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Wahoo, becoming his wife. Three children have been born to this union, namely: Evarine Louise, Lars Everett and Lillian Eleanora. Mr. Berggren also has six grandchildren.

   He usually supports the democratic party but considers the fitness of the candidate of greater importance than his political allegiance and at times casts an independent ballot. For fourteen years he served as assessor in Marietta precinct and for twenty-six or twenty-seven years he has been treasurer of the school board. His long connection with these offices indicates the acceptability of his services. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Wahoo and of the Modern Woodmen at Mead and has held nearly all of the offices in the latter organization. Although he had to rely upon his own resources when but a boy and has never received outside aid, he has gained a gratifying measure of success, and his record indicates what may be accomplished when energy and enterprise are directed by sound judgment.

   Jacob Ort, an architect of Wahoo, who since 1882 has been identified with building operations in Saunders county, was born in Chicago, Illinois, July 7, 1846. His father, Asplanarius Orth, was born at Coblenz, Germany, about 1821 and came to the United States in 1843. He was married in Chicago in 1845 to Miss Mary Blum, also a native of Germany, and four years later, or in 1849, he passed away, while the death of his wife and of her mother occurred at the same time, occasioned by cholera. Mr. and Mrs. Orth were then residents of Chicago and they left one child, Jacob Ort, of this review, who was reared by his maternal uncle, Lambert Blum, at New Trier, Cook county, Illinois.

   The spelling of the family name was changed by Jacob Ort to the form which he now uses. He pursued his education in the schools of New Trier and for a brief period continued his education in Chicago. He was a youth of but seventeen years when he enlisted at Chicago in December, 1863, for service as a private of Company E, First Illinois Artillery, with which command he remained until honorably discharged on the 7th of April, 1865. He had been actively engaged in duty in the interim, participating in the battle of Guntown and afterward in the battle of Tupelo, Mississippi, where he was severely wounded on the 13th of July, 1864. He was then sent to a hospital, where he remained, until he received his discharge, covering about nine months.

   When his military service was over Mr. Ort returned to Evanston, Illinois and continued his efforts to learn the carpenter's trade, which he had begun before he went to the front. This was the initial step toward his present professional activity, for after working at carpentering for a time he took up the study of architecture and followed both pursuits for a while. In 1905, however, he withdrew from active connection with carpentering and contract work and has since devoted his entire attention to the profession of architecture. He came to Saunders county in 1879, settling first at Valparaiso, but on the 1st of June, 1882, removed to Wahoo, where he has since made his home, covering a third of a century. His professional ability has won him liberal patronage

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and he is the architect of many of the most prominent structures of Wahoo and the surrounding country, including the St. Wenceslaus school in Wahoo, the new Congregational and old Presbyterian churches in Wahoo, the public school at Ceresco, the public schools at Colon and at Yutan, the city hall at Cedar Bluffs, the public schools at Weston and at Prague, the Swedish Lutheran church at Wahoo, the Swedish Lutheran church at Malmo and the Catholic church at Touhy, all in Saunders county, and the Zelma Hotel at Ashland.

   On the 24th of December, 1868, in Champaign, Illinois, Mr. Ort was married to Miss Christie Mittendorf, a daughter of Christian Mittendorf and a native of Brunswick, Germany. They have become the parents of the following named: Celia R.; Lottie H., the wife of Karl Swanholm; John C., who married and has two sons, Horace and Harry; Grace B., the wife of John E. Fate, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Fern, the wife of Ray Killian, of Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska; Emma F.; and Josephine R. They also lost four children: William, Frankie and Sadie, all of whom died in infancy; and Harry, who died in 1907 at the age of twenty years.

   In his political views Mr. Ort is a democrat and has been called to various public offices, the duties of which he has discharged with efficiency and fidelity, having served as deputy sheriff of the county, clerk of the district court, deputy county clerk, police magistrate and city treasurer of Wahoo. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, is a Master Mason and is a member of John Andrews Post, No. 90, G. A. R., of Wahoo, of which he has been commander and of which he is now adjutant. Through his connection with the post he maintains close and pleasant, relations with his old army comrades and it is a recognized fact that his public spirit and his loyalty to the nation's starry banner are as marked as when he was engaged in active military service on the field of battle. He has gained a position of distinction in professional circles, his ability winning him rank as one of the foremost architects of this part of the state.

   Adelbert B. Stanley has proved his ability as a stock-raiser and farmer and his place on section 35, Clear Creek precinct, is well improved and is kept in fine condition. He has also devoted considerable time to carpentering and is known as an excellent workman along that line. A native of Saunders county, he was born in Green precinct on the 5th of January, 1870, a son of Lucian and Elizabeth (Ballou) Stanley, who were born respectively in Ohio and New York. The father, who was a contractor by occupation, came to Saunders county, Nebraska, in 1867 and turned his attention to farming, taking up a homestead in Green precinct, which he cultivated and improved for two years. At the end of that time he returned to contracting, doing much work for the railroads and also being employed on the construction of sewers and waterworks systems. In 1898 he removed from Ashland, where he had lived for several years, to Cleveland, Ohio, where he now resides. His wife is also living.

   Adelbert B. Stanley was reared at home and received good educational advantages. After finishing his schooling he kept books for a time, after which

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   his health failed and he began farming, believing that an outdoor life would prove beneficial. He purchased land in the bottoms of Clear Creek precinct but after operating that place for four years sold and purchased his present farm on section S5, the same precinct. He has since farmed the place and has made a number of improvements thereon. He also has twenty acres of rented land and specializes in raising high grade stock. He divides his time between his agricultural operations and work at the carpenter's trade, which he learned under his father, and his labors have been well rewarded so that he is now in comfortable circumstances.

   Mr. Stanley was united in marriage to Miss Rose M. Stambaugh, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine Stambaugh. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley have four children, namely: Catherine L., who was born April 13, 1896, and is now attending the State University of Nebraska; Adelbert D., born August 15, 1900; Elizabeth, born in January, 1904; and Lillian B., whose birth occurred April 11, 1908.

   Mr. Stanley adheres to the republican party but does not take an active part in politics. His religious faith is that of the Christian church and his fraternal affiliation is with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has a wide circle of acquaintances, and his genuine worth has gained him the warm regard of many friends.

   George W. Marshall was a pioneer of Nebraska and for a number of years before his demise carried on general farming in Rock Creek township, Saunders county. He was also a veteran of the Civil war and in all relations of life measured up to high standards of manhood. His birth occurred in Jefferson county. New York, on the 4th of July, 1833, and he lived in that state until he was eleven years of age, accompanying his parents in 1844 to Iowa. He attended the country schools of both states and during his boyhood and youth also became familiar with agricultural work.

   In 1857 Mr. Marshall removed to the territory of Nebraska and worked as a farm hand until the 13th of November, 1861, when he enlisted in Company D, Fifth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry for service in defense of the Union. He remained at the front for three years, being discharged on the 21st of November, 1864, and during that time participated in many hard fought battles. On returning to civil life he homesteaded eighty acres near Valley, Nebraska, becoming one of the first settlers of that district. For a considerable period he lived in a dugout and before he could plant crops it was necessary to break the virgin prairie, which was a difficult task. He was not discouraged, however, and in time had his land under cultivation. At length he sold that place and purchased property in the Elkhorn valley, where he remained for three years, after which he came to Saunders county and bought a quarter section of land in Rock Creek township. He concentrated his energies upon the further improvement and operation of that farm during the remainder of his life, pass-

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ing away on the 5th of February, 1914. He was prompt and efficient in his work, and his wisely directed labors yielded him a good income.

   On the 19th of July, 1876, Mr. Marshall was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah Jane (Robinson) Thompson, a native of Monongalia county, West Virginia, by whom he had four children: Emma, now the wife of S. Peterson; Harley B., who is operating the homestead; Samuel A., a resident of California; and George El, who is a veteran of the Spanish-American war and is now engaged in farming about three miles north of Valparaiso.

   Mr. Marshall supported the candidates and measures of the republican party at the polls but never aspired to public office, as his farm work demanded his entire attention. He was an active member of the Farmers Alliance and was always ready to co-operate in movements seeking the welfare of the farmers of the county. Through his connection with Major Harlan Baird Post, No. 64, G. A. R., he kept in touch with his comrades of the '60s and this association gave him much pleasure. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church and for some time served as class leader. He reached the advanced age of eighty-one years and received the honor and esteem to which his long, active and upright life entitled him. His demise was deeply regretted and his many friends still cherish his memory.

   Modern business enterprise finds a worthy exponent in Marion A. Phelps, a lumber dealer of Wahoo, who is now president and general manager of the D. R. Phelps Lumber & Coal Company. He was born upon the homestead in Saunders county, Nebraska, June 10, 1871, a son of Douglas R. and Clara (Harrington) Phelps. The father died in August, 1907, having for only a few months survived his wife, who passed away in March of the same year.

   In the schools of Fremont and of Wahoo Marion A. Phelps pursued his education until graduated from the high school in the latter city in 1889. He afterward pursued a business course in a commercial college at Lincoln, Nebraska, and in 1900 became the active assistant of his father, who was conducting business as a dealer in lumber and coal at Wahoo. In 1907 the D. R. Phelps Lumber & Coal Company was incorporated with Marion A. Phelps as the vice president and general manager and he succeeded his father in the presidency on the latter's death in August, 1907, just three days after the business was incorporated. He has since remained in active control and is now at the head of the foremost commercial enterprises of the city, having a large lumber and coal yard and dealing in all kinds of building supplies, for which he finds a ready sale, having won favor with the public because of his reliable business methods and earnest efforts to please his patrons.

   On September 21, 1898, in Wahoo, Mr. Phelps was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle L. Nichols, a daughter of Wesley J. Nichols, a pioneer of Saunders county, Nebraska, and they became the parents of three children, of whom two are living, Leland A. and Genevieve. The second child, Edward, died in infancy.

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   Mr. and Mrs. Phelps attend the Congregational church and he holds membership with two of the old and substantial fraternities, being a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight of Pythias. In politics he is a republican, but cannot be said to be a politician in the sense of office seeking, although he served for one term as a member of the city council and as city treasurer for part of one term. He is interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community and cooperates heartily in plans and projects for the development of the city or the extension of its trade relations.

   Lars Anderson, who passed away in Mead on the 24th of May, 1915, was highly esteemed because of his many excellent traits of character. For a number of years he engaged in the commission business and in farming and his well directed labors were rewarded by a gratifying financial return. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 7th of June, 1837, and he attended the common schools of that country until he was fifteen years of age, when he began working on farms. Later he accepted a position under the government inspector of weights and measures and until 1869 was responsible for stamping weights and measures. In that year, when thirty-two years of age, he emigrated to the United States and located in North Platte, Nebraska, where he remained for eight years. During a part of that time he contracted to cut cord wood and one winter had one foot so badly frozen that it left him permanently lame. In 1877 he took up his residence in Mead, where he engaged in the commission business in partnership with Ola Carlson until 1890. He was very successful in that connection and accumulated a competence. He was also a landowner, his first purchase consisting of an eighty acre tract which he devoted to pasture for his cattle, and subsequently he bought eighty acres more. His foresight, determination and sound business judgment enabled him to carry to successful completion all that he undertook, and he was recognized as a factor in the advancement of his community.

   On November 5, 1887, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Celia Berggren, who also was born in Sweden, October 14, 1850. She came to the United States in 1886 and proceeded at once to Wahoo, Nebraska, where her brother, N. B. Berggren, then lived. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson was born a daughter, Gertrude, who is now the wife of Gunard F. Kling, of Mead, by whom she has a daughter, Cecelia Blanche. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson also adopted a boy, Hugo Anderson, when he was but three days old, and he has received the most loving care. He is now attending school in Mead.

   Mr. Anderson was a stanch democrat in politics but aside from exercising his right of franchise took no part in public affairs. He attended the Swedish Mission church and in all relations of life sought to conform his conduct to high ethical standards. He passed away on the 24th of May, 1915, and his demise was deeply regretted by his many friends, who held him in warm personal regard. He is survived by his wife, who still resides in Mead, where she is well known and highly esteemed.

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   Mrs. Celia Anderson is the daughter of Benson and Johanna (Swanson) Berggren. Her father died when she was only nine years old. At the age of fourteen she quit school and went to work and from that tender age up to the time of her marriage she earned her own living. For eighteen years she was employed in the home of a wealthy Danish family four miles from Copenhagen, Denmark. For sixteen years of that time she was employed as their housekeeper, her wages being the very best that was paid for such work in Denmark. In this manner she saved up over three thousand dollars, and in 1886, at the age of thirty-six, she came to the United States, and to her brother's home in Wahoo, bringing her savings with her. After paying her passage to America she still had left a considerable sum of money, amounting to three thousand dollars. Here she kept house for her brother, A. L. Berggren, one year, and then married Lars Anderson, of Mead. Mrs. Anderson now has two living brothers and one sister in Nebraska. They are Mrs. Asserina Hecklander, Olaf Berggren and Martin Berggren. Olaf Berggren lives in Lincoln, while the other two live in Saunders county. Three other brothers and one sister are now dead, as follows: N. B. Berggren, A. L. Berggren, B. Berggren and Mrs. Nellie Clawson. All formerly lived in Saunders county. Mrs. Anderson was the last one of her family to cross the ocean.

   John August Swanson, one of the leading farmers and most highly esteemed citizens of Rock Creek precinct, has resided in Nebraska since 1874 and has therefore seen much of the development of the state. He was born on the 24th of March, 1851, on a farm near Sattra, in Lindras Socken, Smaland, Sweden, where his parents passed their entire lives. He has a sister, Miss Tillie Swanson, who is living in San Francisco, California.

   Mr. Swanson received his education in his native land and remained there until he was about nineteen years of age, when in 1870 he determined to try his fortune in the United States. For four years he worked in Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin as a laborer but at the end of that time removed to Wahoo, Saunders county, Nebraska. He obtained work here and, carefully saving his earnings, accumulated two hundred dollars in the course of a year and with this money purchased a relinquishment in Richland precinct and at once began the improvement of the place. He brought all of his land under cultivation and harvested good crops, operating that place until 1892. In that year he bought an eighty-acre tract on section 13, Rock Creek precinct, and took up his residence thereon. At various times he has purchased additional tracts of land and now owns three hundred and twenty acres in Rock Creek precinct, comprising the southeast quarter of section 12 and the northeast quarter of section 13. His residence, which is situated on section 12, is an excellent two story, ten room frame house, which he erected in 1892. He takes pardonable pride in his farm, which is well improved and kept in good condition, and his well directed labors yield him a good income.

   Mr. Swanson was married on the 22d of June, 1878, at Fremont, Dodge county, Nebraska, to Miss Laura Nelson, a native of Sweden, who emigrated

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PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          459

to the United States with her parents in 1871. She passed away in 1894, leaving ten children, namely: Albin, born August 21, 1879; Charles, born March 19, 1881; Lillie, April 24, 1882; Alma, September 5, 1883; Hildur, March 18, 1885; Henning, May 10, 1886; Olive, May 2, 1888; David, May 25, 1890; Clemie, July 31, 1892; and Charlotte, April 20, 1894. A son died in infancy. Mr. Swanson is independent in politics and can always be depended upon to further movements looking toward the advancement of his community whether it be along material, civic or moral lines. He is widely known and his sterling worth has gained him the sincere respect and the warm regard of all who have been brought in contact with him.

   Samuel P. Wahlstrom, conducting a general contracting business at Wahoo, was born in Sweden, October 5, 1854, a son of Jonas and Brita Louisa (Samuelson) Wahlstrom. The father spent his entire life in Sweden, there passing away in 1891, after which his widow came to America and is now living in Omaha at the remarkable old age of ninety-three years.

   Reared in his native country and educated in its public schools, Samuel P. Wahlstrom there remained until 1882, when the reports which had reached him concerning the opportunities and advantages of the new world led him to determine to try his fortune on this side the Atlantic. Accordingly he crossed the water in 1882 and became a resident of Omaha, but later in the same year he made his way to Wahoo, where he entered the employ of the firm of Stratton & Phelps, with whom he remained for three years. At the end of that time he began general contracting on his own account and now for thirty years has been actively engaged in the business at Wahoo, being accorded an extensive patronage that has connected him with many important public projects. Moreover, he is a director of the Mid-West Clay Manufacturing Company of Wahoo and the consensus of public opinion places him in the front rank among representative business men of the county.

   On the 26th of December, 1885, in Wahoo, Nebraska, Mr. Wahlstrom was united in marriage to Tilda, a daughter of Per Person, a native of Sweden. To them have been born the following children: Esther, who is the wife of A. O. Peterson; Lille, the wife of Herbert Johnson; Ellen; Ebba; Wendla, who died at the age of twelve years; and Jonas Philip.

   The parents are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, take an active part in its work and contribute generously to its support. Mr. Wahlstrom is now serving as a member of the church council, and is now one of the trustees of Luther College at Wahoo. His political indorsement is given to the republican party and for five years he served as a member of the city council, acting as alderman at the period when the city installed its electric light and sewer systems and its water works. He has always stood for progress and improvement, and while he advocates economy in the management of municipal affairs, he does not believe in that retrenchment which hinders advancement and improvement. On the contrary, he believes in keeping the city abreast with

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modern ideas and he has worked effectively to secure the establishment of public projects which are now a matter of civic pride. In his business, political and church connections he has contributed in large measure to the advancement of the city along these lines and his influence has brought good results.

   James Krondak has won success as an agriculturist and gives his entire time and attention to the operation of his excellent farm on section 17, Douglas precinct. He was born in Austria on the 23d of May, 1877, and is a son of John and Flora Krondak, natives of Bohemia. They came to the United States in 1880 and settled in Chester precinct, Saunders county, Nebraska, where the father rented land for three years. At the end of that time he purchased eighty acres and subsequently bought more land, which he cultivated until his death on the 17th of May, 1907. He was survived for almost eight years by his wife, who died February 20, 1915.

   James Krondak attended the school in Prague and after putting aside his textbooks assisted his father with the work of the farm until he reached the age of twenty-four years. His father then gave him one hundred acres, which he farmed for one year and then sold. He bought the quarter section in Douglas precinct on which he still lives and as the years have passed he has gained recognition as one of the prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of the county. He raises a good grade of cattle and hogs and his well cultivated fields yield good crops of grain.

   Mr. Krondak was united in marriage on the 24th of May, 1904, to Miss Mary Havelka, a daughter of Frank and Mary Havelka, and they have become the parents of three children, Victor, Emma and Milo.

   Mr. Krondak indorses the principles of the republican party and supports its candidates at the polls. However, he has never desired public office as a reward for his fealty. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and his religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. For thirty-five years he has been a resident of Saunders county and he has thoroughly identified his interests with those of the county and can be counted upon to further projects seeking its advancement.

   Fred W. Bahm, who is one of the progressive and efficient young farmers of Douglas precinct, is a native son of Saunders county, where he has spent his entire life. He was born on the 17th of August, 1882, of the marriage of Fritz and Eva Bahm, both of whom were born in Baden, Germany, where they remained until 1875. In that year they crossed the Atlantic to the United States and, continuing their journey westward, settled in Fremont, Nebraska. The father worked in that locality for ten dollars per month for about ten

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years, after which he rented land in Saunders county, for a considerable period. He then purchased a quarter section which he cultivated until the spring of 1915, when he retired from active life and removed to Prague, where he is now living.

   Fred W. Bahm received his education in the public schools and assisted his father with the farm work until he was twenty-two years of age. He then rented sixty-five acres, to the cultivation of which he devoted his time and energies for about six years, after which he purchased his present farm of eighty acres on section S3, Douglas precinct. In addition to growing grain he raises cattle and hogs and farms his eighty acres and a similar tract of rented land. He is energetic and practical and his annual income is a gratifying one.

   On the 7th of September, 1909, Mr. Bahm was married to Miss Mary Tomek, a daughter of John and Celia Tomek. A son and daughter have been born to this union: Margaret; and Fred, who died in infancy.

   Mr. Bahm is not identified with any party, preferring to vote independently. The principles which have governed him in his relations with his fellowmen are found in the teachings of the Catholic church, of which he and his wife are consistent members. He has a wide circle of acquaintances and his genuine worth is attested by the fact that those who have been most closely connected with him are his warmest friends.

   A well appointed jewelry establishment in Wahoo is the property of John Edward Vlach, who for more than a decade has been thus closely associated with the commercial interests of his town. A native of Bohemia, he was born on the 25th of May, 1881, a son of Frank and Frances (Vodraska) Vlach. The father died in Bohemia in 1896 and the mother has since come to the new world, making her home in Wahoo.

   John Edward Vlach partially acquired his education in Bohemia and in the year 1897, when a youth of sixteen, accompanied his mother to the new world, the family home being established in Philadelphia, after which he continued his studies in the schools of that city. He remained there for four years, during which period he learned the jeweler's trade and then started for the west in 1901. He first located in Denver, Colorado, where he worked at his trade for a year, or until March, 1902, when he went to Chicago and remained there for six months. In the fall of the same year he removed to Wahoo, where he opened a jewelry store in connection with his brother Charles. The partnership, however, has now been discontinued and since the retirement of his brother John E. Vlach has continued the business under his own name. That he has succeeded is indicated in the fact that he has remained active in this line for more than twelve years. Throughout the entire period his business has steadily grown and developed along substantial lines, his success being attributable to his persistent, earnest efforts, his close application and the intelligent direction of his interests.

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   On the 12th of June, 1911, in Wahoo, Mr. Vlach was joined in wedlock to Miss Agnes Dolezal, a daughter of Frank Dolezal, and they have one child, Rose Agnes. In his fraternal relations Mr. Vlach is an Elk and a Knight of Columbus, the latter connection indicating his membership in the Catholic church. His political indorsement is given the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. While born across the water, the greater part of his life has been spent in this country and he is truly American in thought, spirit and interests, while in his business career and public connections he has displayed the enterprising spirit of the west.

   Success in considerable measure has attended the efforts of Henry V. Lewis, who through the years of his active business life was identified with carpentering and with farming. The greater part of the period was devoted to agricultural pursuits and industry, determination and perseverance were the salient qualities upon which he builded his prosperity. He has now passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey, for his birth occurred in Adams county, Illinois, April 2, 1839, his parents being Giles and Sophronia (Daniels) Lewis, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. The father was also a farmer by occupation and on removing westward to Adams county, Illinois, he secured a homestead claim, becoming the owner of that land in the '80s. He continued to cultivate and operate the farm until 1880, when he removed to Ashland, Nebraska, and retired from active business life. Here he purchased a nice residence and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest, his death occurring in 1897. He left a comfortable competence for his widow, who survived him until 1905.

   The public-school system of Adams county provided Henry V. Lewis with his educational opportunities and under his father's direction he received ample training in the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He continued to assist his father in the farm work until he reached the age of twenty-three and then all thought of self and of business was put aside and with patriotism as the paramount force in his life he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a private September 1, 1862, as a member of Company E, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry, which was recruited from Adams county, Illinois. Later in 1862 he was made second lieutenant and in May, 1863, became first lieutenant, He served for two years and nine months, or until the close of the war, and his experiences were trying, for he was often in the thickest of the fight. On one occasion he was wounded and because of improper care of his injuries gangrene set in and it was necessary to burn out the decayed flesh. This has left him partially crippled but it was one of the sacrifices required to save the Union in the long and awful struggle which seemed necessary to establish this country upon its present, substantial basis.

   When the war was over Mr. Lewis returned to Adams county, where he

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owned a farm, but he did not take up the active work of the fields himself. Renting his land, he turned his attention to merchandising at Plainville, Illinois, where he also served as postmaster for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to Missouri and bought two hundred acres of land. This he improved and continued its cultivation for fifteen years, at the end of which time he came to Saunders county. Establishing his home in Ashland, he worked at the carpenter's trade for five years and built quite a number of the large residences of the town. Later he purchased land just across the line in Cass county and carried on general agricultural pursuits there until 1908, when he retired and once more took up his abode in Ashland, purchasing a nice residence near the Congregational church. Here he has since made his home and is most comfortably situated as the result of his indefatigable energy and the persistency which he displayed in business affairs in earlier years.

   On the 27th of February, 1873, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Bernard, a daughter of J. O. and Susan (Harwel) Bernard, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee respectively. In early life the father removed to Adams county, Illinois, where he took up a homestead claim fifteen miles from Quincy and throughout his remaining days his attention was given to the development and improvement of this farm, upon which he lived until 1898. His wife died in 1896. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been born five children and by a former marriage Mr. Lewis had five children. The members of the family are as follows: Henrietta, who was born in 1884 and is deceased; Margaret, residing at Great Falls, Montana; Giles, whose home is in North Dakota; Hattie, who died in September, 1915; Mollie P., a resident of Montana; Susie, who makes her home in Colorado; Alpha, a resident of Ashland, this state; Georgia, whose home is in Memphis, Saunders county; Hallie, also a resident of this county; and Carl O., who resides at Judith Gap, Montana.

   Mr. Lewis votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never sought nor desired public office as his time has been fully occupied with his business duties and interests. He belongs to the Grand Army post and his religious faith is that of the Baptist church, to the teachings of which he has ever endeavored to conform his life. His sterling traits of character are those which command confidence and regard in every land and clime and the course that he has followed is one well worthy of emulation.

   William Burmeister, the proprietor of a well patronized livery stable in Mead, is a native of Germany. He was born on the 27th of February, 1866, of the marriage of Chris and Minnie Burmeister, who emigrated with their family to America in 1889. After living for a year in Canada they came to Mead, Saunders county, Nebraska, where the mother is still living. The father, however, has passed away and is buried in a cemetery at Yutan.

   William Burmeister attended the common schools of his native land until he was fifteen years of age and then began working with his father. Two

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years later he turned his attention to herding sheep and was so employed until 1889, when he came to America with his parents. After removing to Saunders county, in 1890, he worked on a farm until 1912, and in that year purchased a livery stable in Mead, which he has since conducted. He operates his place on sound business principles and as he gives excellent service he has been very successful. He is recognized as a factor in the business life of Mead, and his ability and good judgment are acknowledged.

   In 1890 Mr. Burmeister was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Miller, by whom he has four children: Elsie, now the wife of George Lineman; Sarah; Herbert; and Otto. All of the children completed the course in the country school.

   Mr. Burmeister is convinced that the policies of the democratic party are based upon sound principles of government but reserves the right to vote independently when he thinks that by so doing he can best serve the general good. He is a communicant of the German Lutheran church, which indicates the principles that govern his conduct. He has worked hard and the success which he has gained is richly deserved.

   Jacob T. Aughe has the honor of being the oldest living settler in Saunders county and since 1859 has made his home here. He has erected the greater part of the brick buildings in Ashland and has gained gratifying success as a contractor. His birth occurred in Frankfort, Clinton county, Indiana, on the 29th of August, 1848, and he is a son of Jacob and Frances (Walcott) Aughe, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Hamilton county, Kentucky. The father, who was a bricklayer by trade, went to Indiana in his youth and for a number of years lived at Lafayette, that state. Later he began farming in addition to working at his trade but in 1859 he sold his interests in the Hoosier state and drove across the country to Saunders county, Nebraska. The work of development in this region was then just beginning, and he recognized that there were excellent opportunities here and determined to take advantage of them. He entered one hundred and sixty acres of land at one dollar and a quarter an acre and devoted the remainder of his life to improving and operating his farm, which was situated in Clear Creek precinct. His demise occurred on the 27th of July, 1872, but his wife survived, for many years, dying on the 18th of December, 1896. Jacob T. Aughe was eleven years of age when the family home was established in this county and continued his education in the public schools here. The educational system was then primitive and the school which he attended was conducted in an old log house. Later he was for one term a student in the school at Plattsmouth, Nebraska. He remained at home with his parents until he was of age and in addition to assisting with the farm work also learned the bricklayer's trade under his father. On beginning his independent career he turned his attention to bricklaying and has since followed that line of work. He has been located in Ashland since 1859 and has engaged in contracting during the greater part

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          465

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          467

of that time. He erected the National Bank building, the Congregational church and other important structures and has worked on every brick building in the town. His success has been due to his thorough knowledge of his trade, to his ability to secure thorough work from those under him and to his scrupulously living up to his contract. He has won material prosperity and in addition to his home in the northern part of Ashland, which he erected, he also owns two other residence properties, from the rent of which he derives a substantial addition to his income. In 1892 he went to Texas as foreman on brick work for the Omaha-South Texas Land Company but only remained in that state for a year.

   On the 10th of July, 1869, Mr. Aughe was united in marriage to Miss Winnie P. Cox, a daughter of G. W. and Annie Cox, natives of Ohio. They were numbered among the pioneer settlers of Saunders county and the father took up a homestead on Clear Creek precinct, which he farmed until his death in 1897. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1868. There were six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Aughe, namely: Dora A., who died in 1892; Albert, who died in infancy; Sylvia, the wife of W. E. Baldwin, a farmer of Cass county, Nebraska, by whom she has four children; Malissa, who died in infancy; George E., who for the last twelve years has been a detective in Kansas City; and William C., also a detective in that city. The wife and mother died on the 5th of March, 188S, after being an invalid for a number of years.

   On the 13th of September, 1885, Mr. Aughe was again married. Miss Ellen Best, who was born in Appanoose county, Iowa, on the 80th of October, 1858, becoming his wife. Her parents, Addison J. and Mary A. (Smith) Best, were natives respectively of Harpers Ferry, Virginia, and of Ohio. The father, who is a carpenter, went to the Buckeye state in early manhood and in 1855 removed with his family to Appanoose county, Iowa. He purchased two hundred and twenty-two acres of land northeast of Centerville and has since operated the place but although he is living practically retired he still supervises the farm work. He has reached the advanced age of eighty-four years and his many years of well directed labor entitle him to a period of leisure. His wife died on the 16th of October, 1869.

   Mr. Aughe is a republican in his political allegiance and for two years served as deputy sheriff and for one year as constable of Clear Creek precinct, making an excellent record in those offices: He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he was initiated on the 12th of January, 1880; is also a member of the Masonic order, with which he has been identified since May 3, 1889; and is likewise affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, in which he has held membership for about twenty years. He has passed through all of the chairs in the subordinate lodge of the Odd Fellows and is a member of Encampment No. 9, and he has held all of the offices in the Knights of Pythias lodge. Both he and his wife are affiliated with the Eastern Star and the Daughters of Rebekah and both are much interested in lodge work. In religious faith he is a Methodist and his influence is cast on the side of civic righteousness. He knows by experience that frontier life which has played so large a part in the history of our country and which is now rapidly passing away, and his reminiscences of early days in the middle west are of great interest.

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   At one time he drove a government outfit from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Denver, Colorado, loaded with drugs and corn, and in 1864 he drove six yoke of oxen to Pike's Peak, which was then the center of interest on account of the recent discovery of gold in that locality. He has not only been an important factor in the material building of his town but has also contributed to its advancement along lines of moral and civic progress, and his life has been so ordered that he has gained the respect and the goodwill of all who have come into contact with him.

   Hon. Alexander Laverty is identified with farming interests in Saunders county, making his home in Ashland. He is more widely known, perhaps, because of his activity in public life than as a farmer, for he has been again and again called upon to serve in positions of honor and trust, and his record is a creditable one, for he has ever been found fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation. He has been mayor of Ashland and has represented his district in the state senate.

   Mr. Laverty was born in Charlotte, Michigan, December 23, 1853, a son of Anson A. and Susan (Perry) Laverty, natives of Michigan and of Ohio respectively. The father was an attorney who was graduated from the law school of the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and afterward practiced in that state until 1872, when he came to Nebraska and purchased a homestead in Cass county, which was then a frontier district. He continued the cultivation and improvement of his land for several years, but finally turned from agricultural pursuits to take his place upon the bench, having been elected county judge. He served for two terms, after which he went to Valley county, Nebraska, and was again elected county judge. Following his retirement from the bench he continued in the practice of law until called to his final rest in 1913. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1860.

   Alexander Laverty was reared and educated in Michigan, Iowa and Nebraska, following the removal of his parents from one state to the other. He continued at home until he reached the age of seventeen years and then started out on his own account, working as a farm hand by the month for five years. He next went to Waverly, Nebraska, where he conducted business as a dealer in live stock for four years. At the end of that time he arrived in Ashland and devoted four years to the live-stock business, after which he purchased land and improved and operated his farm. He has always lived in the town, although giving personal supervision to the work of the fields, and to his place he has added substantial and modern equipments, making it a valuable farm property.

   On the 17th of May, 1893, Mr. Laverty was married to Miss Jessie M. Palmer, a daughter of William and Mary (Slater) Palmer, who were natives of New York. Her father was a farmer and at an early day became one of the pioneer residents of Illinois, establishing his home near Galesburg. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits for a long period and at length came

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          469

to Ashland, Nebraska, in 1870, after which he engaged in the lumber trade. He has now been retired for ten years but still resides in Ashland at the venerable age of eighty-eight, while his wife is eighty-five years of age. They are among the well known and highly esteemed old couples of the city.

   Mr. and Mrs. Laverty hold membership in the Episcopal church and he is also a loyal adherent of the Masonic fraternity. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in 1905 he was elected on that ticket to the office of state senator for a two years' term. In 1907 he was defeated but was again elected in 1909 and then once more was defeated in 1911. There was a close party contest in the county, which usually has a democratic plurality, but Mr. Laverty succeeded in carrying his district on three occasions and proved an active working member of the upper house, being connected with much important constructive legislation. In 1912 he was elected mayor of Ashland and filled the office for a year. His public service has been characterized by marked devotion to duty and by faithful work in behalf of the interests of those whom he represents. He is well versed on the questions and issues of the day, but he places the general good before partisanship and the welfare of the community before personal aggrandizement.

   Frank Lehmkuhl, who is engaged in farming on section 12, Chapman precint, was born on the farm where he now resides on the 26th of April, 1877, a son of John D. and Minnie (Schoppe) Lehmkuhl, both of whom were natives of Germany, the father born in Neimburg, October 27, 1833, and the mother near Neimburg, February 15, 1838. In 1846 John D. Lehmkuhl came to the United States on a sailing vessel and after landing made his way across the country to Beardstown, Illinois, whence he subsequently removed to Hamburg, Iowa. After residing there for a time he went to Kansas but later returned to Iowa, whence he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, in 1868. He located on section 12, Chapman precinct, and carried on general agricultural pursuits there until 1890, when he purchased the Judge Reese residence in Wahoo, which remained his home until his death in 1906. He was buried in Sunrise cemetery, in Wahoo. He was among the leaders in the early days of the county and was one of the organizers and for many years the president of the Saunders County Agricultural Society, which purchased the fair grounds. He did much to raise the standard of agriculture in his locality and was one of the first men in the county to breed thoroughbred stock. He was very successful in business and at the time of his death owned nine hundred and sixty acres of excellent land. Although he gained a considerable fortune he began life without capital or the aid of influential friends and his success was due solely to his energy and good judgment. In addition to his landed holdings he was a stockholder and director of the First National Bank of Wahoo, which he aided in organizing. Politically he was a democrat and from 1879 to 1881 served as county commissioner. He was also on the city council for several terms and made an excellent record as a public official. Throughout his life he was char-

470          PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II

acterized by a willingness to subordinate personal interests to the public welfare, and this spirit led to his enlisting in the Union army at the time of the Civil war. Fraternally he was connected with the Masonic lodge and the Eastern Star chapter at Wahoo.

   On the 18th of September, 1855, John D. Lehmkuhl was married in Cass county, Illinois, to Miss Minnie Schoppe, who died in 1908 and was buried by the side of her husband. They became the parents of seven children, as follows: William, deceased; Alonzo H., a resident of Weston; Fred, who is a ranchman of Lodgepole, Nebraska, John F., of Weston; Mrs. Alice M. Davis, a resident of Kearney, Nebraska; Edward, of Wahoo; and Frank.

   Frank Lehmkuhl was educated at Wahoo and remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age. He was early trained to agricultural work and on starting out independently operated a ranch in Cheyenne county, Nebraska, where he remained for twelve years. At the end of that time he returned to this county and took up his residence in Weston, where he lived for four years after which in 1918 he removed to the home farm. He carries on general farming there and as he is progressive and practical in his methods he receives a gratifying income from his land. He owns one hundred and sixty acres which is well improved and he is constantly striving to bring it to a still higher state of development. He erected a comfortable residence and a barn and after the destruction of that barn by fire built a second barn, which still stands.

   In 1900 Mr. Lehmkuhl married Miss Georgiana Isenberger, who was born in Hastings, Nebraska, of German stock. They have four children, Frances, Alice, Doris and Howard.

   Mr. Lehmkuhl is a stalwart democrat and at one time served as mayor of Weston, giving the municipality an excellent administration. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order at Chappell, this state. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his native county and is a factor not only in its agricultural development but also in its moral and civic advancement.

   Ben Johnson was for many years actively engaged in farming in Saunders county, Nebraska, but during his last years lived in honorable retirement on his farm. A native of Sweden, he was born in Halland in 1836, and there received his education. He continued to reside in his native land until 1868, when, at the age of thirty-two years, he emigrated to the United States, where he had heard excellent opportunities awaited the young man of enterprise and industry. He lived in Illinois for two years but in 1870 drove by horse team and covered wagon to Saunders county. He took up eighty acres of land in Stocking precinct as a homestead and subsequently purchased a similar tract of railroad land. As soon as possible he brought his farm under cultivation and erected good buildings. Until 1910 he concentrated his energies upon the cultivation of his land, which produced good crops annually. His resources increased from year to year and in 1910, feeling that he had accumulated a

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          471

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          473

competence, he retired from active work, although he continued to reside upon his homestead until his demise, which occurred July 15, 1912.

   In 1859 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Lena Swanson, by whom he had ten children. His wife is living at the age of seventy-seven years and still resides on the homestead in Stocking precinct. Mr. Johnson supported the republican party at the polls but never aspired to public office. His religious faith was that of the Baptist church and his integrity gained him a high place in the esteem of those who were associated with him, whether in business or in social relations. His life was well spent and his demise was deeply regretted by his many friends.

   Charles P. Johnson, a son of Ben Johnson, was born in Sweden on the 4th of April, 1861, and was about seven years of age when he was brought to this country by his parents. He received his education in the public schools of Saunders county but when fourteen years of age put aside his textbooks and devoted his entire time to assisting his father on the farm. He worked upon the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Marietta precinct and began farming on his own account. He is still actively engaged in agricultural pursuits and his farm is one of the best improved and well kept up places of his precinct. He grows the usual crops and also raises high grade stock and is very successful in both branches of agriculture.

   On Christmas Day, 1884, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Ellen Anderson, a daughter of Fred and Clara Anderson, both natives of Sweden. Her father is deceased but her mother survives and makes her home in Mead. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of five children: Eland, who for a year and a half has had charge of the Farmers Elevator at Mead and is living at home; Ernest, who is farming land belonging to his father and who married Miss Nettie Parrish; Conrad, a resident of Marietta precinct, who married Neola Parsons; Lillian, who is studying music at Lincoln; and Raymond, who is a senior in the Wesleyan University near Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson appreciate fully the value of a liberal education and all of their children have continued their study beyond the high school.

   Mr. Johnson is independent in politics, voting for the candidate whom he deems best qualified for the office in question rather than following the dictates of a party leader. At different times he has served as a member of the town and school boards, and his record as an official is highly creditable. He holds membership in the Baptist church and contributes to the support of that organization. He began his career without capital or the aid of influential friends but through hard work and the exercise of good judgment has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity. His present farm in Marietta precinct embraces a half section of land. It lies all in one body, half of it being on section 31. and the other half on section 35. It is now well improved. In 1915 he retired from active farming and removed to Mead, where he is building for the use of

474          PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II

himself and wife an elegant, modern residence which, when finished, will be the handsomest residence in Mead. It is a beautiful two story frame structure of tasty design and is provided with furnace, bath and electric lights. Mr. Johnson also owns, besides the half section mentioned above, a one hundred and thirty-three acre farm which is on section 36, Marietta precinct, and adjoins the town of Mead.

   John H. Granger is a well known representative of business activity in Ashland, being identified with agricultural interests and also with the ice trade, having given his attention to the latter for thirty years. He was born in Indiana in December, 1860, a son of Sylvester and Mary (Vernier) Granger. He was reared and educated in his native state and in Ashland, he and his brother attending school here when their sister, Mrs. Helen (Granger) Slater, now a resident of Denver, was the teacher. In November, 1909, there was a reunion of the scholars of this school held at the home of John H. Granger, on which occasion there were present thirteen of the pupils that had attended the school thirty-five years before, and Mrs. Slater was also present on that occasion. In attendance were also some of the school directors of that early period but all have now passed away.

   John H. Granger remained at home with his parents until he reached the age of twenty years and during that period had ample training in the work of the fields. He afterward was employed as a farm hand for three years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings until he was able to purchase one hundred and twenty acres of land near Ashland, in Clear Creek township. He at once began to further develop and improve that property, which he continued to cultivate for ten years. While upon the farm he also engaged in putting up ice, which he sold in Ashland, and for thirty years he has now continued in that business, having a very liberal patronage which makes his undertaking a profitable one. At length he sold his farm in Clear Creek township and afterward purchased eighty acres adjoining Ashland, which he is now cultivating in addition to carrying on the ice trade. He also owns a fine residence which he occupies in the northwest part of the town. In addition to his other interests he is a stockholder and director of the Platte River Bridge Company.

   On the 20th of August, 1884, Mr. Granger was united in marriage to Miss Mary G. Gould, a daughter of Parmenio and Hannah Ann (Cory) Gould, who were natives of New York. The father was a farmer and continued active in that work in New York until 1868, when he came to Saunders county and secured a homestead in Clear Creek township, which he cultivated for a considerable period. He afterward purchased another farm a mile west of Ashland and carried on the work of tilling the soil there for several years. Finally he retired and removed to Ashland, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring May 27, 1908, when he was eighty years of age. His widow still survives and is now living in Ashland at the age of eighty-one years.

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          475

   Mrs. Granger was born in New York, March 23, 1863, and by her marriage has become the mother of five children, namely: Verne L., who was born December 16, 1885, and who is in the employ of the State University at Eugene, Oregon; Flora Neale, born November 25, 1888; Cory G., whose natal day was December 17, 1890; Ernest H., born October 17, 1892; and Clem L., April 28, 1900.

   Mr. and Mrs. Granger hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and are ever loyal to its teachings, doing everything in their power to promote its growth and advance its influence. Mr. Granger belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his political support is given to the republican party. That he is regarded as one of the valued and trustworthy citizens of the community is indicated in the fact that he served for sixteen years as a member of the town council, during which period he exercised his official prerogatives in every way possible to further the interests, meet the needs and advance the growth of the community.

   Frank P. Folsom, who is now associated with his son in a general store in Ashland, was for a number of years actively connected with lumbering and banking interests in this state and is one of the substantial men of his community. A native of Vermont, his birth occurred in Worcester, October 28, 1845, and he is a son of David W. and Demis M. (Seaver) Folsom, likewise natives of the Green Mountain state. The father was a millwright by trade but also engaged in farming, and on the 1st of March, 1869, located in Ashland, Saunders county, Nebraska. He and two others of the family each took up a homestead and he devoted his time and attention to the operation of his farm for about two decades, passing away on the 27th of February, 1890, when seventy years of age. His wife survived for over seventeen years, her demise occurring on the 20th of December, 1907.

   Frank P. Folsom received his education in the public schools of Vermont and Newburgh, New York. In 1869, when about twenty-four years of age, he accompanied his father to this county and homesteaded a tract of land, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted thirteen years. He was then appointed deputy county clerk and after serving in that capacity for two years he entered the National Bank at Wahoo, where he remained for one year. He was next employed in an elevator for some time and then went to Arkansas, where he was connected with Dean & Dorsey's railroad interests for a considerable period. At length he returned to Wahoo, this state, but after residing there for five years went to South Bend, Nebraska, where he was engaged in banking and in the conduct of a lumberyard for Mr. Dean. In 1892 he came again to Ashland, where he has since resided and where he owns a fine brick residence a block from Main street. For the past nine years he has been connected with his son in the conduct of a store. His business ability and his careful study of conditions have enabled him to win success in all of his undertakings and he has accumulated more than a competence.

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   On the 14th of December, 1873, occurred the marriage of Mr. Folsom and Miss Louise Gilbert, a daughter of August and Mary (Vincent) Gilbert, the former born in Germany and the latter in England. The father enlisted for service in the Civil war and was killed while at the front and the mother died in 1865, while on her way north, with her children, for the summer. Mr. and Mrs. Folsom have become the parents of six children, namely: Lillian, the wife of L. E. Sawyer, of Pasadena, California; Phillip, a jeweler residing in Ashland, Nebraska; Frank, who lives in Los Angeles, California; Vashti, the wife of A. H. Hastings, of Arcadia, Nebraska; Pearl, the wife of M. E. Stover, of Atlantic, Iowa; and Harlow, at home.

   Mr. Folsom is independent in politics and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His religious faith is that of the Christian Science church, and his daily life measures up to high ethical standards. He came to this state in pioneer times and knows by experience the hardships that confronted the early settlers. He did his part in bringing the prairie land under cultivation and has at all times taken a great interest in the general welfare and advancement.

   William A. Harnsberger, of Ashland, is the owner of valuable farm properties in Saunders and in Cass counties and largely devotes his time to the supervision of these interests. He is, however, the vice president of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Ashland and he has other investments. His intelligently directed activity has been the foundation, upon which he has builded his success and from the outset of his career his progress has been continuous.

   Mr. Harnsberger was born in Clinton county, Indiana, July 15, 1818, and is a son of Wesley and Jane (Alley) Harnsberger, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of West Virginia. He traces his ancestry back to Stephen Harnsberger, who came to America from Switzerland about the year 1714, accompanied by his wife and son, Adam, who was then seventeen years of age. They settled in Spottsylvania county, Virginia, and Adam Harnsberger afterward married and removed to Rockingham county, Virginia, taking up his abode near Elkton. He was twice married and by his first wife had three sons: Stephen, who removed to Georgia about 1792; and Sebastian and John, who became residents of Monroe county, Virginia. By his second marriage Adam Harnsberger had four sons, namely: Henry, Adam, Conrad and Robert Harnsberger. Conrad Harnsberger had a son Jacob, who married Catherine Harnsberger, a daughter of Adam Harnsberger (II) and a sister of John Harnsberger (II). This Jacob Harnsberger and his wife removed westward to Ohio and in that state they became the parents of a son to whom they gave the name of Wesley and who became the father of William A. Harnsberger of this review. At an early day in the development of Indiana he removed to Clinton county, that state, and there engaged in farming after entering land from the

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          477

government and clearing it for cultivation. He continued to develop and improve the property and worked successfully along that line until 1851, when he and several others drove across the country to Warren county, Iowa, settling near Indianola. They took up their abode between two streams and the district was and still is known as Hoosier Row. Mr. Harnsberger purchased land there which he also improved and cultivated with success until 1866, when he came to Nebraska, establishing his home in Cass county. There he entered a claim from the government and also purchased land which he improved and cultivated until 1874. In that year he practically retired from active business life and afterward made his home with his children until he passed away on the 11th of March, 1896. His wife died April 25, 1863. In their family were six children, namely: Abigail C., Ruth M., Mary M., William A., Sarah F. and Jacob H. The last two lived with the family in Cass county, Nebraska, and shared in the trials and hardships incident to frontier life. They both also came to Saunders county, where they lived for a time. Sarah and her family afterward removed to Omaha, where she passed away, while Jacob Harnsberger went to Sheridan county, Nebraska, and subsequently was elected county treasurer, which position he filled for one term. He next removed to La Junta, Colorado, where the remainder of his days were spent, his death occurring February 12, 1898.

   William A. Harnsberger was reared and educated in Warren county, Iowa, and in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and there remained with his father on the farm until 1874, when he came to Ashland and established an implement and coal business which he conducted in partnership with H. W. Curtis for eleven years. The business relation between them was then discontinued, after which Mr. Harnsberger remained as sole proprietor for twelve years more. At the end of that time he sold out and has since devoted his attention to his farms, owning six hundred and eighty acres of valuable land in Saunders county and one hundred and sixty acres in Cass county. He gives supervision to these properties, which are highly improved and carefully cultivated and from which he derives a most gratifying annual income. He is also vice president of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Ashland and is the owner of one of the finest residences in the city.

   On the 4th of September, 1884, Mr. Harnsberger was united in marriage to Miss Josephine E. Wiggenhorn, her parents being Ernest A. and Augusta (Niemeyer) Wiggenhorn, of whom more extended mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of H. A. Wiggenhorn, brother of Mrs. Harnsberger. To our subject and his wife have been born four children, namely; Augusta, who is now the wife of Frank A. Jones, connected with the Bankers Realty Company of Omaha, Nebraska; Emma F.; William Ernest, who is now attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln; and Carl W., who is also a student in the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

   Mr. and Mrs. Harnsberger are communicants of the Episcopal church and he belongs also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias lodge. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and for one term he served as a member of the city council, but he does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his individual in-

478          PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II

terests. However, he is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, willingly lending his aid and cooperation to all plans and movements for the upbuilding and progress of his city and county.

   Gilbert M. Fleming has been connected with Saunders county for forty years and his reminiscences of the early days are not only very interesting but also aid in making real the lives of the pioneers. He was born near Toledo, Ohio, on the 13th of December, 1858, and was reared in his native state. In 1875 he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, and took up land in Chester precinct, where he still lives. He gives careful attention to his farm work and with the aid of his son Frank raises both grain and stock. Although his present residence is commodious and well designed, his first home in .the county was but a sod house, which indicates much of the pioneer conditions that existed here at that time.

   Mr. Fleming was married September 17, 1880, to Miss Delia Williams, a daughter of John S. Williams, and to this union have been born two sons: Frank, who is farming with his father; and Newton, who is farming near Rescue, Nebraska.

   The political allegiance of Mr. Fleming is given to the republican party, whose policies he believes are founded upon sound principles of government. He has reached the advanced age of seventy-seven years and is given the honor to which his long, upright and useful life entitles him. He understands the various phases of farming thoroughly and as the years have passed his resources have increased so that he is now in comfortable circumstances.

   William J. Parmenter occupies an attractive home in Yutan, where he has resided from the age of nineteen years save for the brief period which he devoted to farming. For the past twelve years he has been in the government employ in connection with the postal service. His birth occurred in Danville, Ohio, on the 30th of January, 1860, and when he was a lad of eight years his parents removed with their family to Summum, Illinois, where they resided until 1873, when they came to Saunders county, arriving within its borders on the 22d of February. The father secured a homestead and in the early days the family endured many of the hardships and privations incident to life on the frontier, but all worked hard and through industry and perseverance won success.

   William J. Parmenter was a lad of but thirteen years at the time of the arrival of the family in this county. Here he attended the common schools until he reached the age of seventeen and for two years he taught school in this county. When nineteen years of age he took up his abode in Yutan, where

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PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          481

he became engaged in the grocery business. He operated along that line with good success for a considerable period and then extended the scope of his activities to include a line of general merchandise. He remained active in the business until 1898, when he purchased the Bryant farm one mile from Yutan and thereon resided for eight years or until 1906, when he returned to the town and erected his present comfortable and attractive residence, which he has since occupied. He has carried rural mail for the past twelve years and his faithfulness is well indicated by his long continuance in the position.

   On the 13th of March, 1882, Mr. Parmenter was united in marriage to Miss Nancy J. Norris, her father being George W. Norris, a pioneer of Saunders county. By this union there are two children. John A., who was born March 27, 1883, and is a practicing physician of Lincoln, wedded Augusta Urban, of Prague, Nebraska, by whom he has a son. Guy Norris, a successful attorney of Wahoo, was born June 20, 1889, and wedded Miss Hotoka Knapp, her father being Silas F. Knapp, a pioneer of Saunders county, Nebraska.

   In his political views Mr. Parmenter is a democrat and twice he served as postmaster of Yutan under the administration of President Cleveland. He has also been for twelve years a member of the school board and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend who does everything in his power to promote the interests of the schools and advance intellectual progress. He is a member of the Plainview Christian church and finds therein the guiding spirit of his life, making him a man of splendid qualities worthy the confidence and goodwill of all.

   During the later years of his life Abijah N. Wood lived retired in Ashland but in pioneer times he became a resident of Saunders county and for a considerable period was actively identified with its agricultural interests. He was born at Lowville, Pennsylvania, October 16, 1842, and there resided during the period of his boyhood and youth. His father, Simeon Wood, was a native of New York but in early life went to the Keystone state and there spent his remaining days. He wedded Henriette Chapin, also a native of the Empire state, but she, too, went to Pennsylvania in early life. His death occurred in 1844 but his widow long survived, passing away in 1895.

   Abijah N. Wood continued his residence at Lowville, Pennsylvania, until 1867, when, at the age of twenty-five years, he made his way westward to Nebraska, settling in Saunders county, where he secured a homestead claim in Ashland precinct. The tract was entirely destitute, of improvements but with characteristic energy he began its development and soon the track of the shining plow could be seen across the fields. The work was carried on resolutely and energetically year after year with good results until 1883, when Mr. Wood sold out and went to Central City, Nebraska. Near that city he purchased land and again carried on general farming until 1890, when he retired and

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removed to Lincoln, spending his remaining days in the capital city in the enjoyment of a "well earned rest".

   Ere death called him on the 29th of August, 1899, Mr. Wood had enjoyed a happy married life of almost a third of a century. It was on the 25th of November, 1866, that he wedded Sarah A. Walker, a daughter of James and Sarah (Ross) Walker, the former a native of New York and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father was also a farmer and followed that occupation throughout the entire period of his active business career, passing away in the Keystone state December 80, 1883, while his wife died there March 30, 1866. Mr. Walker was a soldier of the War of 1812, serving throughout the entire period of hostilities with England. His daughter, Mrs. Wood, was the teacher of the first school in the Schafer district, having charge in 1869. She also taught the first school in the Lone Tree district in 1876 and altogether taught five terms in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Wood were born three children. Lillie C., born in August, 1867, is the wife of Edward King, who is farming in Blaine county, Nebraska. Judson S., born May 4, 1872, is a linotype operator at Lincoln. Cora O., born February 14, 1881, is the wife of William A. Hall, who is engaged in the automobile business at Council Bluff’s, Iowa.

   At the time of the Civil war Mr. Wood loyally responded to the country's call for troops, joining Company C of the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three months. He always gave strong indorsement to the principles of the republican party and supported its men and measures by his ballot. In his religious faith he was a Methodist, while his widow belongs to the Christian church. He endeavored to conform his life to Christian teachings and it was ever his purpose to do unto others as he would have them do unto him.

   Charles H. Granger, the owner of a bus and dray line at Ashland, in which connection he is conducting a profitable business, was born in Macomb county, Michigan, February 1, 1856, his parents being Sylvester and Mary (Vernier) Granger, who were natives of New York and of France respectively. The father was a house mover and followed that business during the greater part of his life, but after his removal to Saunders county he purchased land which he cultivated for a number of years. He then sold that property, after which he lived retired in Ashland until death called him in February, 1907. For five years he had survived his wife, who passed away in January, 1902.

   Charles H. Granger was reared and educated in Indiana, spending his youthful days at Crown Point. He remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of eighteen years, when he made his way to Saunders county, Nebraska, and became a cowboy, spending nine years upon a ranch. At the end of that period he took up his abode in Ashland and worked at the grain trade for seven years, when he entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company as section boss. He spent nine years in that occupation, after which he secured employment in a lumberyard, in which he

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          483

remained for six years. During this period he carefully saved his earnings and at the end of that time purchased a bus and dray line, which he has since operated. He now has a good business, running automobile buses and also doing teaming, and in this undertaking his son is a partner, the business being conducted under the firm style of Granger & Son. He also owns the barn in which he keeps his horses and his equipment.

   In March, 1880, Mr. Granger was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Mayfield, a daughter of James and Sarah (Coffee) Mayfield, pioneers of Saunders county, where the father followed the pursuit of agriculture. His death occurred in 1897 and the mother passed away in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Granger have become the parents of three children: Frank F., who was born in December, 1882, and who works for the Burlington Railroad; and Clyde D. and Claude E., twins, born in 1887, the former in partnership with his father and the latter a farmer of Saunders county.

   Mr. Granger has served as constable for the past twenty years and has made a capable official in that connection. He has always given his political support to the republican party and does everything in his power to advance its growth and extend its influence. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and he belongs to the Christian church. His has been an active life and industry and determination have brought to him the measure of success which is now his.

   Walter William Giffin has erected most of the principal buildings in Valparaiso and has gained recognition throughout Saunders county as an efficient and reliable contractor. He was born on the present site of Ashland, this county, September 19, 1868, of the marriage of M. B. and Mary J. (Easley) Giffin. He received the greater part of his education in the country schools and in the schools of Valparaiso, where he finished the work of the ninth grade. He then turned his entire attention to helping with the work of the home farm but after a year began learning the carpenter's trade. He served as an apprentice for two years and was then for fifteen years a journeyman but at the end of that time became a master workman and engaged in contracting. All of the principal residences in Valparaiso and the churches in the town has been built by him and he now has the contract for what will be the finest home in Saunders county. The success which has come to him is the result of his thorough knowledge of carpentry, his insistence upon good work by those in his employ and his business ability and proved integrity.

   On the 10th of March, 1891, occurred the marriage of Mr. Giffin and Miss Gertrude A. Cunningham, who was born on the 29th of November, 1870, in Oak Creek township, this county, a daughter of Eli M. and Sarah F. (Bates) Cunningham. The father was born in West Liberty, Ohio, on the 31st of May, 1845, and in 1850 removed to Morgan county, Illinois. Nine years later he became a resident of Vandalia, that state, and at the time of the Civil war enlisted in Company B, Fifty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His arrival

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in Saunders county, Nebraska, occurred on the 14th of February, 1869, and he soon afterward homesteaded eighty acres of good land in Oak Creek township. He passed away February 11, 1909, but his wife, who was born December 12, 1854, at Springfield, Illinois, is living in California. Mr. and Mrs. Giffin have six children: Clyde B., who is farming; and Earl E., Wesley D., Ira A., Reba A. and Jurene T., all of whom are at home.

   Mr. Giffin supports the republican party at the polls but has never taken a very active part in politics. However, he has served upon the town board and proved capable and public spirited in that capacity. His fraternal affiliation is with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His entire life has been passed in this county and he has not only witnessed its development but has also done all in his power to further its advancement along both material and moral lines.

   For an extended period Edward J. Whipple was actively and successfully engaged in business as a contractor and has erected a large number of residences in Ashland, where he is now living retired. He was born at Westford, Vermont, June 22, 1842, and is a representative of an old New England family. His father, Josephus Whipple, was born in New Hampshire and was a descendant of William Whipple, who was of Scotch lineage. Josephus Whipple became a contractor and builder in Westford, Vermont. He married Mehitabel Osgood, a native of Massachusetts. Throughout their remaining days they resided in one house, their home being a landmark in Westford. There Mr. Whipple engaged in the contracting business, being numbered among the representative business men of his town. For twenty-five years he was called upon to serve as a member of the grand jury. He died in 1877 at the age of seventy-eight years, while his wife survived until 1888, passing away at the age of eighty-seven.

   Edward J. Whipple is indebted to the public-school system of the Green Mountain state for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He was attending school when the Civil war broke out but his patriotic spirit was paramount to all else and in 1861 he offered his services to the government, joining the "boys in blue" of Company A, First Vermont Cavalry, with which he served for three years, one month and fifteen days. He was wounded and taken prisoner and was in the hospital at Petersburg for more than a month, remaining there until he was exchanged.

   After the war Mr. Whipple returned to Vermont and attended a business college. In 1865 he began traveling for the benefit of his health and spent about two years upon the road. In the fall of 1866 he made his way to Illinois and thence to Wisconsin, where he remained for three years. In the fall of 1869 he arrived in Nebraska and since then has been a resident of Saunders county, covering a period of forty-six years. He secured a homestead claim eight miles west of Ashland but never farmed it and afterward sold the property. In early life he had learned the carpenter's trade under the direction

PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          485

of his father and he worked along that line from his youthful days until his retirement. For many years he did business as a contractor and erected a large number of the residences in Ashland, many of the beautiful and substantial homes of the town standing as monuments to his skill, ability and enterprise. In 1912, however, he retired from active business life and is now enjoying a well earned rest in an attractive home three blocks north of Main street.

   In December, 1869, Mr. Whipple was married to Mrs. Angeline M. (Pierce) Mattocks, a daughter of Horatio Pierce, who was born near Montpelier, Vermont. He was a farmer by occupation and throughout his entire life followed that pursuit in the Green Mountain state. Both he and his wife died in the '50s and Mrs. Whipple passed away December 3, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Whipple became the parents of four children: Edward P., born December 26, 1870, a contractor residing in Ashland; Charles A., born May 10, 1874, a printer residing in Omaha; Florence A., who was born October 12, 1876, and is now a teacher in the Ashland schools; and Helen M., the wife of A. T. Farmer, a publisher of Kansas City, Missouri.

   Mr. Whipple cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln and has always been a stalwart republican since that time. For thirty years he has been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and he belongs to the Grand Army post at Ashland, of which he has served as commander. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church and he has always made it his endeavor to conform his life to its teachings. His career displays many sterling traits of character and his salient qualities are such as have won for him high and enduring regard.

   Richard E. Butler, vice president of the Butler Dry Goods Company of Ashland, is one of the foremost citizens of the town. His birth occurred in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of August, 1843, and his parents were Timothy W. and Caroline (Gage) Butler, the former a native of New York and the latter of Vermont. The father became one of the early settlers of Pennsylvania and there engaged in farming and dairying until 1881, when he removed to Ashland, Saunders county, Nebraska, where he spent his last days. He was elected justice of the peace and served in that capacity from 1882 until his death, which occurred on the 2d of August, 1892. He had survived his wife for four years, as she passed away in 1888.

   Richard E. Butler received his education in his native state and remained at home until he was nineteen years of age. For three years thereafter he worked in the oil fields, but in 1865 took charge of the operation of his father's farm. He followed agricultural pursuits until 1880 and during the greater part of that time also worked at the blacksmith's trade, which he had learned while in the oil fields. In 1880 he sold the land to others and on the 17th of March, 1881, he removed to Ashland, this county, where he engaged in black-smithing until 1901, when he retired. He is now connected with mercantile

486          PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II

interests, as he, is vice president of the Butler Dry Goods Company, of which his son is president and manager.

   On the 9th of May, 1865, occurred the marriage of Mr. Butler and Miss Charlotte Rockwood, who is a daughter of Thayer and Mary E. (Fenno.) Rockwood. Her parents, who were born respectively in New Haven, Connecticut, and in New York, went to Erie county, Pennsylvania, in an early day in its history and there the father followed the hatter's trade until his death in March, 1858. He was long survived by his widow, who died in April, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have three children: Alta, born March 21, 1866, now the wife of William Titus, a farmer of this county, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Eva, born in May, 1868, who married John R. Aughey, a tailor of Woodbine, Iowa; and Willis, born February 16, 1870, who is president and manager of the Butler Dry Goods Company.

   Mr. Butler is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the republican party and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. He served as a member of the town council, in which capacity he made an excellent record, and is recognized as a public-spirited citizen. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church and fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order, to which he has belonged for forty-three years. He is not only a member of the blue lodge but also of the Royal Arch chapter. At the time of the Civil war his patriotism prompted him to enlist, but, as he had recently been injured, he was not accepted because of physical disability. His has been an active and useful life and in winning personal prosperity he has also contributed to the advancement of his community.

   The business of general farming claims the time and attention of Josef Fencl, who is busily engaged in cultivating one hundred and sixty acres of land in Elk precinct. He was born in Bohemia, August 10, 1845, and is a son of Thomas and Katie Fencl, in whose family were eight children: James, residing in Cleveland, Ohio; Anna, living in Bohemia; Mary and Josephine, both deceased; Josef; Katie, who is residing in Cleveland, Ohio; Frank, deceased; and Anton, who is farming in Iowa. The father always devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits in Bohemia and never came to America.

   Josef Fencl spent the period of his minority in his native country and was a young man of twenty-four years when he crossed the Atlantic, making his way to Will countv, Illinois, in 1869. He there worked in the coal mines at Braidwood for three years and in 1872 he came to Saunders county, taking up his abode at his present location on section 10, Elk precinct. There he secured a homestead of eighty acres and later he purchased an additional tract of eighty acres on section 3 at five dollars per acre. He was one of the early pioneer settlers of the county and his activities have contributed much to the substantial development of this section of the state, especially along agricultural lines. When he first came to Saunders county he owned an ox team, which he continued to use for five years. His first home was a sod house twelve

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PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          489

by fourteen feet, in which he lived for a number of years and then replaced this building by a nice, neat residence. He also has several large, substantial barns upon his place and the improvements on the property indicate his progressive spirit. For a long time he remained active in the work of the farm but is now leaving its further cultivation to his son. He has raised Red Polled cattle and Poland China hogs and his live-stock interests have constituted an important feature of his business. He is also a stockholder in the Prague Farmers Stock & Grain Company.

   In 1870, at Joliet, Illinois, Mr. Fencl was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Pad, a daughter of James Pad, one of the old settlers of Saunders county now living on section 10, Elk precinct. On coming from Bohemia he settled first in Will county, Illinois, but later removed to Nebraska, and with the development of this county became closely connected. To Mr. and Mrs. Fencl have been born ten children: Mary, the wife of John Troyan, who is now farming near Dwight, Nebraska; Frank, who married Victoria Rerucha, of Elk precinct; Anna, the wife of John Gregurich, living in Omaha, Nebraska; Joe, who married Rosie Rerucha and follows farming in Elk precinct; John, who married Bessie Belik and is living in North Dakota; Rudolph, who wedded Mary Kaspar and makes his home in Chester precinct; Charles, who married Christina Rerucha and follows farming in Elk precinct; Anton, who wedded Mary Kliment and carries on general farming in Louisiana; Antonie, the wife of Ludwick Kaspar, who is living in Elk precinct; and James, at home.

   In his political views Mr. Fencl is a democrat and believes firmly in the principles of the party. For ten years he served as road overseer and for ten or twelve years he has been school director or moderator, acting in that capacity at the present time. He has an interesting military chapter in his life record, having for three years served in the Austrian army as a member of the Thirty-fifth Regiment of Infantry. He is an agreeable, genial gentleman, possessing many sterling traits of character arid enjoying the high regard, goodwill and confidence of all who know him. He has made steady progress since he came to the new world and has never regretted the fact that he determined to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic.

   William A. Hibler, who owns a good residence in Ashland, was formerly engaged in active agricultural pursuits. He was born in Danville, Illinois, on the 10th of July, 1853, of the marriage of David D. and Elizabeth A. (Stark) Hibler, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The father, who was a cabinetmaker by trade, settled at Hope, near Danville, Illinois, in the '40s and followed his trade there for many years. He was engaged in contracting to some extent but he is now living retired and makes his home with a son in Yukon, Oklahoma. His wife passed away in September, 1911.

   William A. Hibler was reared in Danville and there attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. Subsequently he learned the

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cabinetmaker's trade under his father and worked with him until he was seventeen years of age. He then began farming in Illinois and so continued until 1884, when he located in Saunders county, Nebraska, purchasing a good tract of land near Wahoo. He at once began its improvement and operated it for five years, after which he sold it and took a preemption claim in Cheyenne county, this state. At that time the work of development and advancement had scarcely been begun and his wife was the first white woman to live in the county. For fourteen years Mr. and Mrs. Hibler resided upon the Horseshoe Ranch, as their place was called, but at length he sold it and purchased a comfortable residence in the north part of Ashland which has since remained the family home.

   On the 18th of November, 1881, Mr. Hibler was united in marriage to Miss Olive .E. Quincy, a daughter of Samuel Alien and Mary A. (Mears) Quincy, who were born respectively in Vermont and in Illinois. In 1852 they were married in Wisconsin, where the father had gone as a young man, and there he engaged in farming until 1879, when he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land west of Ashland. He operated his farm until his demise on the 30th of May, 1910. He was much interested in the public welfare and at the time of the Civil war gave indubitable proof of his patriotism by enlisting in Company I, Forty-third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, with which he was at the front for a little over a year. His wife died on the 28d of February, 1907.

   Mr. and Mrs. Hibler have become the parents of six children, namely: Lulu, who was born august 13, 1882, and is now the wife of David Carr, a farmer of Saunders county; Martha, who was born May 20, 1884, and died October 6, 1889; Wesley, whose birth occurred on the 28th of September, 1885, and who died October 5th of that year; Allen Q., born November 10, 1887, who is farming in Oregon; Myrtle A., born October 19, 1894, who is now the wife of Chauncy Mays and is residing in Ashland; and Herbert, who was born July 28, 1896, and died October 6th of that year. Mr. Hibler is a republican in his political belief and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has excellent qualities of character and has made many warm friends.

   William Davidson McCord began his independent career without resources other than his enterprise and his good judgment, but as the years passed he gained prosperity and became one of the substantial agriculturists of Marietta precinct. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania, February 6, 1831, and he received a good education in the public schools of that state. When nineteen years of age he began teaching school and followed that profession in Pennsylvania and in Illinois until the outbreak of the Civil war. In 1861 he answered the call for volunteers, joining the Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and for three and one-half years was at the front, participating in several engagements, including the siege of Vicksburg. After the close of

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hostilities he returned to Illinois and was there married. In 1871 he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, and bought a farm in Marietta precinct. He at once began to bring his land under cultivation and from time to time made improvements upon his place. He was an alert and efficient farmer and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1903, was in very comfortable circumstances.

   Mr. McCord was married in 1865 to Miss Mary Elizabeth Klegg, who passed away in 1879 and by whom he had six children, of whom five are still living, namely: James L., who married Miss Jennie Ellison and has three children, Harold, Herbert and Mildred; Charles I., who married Miss Minnie Hancock, now deceased, by whom he has two children, Irene and Roy; William H., who married Emma Ellison, by whom he has a son, Waldo; Mary, who is keeping house for her brother Charles; and Etta, the wife of John Brown, and the mother of three children, Lloyd, Gladys and Fern.

   Mr. McCord was among the first to see the evil consequences of blindly following the dictates of a party leader and voted independently, supporting the candidate whom he deemed best fitted for the office in question. He was active in public affairs and served ably as justice of the peace and as a member of the school board. The work of the Marietta Presbyterian church profited by his support and cooperation and for a considerable period he was superintendent of its Sunday school. He was honored for his many fine qualities and was one of the most valued citizens of his precinct.

   William J. Baldwin is now living retired in Ashland but was for many years one of the active farmers of the county. In addition to cultivating his land he raised pure blooded horses and was recognized as a leader in the movement to improve the stock in the county. He was born in New Jersey on the 4-th of December, 1837, of the marriage of H. A. and Mary E. (Oliver) Baldwin, the former a native of New Jersey and the letter of England. For a number of years the father conducted a shoe store in his native state but subsequently retired from active life and removed to Iowa, where he lived with our subject for several years. Later he made his home with a daughter and passed away in January, 1900, in Mills county, that state. His wife had died five years previously. The grandfather of our subject served in the Revolutionary war.

   William J. Baldwin was reared in New Jersey and there received his education. He remained with his parents and assisted his father in the store until he was eighteen years old, when he removed to Mills county, Iowa. After teaching school there for a year he rented land, which he operated for two years and then leased another farm, which he cultivated for about twenty years. At the end of that period he bought two hundred and forty acres and for five years devoted his time to its operation but in 1880 sold that place and removed to Saunders county, Nebraska. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 7, Ashland township, and engaged in agricultural pursuits there until 1905. He was especially successful as a breeder of pure blooded

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horses and usually had from thirty to forty head of pedigreed animals. As the years passed his resources increased and in 1905, feeling that he had accumulated a competence sufficient to provide him with the comforts of life during his remaining days, he retired. For several years he continued to reside upon the farm but in September, 1915, he removed to Ashland, where he is now living, and his grandson is operating his farm.

   On the 22d of September, 1854, Mr. Baldwin was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Van Doren, whose birth occurred in New Jersey, August 22, 1836, and who is a daughter of William and Sarah P. (Drake) Van Doren, also natives of that state. The father, who was a farmer and merchant, at length located in Newark, where he conducted a grocery store until 1858. In that year he went to Mills county, Iowa, and took up his residence upon a homestead, where he farmed until his demise in August, 1860. His wife survived for thirty-five years, dying in September, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have become the parents of six children, namely: Frank C., who died in Wahoo in September, 1914; W. Roscoe, who resides upon a farm in Kansas; Cora, who died in infancy; Ann, who died in January, 1910; Charles, who passed away in January, 1908; and William E., who is farming in Cass county, Nebraska.

   Mr. Baldwin is a republican and for twenty years held the office of school director. While living in Mills county, Iowa, he served as township clerk for many years and whenever called to public office he has made an excellent record, manifesting devotion to the general welfare and performing his duties efficiently. He is a member of the Methodist church and fraternally is well known, having been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for forty years and being a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Greenwood. He has reached the advanced age of seventy-eight years and has done well his part in the development of his section and is accorded the honor to which his long and useful life entitles him.

   John Gran, who owns five hundred and thirty-five acres of land in Saunders county, owes his success to hard work and good management and is justly proud of the fact that he has made his way without the help of others. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 13th of February, 1844, and he is a son of Andrew and Johanna Gran. Until twelve years of age he attended school in his native land but at that time began working on farms. In 1868 he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York on the 10th of May. In 1869 he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, and homesteaded eighty acres of land on which he erected a sod house. He lived upon that place until 1879, when he traded it for two hundred acres which he still owns. He has bought more land from time to time and now holds title to five hundred and thirty-five acres, all of which is under cultivation and is well improved. He has followed general farming and his progressive methods and his enterprise and good judgment have enabled him to gain a handsome income from his land.

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PAST AND PRESENT OF SAUNDERS COUNTY, VOL II          495

   On August 2, 1871, occurred the marriage of Mr. Gran and Miss Emma Christina Gren, by whom he had six children, namely: William, who married Miss Maud Mason and is now living in Lincoln; Ida and John, both deceased; Selma and Ellen, both of whom are at home; and Fred, deceased. The wife and mother died September 3, 1908.

   Although Mr. Gran indorses the national policies of the republican party, on occasion, especially in local elections, be votes for the best man regardless of his political allegiance. He has served as a member of the school board for several years and has always discharged to the full all of his duties as a citizen. He is a communicant of the Swedish Lutheran church, whose work he furthers in every way possible, and his outstanding characteristics are such as never fail to win sincere respect and warm regard.

   Success crowned the efforts of S. P. Hendricks during the many years of his connection with agricultural interests and now, possessing a substantial competence, he is living retired in Ashland. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, July 14, 1843, a son of Samuel and Martha (Pritchard) Hendricks, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father followed the occupation of farming and in early life went to Ohio, where he devoted his attention to the work of tilling the soil. He passed away in 1873, while his wife, who survived him for twelve years, died in 1885.

   Through the period of his boyhood and youth S. P. Hendricks largely devoted his time and attention to the acquirement of a public-school education and at the age of twenty years he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in 1864 as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he remained until the close of the war. After the cessation of hostilities he removed to Iowa, remaining in that state for one summer, and then went to Butler, Indiana, where his parents were then living. At that place he resumed his education and when his school days were over he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for three years. In that way he earned the money that enabled him to invest in land. He purchased property in Missouri and continued its cultivation for forty years, converting it into rich and productive fields, from which he annually gathered substantial harvests. His work was persistently, carefully and systematically carried on and his labors were crowned with a very gratifying measure of success. He continued actively in agricultural pursuits until September, 1910, when he came to Ashland, where he has since made his home.

   In October, 1868, Mr. Hendricks was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. Rude, a daughter of Crannel and Elizabeth (Willis) Rude, both of whom were natives of New York. In early life the father removed to Indiana, which was then a frontier state, and there he secured a claim and developed a homestead, upon which his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1865. His wife died in the year 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks became the

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parents of nine children, B. E., Binna A., Nellie, Clara, Orla, Ernest, Ina, Roy and Lola.

   In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks are Methodists, loyal to the teachings of the church and straightforward and honorable in every relation of life. Their good qualities, which are many, are known to all with whom they come in contact, for they are such as shape character and determine individual worth. In his political views Mr. Hendricks is a republican, while fraternally he is connected with the Grand Army post and delights in his association with his comrades of the old military days when he was defending the interests of the Union. Industry and persistency characterized him throughout his active business career and upon those qualities he builded his success.

   Matthew Sabatka, who owned a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 5, Rock Creek township, and at the time of his death, on the 16th of August, 1902, was one of the most properous farmers of that township, was born on the 21st of September, 1865, in Moravia, Austria. His parents, Anton and Agnes (Hobza) Sabatka, emigrated to America in 1879 with their family, which consisted of our subject and his younger brother, Anton F., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

   Matthew Sabatka grew to manhood in this county, where the family home was established, and on reaching mature years began farming independently. He followed up-to-date methods and managed his affairs so well that, although only thirty-six years of age at the time of his death, he owned the south one-half of section 5, Rock Creek precinct, and was a man of independent means. He brought his land to a high state of cultivation and not only made many improvements upon the place but kept everything in excellent condition, and the sale of his grain and stock brought him a large income annually.

   Mr. Sabatka was married on the 8th of September, 1890, to Miss Anna Benes, who was born in Moravia on the 19th of July, 1868. In 1879 she accompanied her parents, Anton and Frantiska (Svoboda) Benes, to the United States. Her father served for twelve years as a soldier in the Austrian army but on removing to the United States turned his attention to farming, locating on land in Chapman precinct, this county, just north of Rock Creek precinct, and is still living at the advanced age of eighty years, his birth having occurred on the 30th of May, 1835. He enjoys excellent health and has retained his strength and vigor to an unusual degree for one of his years. He makes his home with Mrs. Sabatka. His wife died on the 3d of January, 1903, when sixty-four years and nine months old.

   Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sabatka, as follows: Louis, whose birth occurred on the 3d of July, 1891, and who died on the 7th of July, 1896; Joseph, who was born January 14, 1893, and was married on the 29th of September, 1914, to Miss Agnes Simodynes, whose birth occurred April 16, 1894, and by whom he has a daughter, Anna, born June 5, 1915; Anton L., whose birth occurred December 19, 1894; Thomas, born August 3, 1896;

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Matthew, born July 10, 1898; Carl, whose birth occurred on the 11th of September, 1900, and who died on the 31st of March, 1901; and Aloise, who was born January 17, 1902.

   Mr. Sabatka was a democrat in his political belief but was never very active in public affairs, as he preferred to concentrate his energies upon the management of his farm. His religious faith was that of the Roman Catholic church and his many admirable qualities of character gained him not only the respect but also the warm regard of those who were brought into close contact with him. His demise was most untimely, for he had not yet reached the prime of life, but he had already accomplished much, having not only won a gratifying measure of individual prosperity but having also contributed to the agricultural development of his locality.

   Mrs. Sabatka still resides upon the home farm with her children. This place is improved with a number of substantial farm buildings and in the farm equipment are included a corn sheller, a gasoline engine and an automobile. Moreover, a new eight-room residence was erected in 1914. Mrs. Sabatka has been very successful in managing the farm and has bought two additional one hundred and sixty acre tracts, one situated on section 9, Rock Creek precinct, and another in Chapman precinct, which brings the amount of land owned by the family up to six hundred and forty acres. The business ability which she has displayed in the direction of her affairs has commanded the respect of all those who know her and she has many warm friends throughout the county.

   Charles J. Westlund, a well known resident of Wahoo, is now living retired but through many years his labors contributed to the agricultural development of Saunders county, where he still owns valuable property comprising three hundred and ninety-eight acres of farm land. He has lived in this county since October, 1872, having come to Nebraska from Illinois, where he located on emigrating from Sweden to the new world. He is a native of Jonkoping Lan, Sweden, born January 18, 1844, and there his youthful days were spent upon a farm with the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the farm lad who works in the fields and is trained to habits of thrift and industry. He believed that broader opportunities might be secured in the new world and, accordingly, in 1868, he made arrangements to cross the Atlantic, arriving in New York in October. He at once continued his journey by land to Knox county, Illinois, where he was employed as a farm hand for three and a half years. He wished to become owner of a farm and, recognizing the fact that land could be secured at a lower figure in Nebraska, he removed to Saunders county in 1872 and here purchased eighty acres of raw prairie near Ithaca, for which he paid ten dollars per acre. He also rented other land nearby and continued the task of developing and cultivating his farm for twenty-three years, during which time industry and perseverance brought to him substantial success. In 1895, however, he put aside the active work of the fields and came to Wahoo, where he has since lived. He rented his land, having in the meantime added to his

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holdings as his financial resources permitted until he became the owner of three hundred and ninety-eight acres. This now secures to him a very gratifying annual income.

   On the 21st of November, 1878, Mr. Westlund was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Johnson, a native of Sweden, who came to the United States in 1871, landing at New York on the 1st of June. Their children are three in number: Frank A., who operates his father's farm; Edith, also upon the farm; and Eba, the wife of Arthur Elmelund, who is cultivating a part of his father-in-law's land.

   In his political views Mr. Westlund has been a republican since coming to the new world, but he has never desired nor sought office. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and their lives have been guided by its teachings, developing in them the many good traits of character which assure for them the warm regard and continued friendship of those with whom they have been brought in contact.

   John Kavan, a retired farmer residing in Wahoo, was born in Blatnice, Moravia, Austria, December 24, 1851, a son of Frank and Teresa (Velaba) Kavan. In 1875 the family emigrated to the United States by way of Leipzig and Bremen, crossing on the steamship Bronschwic, which made the voyage in fifteen days, reaching New York on the 16th of July. They made their way to Fremont, Nebraska, and thence drove to Saunders county, locating in the Platte river bottoms. The father became the owner of a good farm about three miles from Linwood and successfully engaged in cultivating his land. He spent the last years of his life in honorable retirement on his farm and passed away there in 1902, having survived his wife for two years.

   John Kavan attended the common schools in his native country until he reached the age of twelve years and then made his home among German people for three years for the purpose of learning the German language, and during that time worked on farms. He subsequently returned to Blatnice and managed his father's farm until he was twenty years of age, when he enlisted in the Austrian army, in which he remained for three years, serving in the cavalry. In 1876, after coming to the United States, he worked on a farm in Sarpy county, Nebraska, belonging to John Frazer, for nine months and at the end of that time purchased a wagon with eighty dollars which he had saved. He returned home and assisted his father for a year, after which he rented one hundred and twenty acres of land and began farming on his own account. The first year proved a very disastrous one, as grasshoppers ate the wheat and there was so much rain that the corn crop was a failure. The following year he rented one hundred and twenty acres from his brother-in-law, Joe Weinons, but in 1878 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land from the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad at seven dollars an acre, which he paid for on time. In that year he was married, and he and his wife began housekeeping in a sod house twelve by fourteen feet in dimensions,

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while his stable was made by digging a hole and roofing it with straw. He continued to reside upon his farm until 1906 and in the intervening years erected a comfortable and substantial house and made many other improvements upon his place. He brought his land to a high state of cultivation and derived a gratifying income from his farming operations. In 1906 he sold his land and removed to Weston, where he resided until the fall of 1912, when he disposed of his property there and purchased a fine modern residence in Wahoo from James Carney. He has since lived in Wahoo and is recognized as a valued citizen of the town. He also owns property in Omaha.

   Mr. Kavan was married on the 23d of April, 1878, to Katrina Wojteh, who was born in Lokov, Moravia, in 1852, of the marriage of John and Victoria (Navrkal) Wojteh. Mr. and Mrs. Kavan have become the parents of eight children: Matilda, the wife of Joe Malousek, who is farming in Chapman precinct, three miles south of Weston, and by whom she had three children, Agnes, in school, Otilda, who died June 3, 1914, and Ludmila, who is also in school; Victoria, the wife of Charles Dolezal and the mother of five children, Rosie, Annie, Johnny, Loucie and Louis; Teresa,; who died May 9, 1901; Mary, who taught school for five years and now conducts a millinery store in Elgin, Nebraska; Catherine, the wife of William Lillibridge, who resides in Chapman precinct two miles west of Weston; Emily, who, after teaching school for two years, took nurse's training at Lincoln and is now located in that city; Janet, who was a teacher for three years and is now assisting Dr. Miller at Wahoo; and Johnny, who died February 22, 1909.

   Mr. Kavan is a strong democrat and has taken an active part in public affairs. For twelve years he served as school treasurer of district No. 49, Rock Creek precinct, and while living in Weston was for two years on the board of education and for a similar length of time served as chairman of the town board. For twenty-five years he was chairman of the Znojimo cemetery committee in Chapman precinct. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church and its teachings have guided his life. He experienced the hardships and privations of pioneer life in this county but has lived to reap the reward of his labors and perseverance and is now enjoying all of the comforts of life. He takes justifiable pride in the fact that he aided in the early development of the county and is always willing to do all in his power to promote its further advancement.

   Edwin C. Wiggenhorn, the cashier of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank and a director of the Mid-West Life Insurance Company of Lincoln, was born in Watertown, Wisconsin, October 18, 1865, and is a son of E. A. and Augusta Wiggenhorn, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of H. A. Wiggenhorn. The removal of the family to Nebraska made Edwin C. Wiggenhorn a pupil in the public schools of Ashland, where he passed through consecutive grades, making steady advancement until he left the public schools and entered the State University.

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He completed his course there by graduation in the class of 1887 and still later entered the Georgetown Law School at Washington, D. C., where he completed preparation for the bar with the class of 1889. In that year he entered the government service as special agent for the bureau of pensions and was thus connected until 1904, when his father died and he returned home to aid in the management and control of the estate which his father left. The elder Mr. Wiggenhorn had established and conducted the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank and Edwin C. Wiggenhorn entered that institution as its cashier and as one of its stockholders and directors. He has since been active in its management, bending his efforts to administrative direction and executive control. He is also a director of the Mid-West Life Insurance Company of Lincoln and is a stockholder in the Memphis bank. In his political views Mr. Wiggenhorn is a democrat.

   On the 12th of October, 1898, when S..N. Elmelund was called to his final rest, Saunders county lost one of its esteemed citizens and representative agriculturists. For a number of years he operated a rich and productive farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Stocking township, near Swedeburg, which is now in possession of his widow. He was born in Sweden on the 20th of October, 1845, and attended the schools of that country until about twenty years of age, while subsequently he worked with his father for two years. When a young man of twenty-three years he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling in Warren county, Illinois, where he was employed as a farm hand for two years and then engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account for about three years. In 1873 he came to Saunders county, Nebraska, and rented a tract of land which he operated for two years, at the end of which time he purchased a quarter section near Swedeburg, the cultivation of which claimed his time and energies during the remainder of his life. He carried on the work of the fields in accordance with practical and progressive methods of agriculture and his efforts were attended with a gratifying measure of success, his well tilled acres responding readily to the care and labor which he bestowed upon them.

   On the 18th of June, 1869, Mr. Elmelund was united in marriage to Miss Ida Pearson, a daughter of Peter and Hannah Pearson, who died in Sweden. To Mr. and Mrs. Elmelund were born five children, as follows: Edward, who is the president of a Valparaiso bank, lives at home and operates his mother's farm; William, who is engaged in the banking business in Valparaiso and wedded Eva Weber, by whom he has six children — Nelson, Everett, Wilbur, Lucille, Ada and Win; Hilda, who lives with her widowed mother; Arthur, who wedded Miss Eba Westlund and was county clerk for two terms but is now farming his father-in-law's place of two hundred acres near Ithaca; and Emily, who lives near Swedeburg and is the wife of Iver Dahlman, by whom she has a daughter, Dolores.

   Mr. Elmelund exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and

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