as a farm hand and spent two years in that way. There were nine children in his father's family, seven sons and two daughters, and he felt that he did not care to longer be dependent upon his parents for support. Laudable ambition has prompted him at every step in his career and his indefatigable energy has brought to him a most comfortable competence. His business and personal considerations, however, were put aside in 1862, when at the age of twenty years he enlisted as a member of Company C, Twentieth Wisconsin Infantry, with which he served for three years. He then returned to Wisconsin, purchased land and there carried on general farming until 1874, which year witnessed his arrival in Saunders county, Nebraska. At that date he invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land six miles west of Ashland and immediately

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began the development and improvement of the property. Year by year he carefully tilled his fields and carried on general farming, his practical and progressive methods resulting in the cultivation of good crops for which he found a ready sale. He thus operated his farm until 1895, when he disposed of that property and removed to Ashland, where he has since made his home, occupying a pleasant and attractive residence in the northwestern part of the town.

   In May, 1867, Mr. McReynolds was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Atwood, a daughter of John and Sarah (Woods) Atwood, both of whom were natives of Maine. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, made his way to Wisconsin in pioneer times and carried on farming in that state until 1874, when he removed, to Lancaster county, Nebraska, just across the line from Saunders county, there purchasing land which he cultivated during the remainder of his life. He passed away in 1903 but his widow survives at the age of ninety-two years and makes her home in Ashland. Mr. and Mrs. McReynolds have four children, as follows: William A., who follows farming in Saunders county; Clem A., a carpenter residing in Roseburg, Oregon; Albert, street commissioner of Ashland; and Nellie, who is the wife of Clarence Vallier, of Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. McReynolds also have ten grandchildren who are ever welcome visitors at their home.

   In his political views Mr. McReynolds is a republican ever standing loyally by the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has since been the party of reform and progress. Fraternally he is connected with the Grand Army post and thus maintains pleasant relations with his comrades, the "boys in blue" of the Civil war. His religious faith is that of the Christian church and its teachings have guided him in all of his life's relations, making him a man respected and honored wherever known and most of all where he is best known.

   Fred W. Quass has brought his farm on section 26, Clear Creek precinct, to a high state of development and has gained a gratifying measure of success as an agriculturist. He is a native of Germany, born on the 21st of September, 1864, and is a son of Carl and Caroline (Frieze) Quass, also natives of the fatherland. The father worked at the mason's and plasterer's trades in Germany until 1885, when he emigrated to America and took up his home with his children in Walworth county, Wisconsin, where he resided during the remainder of his life. While living in Germany he also farmed to some extent and he was well known and respected in his community. He died on the 16th of December, 1900, and his wife died in her native country in 1881.

   Fred W. Quass was reared at home and received the greater part of his education in the public schools of Germany, although he studied for a time in the schools of Saunders county after his marriage. In 1882, when eighteen years of age, he came to America and made his way to Walworth county, Wisconsin, where he worked as a farm hand for about four years. In 1886, how-

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ever, he arrived in Saunders county, Nebraska, and after working in the employ of others for a year he rented land, which he operated for nineteen years. At the end of that time he purchased forty acres five miles north of Yutan, which he subsequently sold. He then bought one hundred and twenty acres which he owned only a few days, and then sold the place at a gain of sixteen hundred dollars. He next purchased the southeast quarter of section 26, Clear Creek precinct, and, taking up his residence upon that place, began its further improvement. He has since devoted his time to the operation of that farm and has not only carefully conserved the fertility of the soil but has also erected good buildings and otherwise developed the property. He finds stock-raising a profitable phase of farming and breeds high grade cattle and hogs. His labors have been well planned and have returned him a good income year by year so that-he has now acquired a substantial competence.

   On the 10th of May, 1888, Mr. Quass was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Spckolovcke, who lost both of her parents when but nine months old. She was reared by her mother's half-sister, Wilhelmina Klein, who now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Quass. The latter was born in Germany on the 21st of June, 1865, and resided there until 1888, when she came to America. By her marriage she has become the mother of nine children, as follows: Paul H., born January 29, 1889, who is at home; Frank, born April 7, 1890, also at home; Otto, whose birth occurred January 25, 1892, and who is farming in Montana; Marie, born July 21, 1897, who is attending school in Ashland; Rose, born August 26, 1899, who is also in school in Ashland; Richard, born August 6, 1901; Arthur, born July 31, 1907; and two who died in 1895; Arthur, born on the 5th of July, 1898, and Caroline, born in March, 1895.

   Mr. Quass supports the prohibition party, as he believes that the suppression of the drink traffic would bring about the solution of many vexing problems. For fifteen years he served as road supervisor and is now filling the office of school director. He has been a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church for eight years, during which time he has often filled pulpits acceptably and has done much to further the work of that organization in this county. His life conforms to high standards and his sincerity and integrity are generally recognized.

   Adolph Verner Lund, who is connected with business interests of Mead as the owner of a confectionery store, was born in that place, October 10, 1887, and is a son of John D. and Mary Christina (Anderson) Lund. The father's birth occurred in Sweden but some time before the Civil war he came to the United States and made his way to Saunders county, Nebraska. Subsequently he returned to Sweden but at length came again to this country and took up a homestead near Malmo. Later he removed to Mead, where he lived until called by death in 1901, He was buried in Mead. After becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States he supported the republican

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party. He was the father of two children: Hulda, who is living in Omaha; and Adolph Verner.

   The latter attended the common schools of Nebraska until about fourteen years of age, when he went to work, securing a position in a lumberyard in Mead, where he remained for six months. At the end of that time he turned his attention to husking corn and after there was no more of that work to be done, he again entered school, attending during the winter. In the spring, however, he hired out as a farm hand and after spending a year in farm work he obtained a position in the barber shop owned by O. B. Tegelberg in Mead. He was connected with that business for three years and seven months, after which he became a clerk in a general store, where he remained for three years and two months. At the end of that time, in partnership with G. F. Kling, he purchased Mr. Tegelberg's barber shop and conducted that place for a year and three months. Since 1913, however, Mr. Lund has been engaged in the confectionery business and has built up a large and representative trade. His business dealing's conform to the highest standards of commercial ethics and as he is progressive and up-to-date and as his stock is of a good quality, his continued prosperity is assured. He is in business by himself and his success is due entirely to his own enterprise and good management.

   On June 9, 1915, Mr. Lund was united in marriage to Miss May Edith Johnson, a daughter of Mrs. Ludwig Johnson of Mead. He does not belong to any party but votes for the best man irrespective of his political allegiance, and he manifests a deep interest in all matters of public concern. He has served as a member of the town board and in that capacity has made a very creditable record. His religious faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran church, to the support of which he contributes. He is well known and highly esteemed throughout the county and has won the warm regard of those who have been most closely associated with him.

   Ferdinand C. Hanke, who came to Saunders county more than four decades ago, was long and actively identified with agricultural pursuits here and still owns three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Green township but since 1913 has lived retired in Ithaca. His birth occurred in Pomerania, Germany, on the 20th of July, 1850, his parents being Carl and Fredericka Hanke. He attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and when about fourteen years of age went to work with his father, who' was a carpenter by trade. When a young man of eighteen he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and made his way to Ogle county, Illinois, where he worked on a farm for four years and six months. On the expiration of that period, in company with August Scheuneman, he drove overland in a covered wagon to Saunders county, Nebraska. Here he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of railroad land, built a frame house and began farming. As time passed and his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he augmented his landed holdings by the additional purchase of eighty acres,

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while later he bought another tract of similar size and subsequently twenty acres more. He won a gratifying measure of success in the careful conduct of his agricultural interests and now owns three hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Green township. In 1913 he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Ithaca, where he owns a commodious, attractive residence and has since lived retired.

   Mr. Hanke has been married three times. His first wife, whom he wedded in 1874, passed away in 1892. In 1894 he was married again and his second wife died the following year. On the 30th of March, 1896, he was united in marriage to Miss Ida Jordan, her parents being Carl and Johanna Jordan, of Fremont. The father is deceased, but the mother survives and makes her home in Washington county, Nebraska. Mr. Hanke has seven children, as follows: Lilla, the wife of August Mansky, of Green township., by whom she has seven children; Alma, Clara, Mata, Ernest, John, Tony and Henry; Mata, the wife of Henry Kruger, of Washington county, by whom she has two children, Esther and Ernest; Rudolph, who resides on a farm in Green township; Edna, who keeps house for her brothers in Green township; Amos, who resides on the farm in Green township and attends the high school at Wahoo; and Nettie and Elsa, both at home.

   In his political views Mr. Hanke is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. He is a valued member of the Evangelical Association. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and emerged from the obscurity of a penniless youth to a foremost place among the respected and prosperous citizens of Saunders county.

   James McDaniel, one of the extensive farmers and stock-raisers of Douglas township, owns five hundred and twenty acres of excellent land on section 16. He was born in Marietta, Georgia, on the 12th of May, 1860, and is a son of William and Alice McDaniel, both of whom were natives of South Carolina. When our subject was but a boy the family moved northward. The father died in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 24th of June, 1893, after having survived his wife for about twenty-six years, her demise occurring in New Albany, Indiana, in 1867.

   James McDaniel received a common school education. In 1874, when about fourteen years of age, he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, and began working as a farm hand. When he arrived at Fremont he had only seventy-five cents and had to pay fifty-cents of that to be ferried across the Platte river. For sixteen years he worked by the month, receiving a wage of eight dollars, but during that time he lived economically and saved as much of his money as possible, as he had determined to begin farming on his own account as soon as he had sufficient capital. At length he rented one hundred and sixty acres which he operated for two years, and at the end of that time he paid one hundred and twenty-five dollars for a lease on forty acres of school land.

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   After cultivating that tract for a time he bought forty acres of land for five hundred dollars. He at once began operating his farm and as opportunity offered purchased adjoining land until he now owns a five hundred and twenty acre tract in Douglas township. He farms on a large scale and raises many cattle and hogs per year, his agricultural operations bringing him a handsome income. He has a beautiful residence, a large and substantial barn and good outbuildings, and he takes great pride in keeping up his place.

   On the 22d of October, 1881, Mr. McDaniel was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Hentges, a daughter of Frank and Barbara Hentges, and to this union have been born the following children: Barbara, now the wife of H. A. Henrichson, of Chester township; James Franklin, at home; Maggie, who married Augustus Rumpf, of Seward county, this state; and Alice, William, Joseph and Albert, all of whom are at home.

   The democratic party has a stalwart adherent in Mr. McDaniel and he keeps well informed on the political situation. He has served as road overseer and proved capable and businesslike in the discharge of his official duties. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Roman Catholic church and the work of that organization profits by his support and active co-operation. The marked success which he has gained as a farmer is proof of his enterprise, business acumen and good management, for since boyhood he has been dependent upon his own resources.

   M. J. Havel, one of the prosperous business men of Prague, has built up a good trade as a coal dealer, has a livery and dray line and also owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in Elk township. His birth occurred in Bohemia on the 28th of September, 1876, but in 1882 he was brought to the United States by his parents, Peter and Jennie Havel, who became residents of Elk township, Saunders county, Nebraska, where a friend, James Kubik, lived. Peter Havel subsequently purchased land and devoted several years to farming but is now living in Prague and is following the shoemaker's trade.

   M. J. Havel received his education in Butler county and when but a boy began working on the home farm. Later he took charge of the homestead and devoted nine years to its operation, after which he came to Prague. For five years he engaged in the live-stock business and then established a livery and dray line, which he still owns and in addition to which he has built up a profitable coal business.

   Mr. Havel was married on the 7th of February, 1898, to Miss Anna Sedlacek, a daughter of John and Anna Sedlacek, and to them have been born ten children, James, Rosa, Hedveka, Edward, Charles, William, Blanch, Michel, Leo and Mary.

   Mr. Havel is a stanch republican and is very active in local public affairs. He is now ably serving as mayor of Prague, has been a member of the town board and has filled the office of marshal. Fraternally he belongs to the Woodmen of the World and to Zapadny Hvezda No. 66, and Z. C. B. J. of Prague.

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   The success which he has gained is all the more commendable in that it is the direct result of his energy, determination and wise management. He has depended solely upon his own efforts and from early boyhood has been a wage earner. When only seven years of age he herded cattle, receiving three dollars a month for his services, and later he ran a separator for seventy-five cents a day. Personally he is popular, as his dominant qualities are such as win regard.

   Daniel Martin Hanline came to Saunders county in pioneer times and has since been prominently identified with agricultural pursuits here. He now owns an excellent farm situated on section 14, Oak Creek precinct. He was born near Oakland, West Virginia, on the 9th of April, 1852, a son of Abraham and Hepekiah (Hayes) Hanline, who in 1863 migrated to Illinois, where they passed the remainder of their lives.

   Daniel M. Hanline received but a meager education as his assistance was required at home and he remained under the parental roof until 1875, when he began farming on his own account, operating an eighty acre tract in Illinois which he had inherited from his father. In 1879 he sold that place and came to Saunders county, Nebraska, where he bought a relinquishment to a claim. He first entered it as a timber claim but after living on it for two years discovered that he could not legally hold it as such and had to take it up as a homestead and live on it for five more years, making seven years in all before he received his deed, which was signed by President Grover Cleveland. This farm comprised eighty acres and for twenty years he devoted his time to its cultivation. He then sold and purchased one hundred and twenty acres north of his present farm and for seven years lived upon that place. On selling that farm he went to Sumner, Nebraska, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in that locality. However, he only remained there for a year and then returned to Saunders county and purchased his present farm, which comprises eighty acres on section 14, Oak Creek precinct. There are about six acres of good timber land upon the place and the remainder is in a high state of cultivation. He grows the usual crops and also gives much attention to stock-raising, breeding cattle, full blooded Duroc-Jersey hogs and full blooded horses.

   Mr. Hanline recounts many interesting stories of pioneer life and tells of conditions which seem impossible at the present time. The nearest market was Lincoln, which was twenty-five miles distant, and prices were so low that he sold his corn for ten cents a bushel and his hogs for two and a half cents a pound. For a number of years he raised only spring wheat as he believed that fall wheat could not be grown in this locality, and sometimes he cut the grain by moonlight. In addition to wheat he grew oats, barley, flax and corn. Horses were scarce in the early days and at times he used oxen. When he took up his residence upon his first farm it had not been brought under cultivation and he broke the prairie sod with a home-made plow, which was an extremely arduous undertaking. There was still wild game in the county and he saw one deer.

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   He did not falter because of the hardships encountered but continued his work of development and his faith in the county has been justified as he has seen it become a prosperous agricultural region and as the years have passed he has gained financial independence.

   Mr. Hanline was married on the 21st of January, 1875, to Miss Mary Emma Bush, who was born in Freedom, Owen county, Indiana, on the 11th of December, 1858. Nine children, six sons and three daughters, have been born to this union, as follows: Charles H., a resident of Kansas City; Clyde C., who is living in Murphysboro, Illinois; Lura Avis, the wife of L. Taylor, of Butler county, this state; Mildred, who, married J. S. Barnes, of Omaha; Edmund E. and Alva 0., at home; Laura E., the wife of W. C. Soehor, of Benedict, Nebraska; Walter Scott, who is living in Valparaiso; and Jesse D., at home.

   Mr. Hanline is a stalwart republican and for eighteen years has been a school director. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is prominent in the work of the Christian church. His dominant qualities are such as invariably command respect and win regard and he has many warm personal friends.

   Charles F. Sandy has devoted his life to farming and has never had occasion to regret his choice of an occupation, for he has gained a gratifying measure of success. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of good land in Clear Creek precinct and has brought his place to a high state of development. His birth occurred in Warren county, Iowa, on the 13th of August, 1873, and he is a son of Jeremiah H. and Rachel E. (Thorp) Sandy, both natives of Indiana. The father removed to Iowa before the Civil war and when the country called for men to defend it he enlisted from Warren county in a regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served at the front for two years. After receiving his honorable discharge from the army he returned to Warren county and farmed there until 1880, when he went to Missouri. In 1883 he became a resident of Sarpy county, Nebraska, where he purchased land at various times, becoming the owner of five hundred acres in all. He passed away there on the 2d of January, 1901, but is survived by his wife, who lives in Omaha.

   Charles F. Sandy was reared at home and in the acquirement of his education attended the schools of Warren county, Iowa, of Missouri, and of Sarpy county, Nebraska. When twenty-two years of age he rented land belonging to his father in Lincoln county but after operating that for a year returned to Sarpy county, where he rented land for six years. At the end of that time he came to Saunders county and bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 24, Clear Creek precinct, to which he has since added a forty acre tract. For thirteen years he has been identified with agricultural pursuits in this county and in that time has gained recognition as an energetic and successful farmer. He uses up-to-date methods in his work and manages his business affairs well and as a result his capital is constantly increasing.

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   On the 4th of March, 1896, Mr. Sandy was united in marriage to Miss May Calvert, a daughter of Charles and Susan (Smith) Calvert, the former of whom was born in Mills county, Iowa, and the latter in Canada. The father, who was a farmer and butcher, came to Saunders county with his parents in 1872 and on beginning his independent career concentrated his energies upon operating a farm. At length he retired from that work and opened a meat market at Weston and also one at Memphis. He now makes his home with a son in Valley county, Nebraska. His wife passed away on the 29th of June, 1915. To Mr. and Mrs. Sandy have been born eight children, namely: Marie, whose birth occurred on the 4th of January, 1897, and who is now teaching school; Orville, born January 29, 1898; Vernon, January 25, 1900; Lola, September 10, 1902; Donald, born March 2, 1906; Francis, who was born January 21, 1911, and died on the 17th of the following month; Clarence, who was born November 30, 1912, and died on the 21st of February, 1913; and Bennie, born February 14, 1915.

   Mr. Sandy casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party and takes the interest of a public spirited citizen in the affairs of local government but has never been an office seeker. He holds membership in the Christian church and fraternally is identified with the Woodmen of the World. He has a wide acquaintance throughout the county and is well liked, his prominent characteristics being such as command respect and goodwill.

   George H. Babbitt, now deceased, was well known in Ashland and in that part of Saunders county, for during a long period he was actively engaged in farming near the town, his place being just across the line in Cass county. Illinois claimed him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Fulton county, April 2, 1849, his parents being Silas and Elizabeth (White) Babbitt, who were also born in that state. Throughout his entire life the father followed the occupation of farming and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicated his practical and progressive methods. He was a prominent and influential citizen of the community in which he lived and for four years held the office of sheriff. He has passed away and the death of his wife occurred in February, 1895.

   Through the period of his childhood George H. Babbitt lived in Fulton county, Illinois, and remained with his parents until he reached his majority. He was reared to the occupation of farming, early taking his place in the fields in order to assist in the tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting. When he arrived at adult age he began farming on his own account and his previous experience stood him then in good stead. He continued his residence in Illinois until 1880, when he came to Cass county, Nebraska, and purchased land near Ashland. He afterward devoted his attention to the further development and improvement of that property until 1895, when he removed to Boone county, Nebraska, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1908.

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   His home life was very pleasant. On the 20th of October, 1870, Mr. Babbitt was married to Miss Hattie A. Gentle, a daughter of John and Louisa (Higdon) Gentle, who were natives of Ohio. The father was also a farmer and removed to Fulton county, Illinois, when the work of development and progress there was in its infancy. He bought land and undertook the task of converting it into a productive farm, his work in that direction being attended with substantial success. Death, however, terminated his labors in 1885 but it was not until 1892 that his wife passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Babbitt became the parents of ten children, as follows: Willis, born June 22, 1872, is engaged in farming in Boone county, Nebraska. Louisa, born June 29, 1874, is the wife of J. W. Hoffman, a farmer of Cass county, this state. Carrie, born August 10; 1876, married Emory Cole, who died December 8, 1903. Orpha was born December 28, 1878, and died in December, 1880. Blanche was born October 30, 1880, and died July 26, 1911. Carl, born October 31, 1882, is a farmer of Boone county. Lucy was born October 13, 1885, and died October 12, 1914. Edward and Earl are twins, born January 10, 1887. The former is a farmer of Cass county and the latter is residing in Nance county. Horace, born May 11, 1889, is farming in Nance county.

   In his political views Mr. Babbitt was a democrat and for four years filled the position of county clerk in Boone county, Nebraska, making a creditable record in that position and one which was highly satisfactory to his constituents. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and also held membership in the Methodist church. He was a man honest in speech, honorable in conduct, loyal to the right and conscientious at all times in the discharge of his duties in connection with his fellowmen. Those who knew him, and he had a wide acquaintance, entertained for him not only warm regard but the deeper feeling of sincere affection.

   John J. Kaspar, who is a prosperous and up-to-date farmer of Chester precinct, was born in Bohemia on the 21st of March, 1865, one of a family of five children whose parents were Michael and Frances (Matejka) Kaspar also natives of that country. The father engaged in farming in Austria until 1883, when with his family he came to the United-States and took a homestead on section 24, Chester precinct, Saunders county, Nebraska, paying therefor twenty-three dollars per acre. He devoted his time to the cultivation of his place, which comprised one hundred and sixty acres, and he met with a gratifying measure of success. His death occurred in 1910.

   John J. Kaspar received his education in his native land and when about eighteen years of age came with his family to America. For a number of years after his arrival in Nebraska he assisted his father with the development of the home farm, and in 1891, he purchased an eighty acre tract on section 26, Chester precinct, for which he paid twenty-seven dollars per acre and which he subsequently sold. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 24 at thirty-seven dollars an acre and this place is still his home farm

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PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          437

although he now holds title to another quarter section on section 25 and an additional forty acres on section 24. The improvements upon his farm compare favorably with those on other farms in the township and in his work he uses the latest and best machinery. He not only grows the usual crops but also raises Hereford cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs. He is connected with the Prague Farmers Stock & Grain Company, in which he owns stock and of which he was formerly a director. Since beginning his independent career he has farmed with the exception of the years from 1902 to 1907, when he rented the place and engaged in the stock business in Prague.

   Mr. Kaspar was married on the 3d of February, 1891, to Miss Barbara Sedlacek, a daughter of Thomas Sedlacek. The following children have been born to this union: August, who married Miss Mary Ourada and is farming in Chester precinct; Mary, the wife of Frank Poseka, of Chester precinct; Louis; Agnes; Cyril; Alice; and Rosie.

   Mr. Kaspar supports the democratic party at the polls and for years has served his district acceptably as school director. The principles which govern his life are the teachings of the Roman Catholic church, of which he is a communicant, belonging to St. John's church at Prague. He is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Prague and both within and without that organization has won the sincere friendship of many. He has given the greater part of his time and attention to the development of his fine farm of three hundred and sixty acres but in so doing he has also contributed to the welfare and prosperity of his community.

   One of the enterprises which gives business stability to Wahoo is the men's clothing and furnishings store of Elmer Johnson, who is justly classed among the up-to-date merchants of the city. He has conducted business along his present line since 1899 and the progressive methods which he has followed have won for him success, while at all times his business has measured up to the highest standard of commercial ethics.

   Mr. Johnson is one of the citizens that Sweden has furnished to Wahoo. He was born in that country on the 3d of June, 1872, a son of Andrew and Elna (Swanson) Johnson, who were also natives of Sweden, in which country they were reared and married. There they began their domestic life, continuing their residence in their native land until 1880, when they came to the new world, establishing their home in Wahoo, where they now reside.

   Elmer Johnson was at that time a lad of eight years and soon after reaching Wahoo became a pupil in the public schools, which he attended until 1888. His textbooks were put aside at that time and he began learning the more difficult lessons to be mastered in the school of experience. He entered a dry-goods store and that he was capable, faithful and thoroughly reliable is indicated by the fact that he continued there until 1899, covering a period of eleven years. He was ambitious to engage in business on his own account, however, and carefully saved his earnings until the sum was sufficient to enable him to

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purchase a stock of men's clothing and furnishings, whereon he opened his store in Wahoo, since which time he has been among the active merchants of the city. He studies the trade and the public taste and his stock meets the demand for high class and modish goods. He has a large line of everything covered by the terms men's clothing and furnishings and his trade has steadily increased from the beginning, for he makes it his purpose to please his customers, and his uniform courtesy, his reasonable prices and his straightforward dealing have brought to him a very gratifying patronage. That he is winning success is further indicated in the fact that in April, 1914, he extended the scope of his business by the establishment of a store in Schuyler, Nebraska, which he is also conducting under his own name.

   On the 1st of January, 1896, in Omaha, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Harriett Isabel Lattin, a daughter of John W. Lattin, a native of Orleans county, New York. Mr. Johnson holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Wahoo Commercial Club and is interested in all of its plans and projects for the development of the city. In his political views he is a republican and upon that ticket has been four times elected a member of the Wahoo city council, being an incumbent in the position at the present time. He exercises his official prerogatives in support of many plans and measures for the general good, studies the needs of the city with the same thoroughness that he studies business conditions and gives to Wahoo the benefit of his broad judgment, sound experience and public spirit.

   Joseph Anton Kliment, a member of the Kliment Mercantile Company of Prague, one of the leading business concerns of the town, was born in Elk precinct on the 11th of April, 1881. His father, Anton Kliment, was born in Bohemia, where he followed agricultural pursuits until 1875, when he emigrated with his family to the United States, making his way at once to Saunders county, Nebraska. He purchased eighty acres of land in Elk precinct, paying therefor four dollars per acre, and he continued to farm until he retired from active life and removed to Prague, where both he and his wife passed away, his demise occurring on the 13th of November, 1893. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Marie Vejnar, died some time later.

   Joseph A. Kliment attended the common schools of Elk precinct in the pursuit of an education and was reared upon the home farm until he reached the age of twelve years, when the family removed to Prague. He began his business career as a clerk in the store of which he is now one of the proprietors. The business was established by J. A. Bastar, who sold out to Joseph Sefranek, who in turn sold out to the Kliment Mercantile Company, which was organized in July, 1909, with the following officers: W. C. Kirschman, president; F. J. Kirschman, vice president; J. G. Hohl, secretary and treasurer; and J. A. Kliment, manager. The company carries a complete and up-to-date stock and has gained a large and profitable trade, as their business policy is a liberal

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          439

one. The success of the store is due mainly to the enterprise and ability of Mr. Kliment, who is responsible for the management of its affairs.

   Mr. Kliment married Miss Christie Kaspar, a daughter of Vaclav Kaspar. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, but he has never sought office, and fraternally he is connected with the Z. C. B. J. lodge of Prague. He is recognized as an important factor in the business and commercial life of the town and can always be depended upon to aid in the advancement of his community along material, civic and moral lines.

   James H. Ellison is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Saunders county and for many years has engaged in farming on section 17, Marietta precinct. He was born at Eagle Harbor, Michigan, on the 7th of March, 1864, of the marriage of James and Isabella Ellison, both of whom were natives of Ireland, though they were reared in New York state. In 1878 they came to Saunders county and the father took up the first homestead in Marietta precinct. He developed a good farm from what was a tract of wild prairie land when it came into his possession and thus aided in promoting the agricultural advancement of his community. He also helped to build the main line of the Union Pacific Railroad. For two years the family resided in a sod house, which at the end of that time was replaced by a small frame shack. It was necessary to go to Plattsmouth for provisions and there were many inconveniences and often hardships to be endured. He persevered, however, in the work of improving his farm and at the time of his death owned two hundred acres of good land. He was a populist in his political belief and a Presbyterian in religious faith. He died July 23, 1907, and his wife passed away on the 19th of April, 1892.

   James H. Ellison was reared at home and attended the public schools in his boyhood during a short period of each winter. He then turned his entire attention to helping with the farm work and when twenty-five years old began his independent career. He now owns a good farm of one hundred acres on section 17, Marietta precinct, and its excellent improvements indicate his prosperity. He is prompt and energetic in carrying on the farm work and seldom fails to harvest good crops, while he derives a substantial addition to his income from the sale of his stock.

   On the 24th of August, 1893, Mr. Ellison was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Smith, a daughter of Charles D. Smith, formerly of Fennimore, Wisconsin. Two children have been born to this union, namely: James Donald, born July 21, 1900, who is attending the Wahoo high schools; and Dorothy Autumn, born October 1, 1905, who is a pupil in the country school. Mrs. Ellison was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, August 25, 1873, and was graduated at the Fennimore (Wis.) high school, and during her young womanhood she was a teacher in the public school. She is a Presbyterian and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

   Mr. Ellison holds membership in the Masonic order at Wahoo, belonging

440          PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II

to both the blue lodge and chapter, and he is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Wahoo. In politics he votes independently, refusing to be bound by the dictates of a party leader. He is now serving as a member of the school board, of which he has been a member for thirty years, or since he was twenty-one, and he takes the interest of a good citizen in everything relating to the public welfare. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He attributes his success to his willingness to work hard and his constant study to increase his ability as an agriculturist.

   Andrew Swanson, who has gained financial independence, is now living retired in Mead, Nebraska. Although he began his independent career as a poor boy, he is now the owner of four hundred acres of land in Saunders county and three hundred and twenty acres in Traill county, North Dakota, and well deserves the title of a self-made man. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 27th of August, 1843, and his parents were Swan and Elsa (Nelson) Olson, both of whom were lifelong residents of that country. He attended the common schools in Sweden until he was eleven years old, when he began working for a farmer. On reaching his majority he emigrated to the United States and for two months worked in New Jersey for eight dollars per month. At the end of that time he removed to Chicago and for three months was employed on a farm in the vicinity of that city, receiving for his labor twenty-five dollars a month. The next two years were spent in railroad work at Kewanee, Illinois, but at the expiration of that period he returned to Chicago, where he remained for twelve years. He came to Saunders county, Nebraska, in 1878 and began farming three hundred and twenty acres of railroad land which he purchased and which adjoins Mead. He concentrated his energies upon the improvement and cultivation of that tract until 1905, when he retired but still lives on his farm. He has bought other land and now owns four hundred acres in Saunders county and a half section in Traill county, North Dakota. He receives a handsome income from his property and is ranked among the substantial men of the county.

   On the 14th of March, 1878, Mr. Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Johnson, a daughter of Andrew Johnson, who was born in Sweden. Both her parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson are the parents of eight children: Josephine, who married A. G. Carlson, of Mead; Ella and Albert, both of whom are living at home; Fred, who married Josephine Edgar, by whom he has two children, Lorraine and Walter; George, a resident of Wahoo, who married Rose Sjogren and has two sons, William and Kenneth; Charles A., a resident of Wahoo; Harry, a resident of Sunnier, Iowa, who is married and has one child, Rose Marie; and Ernest, of Lincoln, who married Florence Walker and has one son, Lyle.

   Mr. Swanson has ably served as a member of the school board and is always in favor of advancement along civic lines. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Mission church, to the support of

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which he contributes. He has not only gained individual prosperity but has also had a part in the agricultural development of his county and in the furtherance of the moral welfare of his community.

   William S. Wolfe occupies an attractive home in Ashland, where he is now living retired. He has passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, having reached the age of seventy-two years, and it is fitting that he should have this period of rest after his many years of agricultural activity. This is following out nature's law of compensation.

   Mr. Wolfe was born in Ashland county, Ohio, March 26, 1843, a son of Martin and Elizabeth (Clouse) Wolfe, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father followed both carpentering and farming and in early life removed to Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for a few years. Later he went to Michigan and subsequently to Indiana and in 1869 he arrived in Nebraska, settling in Cass county, where he secured a homestead claim, to the development and improvement of which he devoted his remaining days. His death occurred May 5, 1878, while his wife passed away February 23, 1890.

   William S. Wolfe was reared and educated in Michigan and in Indiana, spending his youthful days under the parental roof until he reached the age of eighteen years. The call of his country was then so strong that even though but a youth he felt that he must aid in the defense of the Union, joining Company H, Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry, with which he went to the front, serving for three years during the Civil war and participating in a number of its most hotly contested engagements. He was taken prisoner and was incarcerated at Andersonville for more than six months.

   When the war was over, Mr. Wolfe returned to his home in Indiana and there remained until 1868, which was the year of his arrival in Cass county, Nebraska. The district was then a frontier region in which the work of improvement and development had scarcely begun. Much of the land was still in possession of the government and was destitute of all improvements or other indications that the seeds of civilization had been planted. He secured a claim and with characteristic energy began to break the sod and till the soil. A quarter of a century passed, throughout which he carried on the work of the farm, converting the place into rich and productive fields. He then went to York, Nebraska, where he resided for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Phelps county, where he purchased land which he cultivated for twenty-two years. At the end of that time he came to Ashland and bought six acres adjoining the town, making his home thereon for seven years. Later he retired permanently from all business cares, purchased a residence in Ashland and has since made it his home. His life has been a very busy and useful one.

   Mr. Wolfe was married to Miss Rebecca J. Logan on the 1st of October, 1871, and she passed away on the 13th of June, 1882. To them were born

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four children, namely: William Martin, whose birth occurred December 31, 1872, and who died August 14, 1874; Viola, born May 17, 1875, who is the wife of Harley Toland of Ashby, Nebraska; Sherman, who was born May 18, 1879, and is now a resident of Alvo, Cass county; and George Harley, born August 17, 1881, also living in Alvo. On the 16th of November, 1885, Mr. Wolfe was again married. Miss Mary E. McCutcheon becoming his wife. Her parents, Joseph W. and Mary E. (McCutcheon) McCutcheon, were natives of South Carolina and the father, who was a farmer, operated a tract of land in that state throughout his entire active life, his labors being ended by death in 1872. His wife survived until February, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have a daughter, Vira G., who was born July 26, 1887, and gave her hand in marriage to E. B. Jacobson, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

   The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe is that of the Methodist church, to which they loyally adhere, taking an active and helpful interest in its work. Mr. Wolfe votes with the republican party and has always indorsed its principles since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to the Grand Army post and thus maintains a close comradeship with those who were numbered among the "boys in blue" of the Civil war. Many years have come and gone since the conflict was brought to an end but the soldiers of '61 enjoy meeting with each other and recounting incidents of their military experiences when upon southern battlefields they fought to defend the Union. Mr. Wolfe has been as loyal to his country in days of peace as in times of war and has ever been accounted a public-spirited citizen.

   Frank Wirka, who has made an excellent record as secretary and manager of the Farmers Elevator Company of Rescue, was born in Bohemia precinct, Saunders county, on the 7th of January, 1872. He is a son of Frank Wirka, who in 1882 removed with his family from the home farm in Bohemia precinct to North Bend, where for a year he conducted a saloon. He then engaged in the saloon and hotel business in Linwood for a year, after which he returned to the farm, which he operated for several years. He again removed to North Bend, where he engaged in the saloon business until he took up his residence on the farm once more. After three or four years spent there he removed to North Bend again but at length sold out there and went back to the farm, where he is now living.

   Frank Wirka of this review received his education in the common schools and accompanied the family on their various removals. He was connected in business with his father until 1906, when he was appointed manager of the Wilkinson Elevator at Rescue, which was subsequently acquired by the Farmers Elevator Company, which still owns it. He has been retained as manager, as he has demonstrated his knowledge of all details of the business and the soundness of his judgment. The elevator has a large patronage and under his management it earns good profits for its stockholders. Mr. Wirka is also

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PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          445

owner of a farm of one hundred and fifty-seven acres adjoining the village of Rescue, in which he lives.

   On the 27th of August, 1900, Mr. Wirka was united in marriage to Miss Anna Simanek, a daughter of Ignace Simanek, of Prague, and to this union have been born three children, Irene, Irma and Sylvia.

   Mr. Wirka is a democrat in politics, but has confined his activity in public affairs to the exercise of the franchise. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America of Linwood and of Z. C. B. J., a Bohemian organization, at Prague. He holds membership in the St. John's Catholic church of Prague and supports the various activities of that organization. He has a wide acquaintance and his dominant qualities are such that those who have been closely associated with him hold him in warm regard and high esteem.

   Oscar Simpson Hall, one of the well known residents of Ashland, was for many years actively engaged in farming in this county but is now living retired, having accumulated a competence which enables him to enjoy a well merited period of leisure. He was born in Marion county, Iowa, on the 10th of January, 1856, of the marriage of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Lemon) Hall, both of whom were natives of Indiana, The father gave his attention to agricultural pursuits and owned land in Marion county, Iowa, where he removed at an early day in the history of that state. Subsequently he went to Jasper county, Iowa, and thence to Cass county, that state, where he remained until 1872, when he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, and purchased a farm here, to the operation and improvement of which he devoted the remainder of his life, passing away on the 3d of January, 1875. The mother died on the 20th of February, 1902.

   Oscar Simpson Hall was reared in Iowa and Nebraska and received his education in the public schools of those states. He remained with his parents until his father's demise but when twenty years of age returned to Iowa and worked there for a year, after which he came again to Saunders county and rented the homestead, which he operated for two years. He then bought forty acres of land near Wann, the cultivation of which demanded the greater part of his time and attention for two years. At the end of that time he sold that tract and again took up his residence on the home place, which as soon as possible he purchased from the other heirs. To this farm, which comprises two hundred and forty acres of excellent land, he added an additional eighty acres and now owns three hundred and twenty acres in Clear Creek precinct. He has two sets of buildings upon the place, has made many other improvements and has carefully conserved the fertility of the soil, so that his farm is now one of the valuable properties of the locality. He grew the usual crops and also engaged in stock-raising quite extensively, specializing in Poland China hogs and Durham cattle. He continued upon the farm until 1908, when he removed to Ashland and purchased a fine home and three acres of land near the city park, where he has since lived retired.

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   On the 4th of February, 1877, Mr. Hall married Miss Harriet A. Tarpenning, a daughter of Perry and Elizabeth (Russell) Tarpenning. Her parents were born in Ohio but were numbered among the early settlers of Indiana, where the father farmed until his removal to Missouri, whence he went to Fremont county, Iowa. After following agricultural pursuits there for a few years he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, in 1861, and took up a homestead here. As the land was virgin prairie it was necessary to plow the first furrows upon the place and there was much hard work to be done before the tract was converted into an improved farm. Not long after his arrival in this county his place was swept by a prairie fire and he remained for a year thereafter in Iowa, at the end of which time he returned to this county and again took up the work of improving his farm, which he operated until his demise on the 15th of October, 1893. His wife had died more than two years previously, passing away on the 1st of February, 1891.

   Mr. and Mrs. Hall have become the parents of nine children, namely: Francis B., who was born December 4, 1877, died April 1, 1878; Pluma, born February 22, 1879, is now Mrs. Oscar Sandberg and is at home; Verne, born February 9, 1880, is farming in this county; Delia, born May 10, 1882, is the wife of William Phelan, a farmer of Custer county, this state; Ora, born March 10, 1883, is cultivating land belonging to his father; Omar, born January 12, 1885, is also farming land belonging to our subject; Roy, whose birth occurred July 21, 1892, died on the 10th of December of that year; Goldie, born February 14, 1894, died on the 2d of the following March; and Elmer, born September 2, 1896, is at home. Our subject and his wife also have nineteen grandchildren.

   Mr. Hall is a loyal republican, supporting the candidates and measures of that party at the polls. For four years he served as assessor of Clear Creek precinct and for fifteen years was a member of the school board, doing much in that time to further the welfare of the public schools. He is a member of the Christian church and fraternally is identified with the Woodmen of the World. He has gained financial independence and has at the same time lived up to high standards of ethics and is justly held in high esteem by all who know him.

   Peter H. Larsen has been very successful as manager of the S. A. Foster Lumber Company at Mead and during the time that he has been in charge of the business the volume of trade has increased appreciably. He was born in Denmark on the 30th of April, 1859, of the marriage of Lars and Anna Katrina Hansen, who in 1884 came to the United States. They are now living at Paxton, Nebraska, and are highly respected by their fellow citizens. They are the parents of six children, namely: Mads, deceased; Peter H.; Lars, who lives near Wahoo; Karen; Marie, who lives in Denmark; and Annie, a resident of Sutherland, Nebraska.

   Peter H. Larsen received a good education as he attended the common

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schools in Denmark until he was fourteen years old, when he began working as a farm hand. After spending four years in that way he learned the brick mason's trade, which he followed for four or five years. In 1885 he came to the United States, crossing on the Allan liner, State of Nevada, which sailed from Liverpool and reached Montreal after a voyage of twenty-eight days. He continued his journey westward and located at Wahoo, Saunders county, Nebraska, where for three years he worked at his trade. He then turned his attention to mercantile pursuits and clerked for seven years, after which he was employed in a restaurant for a year. He then entered the employ of Will Clement, a merchant of Wahoo, with whom he remained for three years, after which for one year he was connected with the lumber business in Wahoo. In 1900 he was made manager of the S. A. Foster Lumber Company in Mead and has since held that position, his services being entirely satisfactory to the owners of the business.

   In 1885 Mr. Larsen was married in Denmark two days before starting for the United States to Miss Signa Hanson, who passed away in April, 1893, leaving three children: Hannah, now the wife of Cleve Schmidt, a resident of Omaha; Marie, who married Dave Johnson, of Bovina, Texas, by whom she has three children, Mildred, Ruth and Gerald; and Lewis, who is married and is living in Ceresco, Nebraska. In September, 1893, Mr. Larsen married Miss Anna Katrina Hanson, a sister of his first wife. To this union have been born ten children, namely: Egner Johannes, who is attending college at Rock Island, Illinois; Carl Edward and Edel, both of whom are at home; Pauline, Theodore, Signa, Milford, and Rufus and Ruth, twins, all of whom are attending school in Mead; and Odette, an infant.

   Mr. Larsen votes for the man rather than the party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as a member of the town board and of the school board and in those capacities he sought to promote the general welfare. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church, to the support of which he contributes. He has at all times depended solely upon his own resources and the success which he has gained indicates his sound judgment, energy and foresight.

   George Willey, a successful farmer, owned one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Marietta precinct, upon which he made many good improvements. He was a machinist by trade and at various times owned and operated threshing machines, sawmills and cornshellers. His birth occurred in Illinois on the 9th of March, 1862, and he was a son of Warren and Sarah (Tanner) Willey, the former of whom is deceased and is buried in La Salle county, Illinois, while the latter is still living and makes her home in Riverside, California.

   George Willey received a liberal education, supplementing his common school work by study in Dixon College at Dixon, Illinois, and a college at

448          PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II

Pawpaw, Illinois. After leaving the latter institution he worked on a farm with his father until 1884, when he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, where he lived continuously thereafter until his demise. He became identified with agricultural pursuits and acquired title to a quarter section of fine land on section 1, Marietta precinct. He brought his place to a high state of development and annually harvested good crops. He was also a machinist and while living in this county owned and operated threshing machines, sawmills and cornshellers, thus adding in substantial measure to his income.

   Mr. Willey was married on the 16th of March, 1889, to Miss Emma Cameron, a daughter of William and Mary Jane (Riley) Cameron, and by this union were born five children: Roy L., who is at home; Florence, the wife of Aaron Magley, of Minnesota, by whom she has two children, Helen and George; Ross and Mabel, both at home; and Hazel, who is attending high school at Wahoo.

   Mr. Willey gave his political indorsement to the democratic party and for a number of years was a member of the school board. His fraternal connection was with the Modern Woodmen at Mead, and he attended the Baptist church. When he started out in life for himself he had practically nothing, but he determined to win success, believing that prosperity rewarded efficient and continued labor, and in time he became one of the substantial men of his locality. Although he gave the most careful attention to his individual affairs he was never too busy to take an interest in the public good and his demise, which occurred on the 26th of September, 1909, was felt as a loss to his community.

   Martin Berggren is operating his excellent farm on section 29, Marietta precinct, and is recognized as an able and up-to-date agriculturist. He was born in Sweden on the 8th of December, 1856, a son of Bengt and Johanna Berggren. The father passed his entire life in Sweden but the mother became a resident of the United States and died in 1883 in this county. She is buried in the Lutheran cemetery in Wahoo precinct. To them were born nine children, namely: Andrew, Nets and Nellie, all of whom are deceased; Rena; Cecelia; John, also deceased; Olof; Martin; and Benjamin, who has passed away.

   Martin Berggren was but twelve years of age when in 1868 he came to the United States with some friends and made his way to Saunders county, Nebraska. For two or three years he worked for his brothers, who owned land in this county, and subsequently bought one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land. He received a good return from his agricultural operations and was at length able to purchase eighty acres more, so that he now owns two hundred and forty acres of well improved land.

   In 1881 occurred the marriage of Mr. Berggren and Miss Hulda Anderson, who died in 1901 and is buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Mead. She left six children, Arthur, Alice, Ernest, Fred, Alma and Hugo. In 1903 Mr. Berggren was again married, Miss Hulda Lind, a daughter of L. P. Lind, of

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