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tended the University of Nebraska, and received his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1923.

His marriage to Helen R. Martin was solemnized at Portland, Oregon, June 2, 1927. Mrs. Beck was born at Craig, Nebraska, April 14, 1901.

Since September 12, 1923, Mr. Beck has been in active practice at North Platte. A Republican, he has served as county attorney of Lincoln County since February 11, 1929

He is a member of Phi Alpha Delta, the Elks (past exalted ruler), the Masons, the Country Club, the American Legion (past commander) and the Forty and Eight. His sports include golf, hunting and fishing. Residence: North Platte.

Theophilus Christian Beck

Theophilus Christian Beck, banker, was born in Gasconade County, Missouri, November 15, 1859, son of Christian and Rosine (Menzemeier) Beck. His father, minister, was born at Eichelberg, Germany, July 16, 1829, and died at Seward, in May, 1922. Rosine Menzenmeier was born in Germany and died at Pinkney, Missouri, in May, 1872. She was a teacher.

Mr. Beck attended Elmhurst College and for 26 years was engaged in farming. He served as county superintendent of schools for six years, was county assessor of Seward County, Nebraska, for four years, city clerk one year, and county clerk for one year. For the past 12 years he has served as assistant cashier of the Cattle National Bank of Seward.

His marriage to Kate Crouch occurred at Ulysses, Nebraska, March 7, 1887. Mrs. Beck was born at Philadelphia, December 17, 1864. They have five children, Carl Leslie; Walter Everett; Emma Kate; Ella Mary; and Norma Rosina. The sons are farmers while the girls are teachers. Mr. Beck is a member of the Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce, the Masons, and the First Presbyterian Church of Seward. Residence: Seward.

John Henry Becker

John Henry Becker was born December 2, 1892, at Gibson, Jefferson County, Nebraska, the son of John Becker and Katherina (Theiss) Becker. His father was born in Niederaufleiden, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, November 6, 1856. He received military training in Germany and was honorably discharged from service. He came to America in June, 1882, and has been successful as a farmer. Mrs. Becker was born in Normandy County, Ontario, Canada, July 7, 1863, and died at Plymouth, Jefferson County, Nebraska, March 5, 1922.

Mr. Becker attended the grade schools. On January 2, 1916, at Plymouth, he was married to Mathilda Carolina Groenemeyer. Mrs. Becker was born in Plymouth March 4, 1894, the daughter of Fred and Louise (Brandt) Groenemeyer. To this union seven children were born; Ruth, October 23, 1916; Irene, January 31, 1918; Alice, June 23, 1920; Leila, March 29, 1922; John April 12, 1925; Leon May 22, 1928 and Marlyn August 27, 1930.

John H. Becker is affiliated with the Lutheran Church. He was chairman of the Democratic committee for the Gibson precinct and was chairman of the war society in 1919. He has been a director on the school board since 1919 and has held the offices of chairman and secretary in the Farmer's Union local No. 1482, which he represented in 1924 and 1930 at the Omaha tat' Convention. Mr. Becker is a member of the Nebraskana Society. His favorite recreations are baseball and reading. Residence: Plymouth.

Loraine Alfred Becker

Loraine A. Becker, known in the newspaper world as Larry Becker, has lived in Nebraska all his life, and has been in the newspaper business since 1911. He was born at DeWitt, Saline County, Nebraska, July 19, 1897, the son of Charles John and Louise M. (Inderlied) Becker. His father, who was engaged in the meat business, was born in Canada, August 6, 1866, and died at Lincoln, November 4, 1910. His mother was born in Germany, March 11, 1875.

Mr. Becker attended the public and high schools of Lincoln. He entered the office of the Lincoln Star as an office boy; later was a reporter; and in 1921 was made city editor of that paper. He holds this position now.

His marriage to Marian Wallace Henninger was solemnized at Lincoln, May 25, 1921. Mrs. Becker, who was born at Pawnee City, Nebraska, July 2, 1897, was formerly a newspaper feature writer and woman's club editor. She is of Scotch-Irish descent. They have one son, Larry Wallace, born June 9, 1927.

Mr. Becker is a member of the Nebraska Writers Guild and the Nebraskana Society. He is a member of Lincoln Lodge Number 19, of the Masons, and holds membership in the Saturday Nite Dancing Club, and the Cornhusker Dancing Club, of Lincoln. He is affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church of Lincoln, and is a Democrat.

Wesley Charles Becker

Wesley C. Becker was born at Kansas City, Missouri, December 27, 1891, the son of Gustav Adolph and Louise Elizabeth (Fricke) Becker. His father, who was a pioneer in Nebraska and a clergyman in the Methodist Church, was born at Karlschue, Germany, August 8, 1864, and died at Lincoln, Nebraska, October 10, 1910. His German and French ancestors came to America in 1881. His mother, who is of German descent was born at Papillion, Nebraska, February 4, 1866.

Dr. Becker was graduated from the high school at St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1908. He was awarded the following degrees: A. B., University of Nebraska, 1912; A. M., University of Nebraska, 1914; M. D., Rush Medical College, 1915. He was elected a member of Sigma Xi, Delta Tau Delta, and No Sigma No, and in 1926 he studied at the University of Vienna. He won his N in track at the University of Nebraska.

He was admitted to the practice of medicine at Chicago, June 10, 1916, and has been a practicing surgeon in Nebraska since that date. He is the author of numerous medical articles. He is president of the People's Savings & Loan Association at Lincoln, and is a director in the Fremont Joint Stock Land Bank there.

He married Marie Mason at Greenwood, Cass County, Nebraska, August 11, 1913. Mrs. Becker, whose ancestry is Scotch-Irish, was born at Lincoln, April 30, 1892. They have four children: Arnetta, born July 11, 1914; Alice Louise, born June 24, 1921; Patricia Ann, born May 21, 1925; and Jacqueline, born October 15, 1930.

Since 1917, Dr. Becker has been a captain in the medical corps, and during the World War saw active service. He is a member of the American Legion. He is a member of Lancaster Medical Society; Nebraska State Medical Society; American Medical Association; the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; and the Lions Club. tie is an Elk and a Mason. He is a member of the University Club and the Lincoln Country Club. He is a golf and tennis enthusiast. He is affiliated with Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church at Lincoln, and is a Republican. Residence: Lincoln.

Edith Beckman

Edith Beckman, lawyer and musician, was born at Omaha, daughter of Joseph Anton and Ida Mary (Kleffner) Beckman. Joseph Beckman was born at Steinfield, Oldenburgh,, Germany, March 12, 1850. In 1830 his fath-

er, a shipbuilder, came to America and settled in Philadelphia, where he worked in the shipyards until 1842, returning to Germany in that year. Joseph Beckman owned and operated the second cigar factory and store in Omaha in 1871, in the old Merchants National Bank Building, in which he employed twenty-eight men. He died at Omaha, July 4, 1922. Ida Mary Kleffner, his wife, was born at Dubuque, Iowa, November 11, 1856, and died at Omaha, May 9, 1910. Her father, George Kleffner, settled in Nebraska in 1856. She was of German and Spanish descent, a lover of music and art, and intensely interested in her home.

Miss Beckman received her early education under her mother's tutelage, and later entered St. Peter's parochial school. She attended St. Berchman's Academy and received her LL. B. from the University of Omaha Night Law School. She also studied and taught music under Jean P. Duffield from 1910 to 1918. At that time she became private secretary to John C. Wharton, noted jurist, and studied law in his office until his death on May 7, 1924. In November, 1925, she opened her present office where she is engaged in the general practice of law, specializing in real property, wills and probate work.

She is the author of Alumnae Notes contributed to The Golden Record in addition to short articles for newspapers and magazines.

Perhaps her most particular interest outside her profession is the Nebraska Pioneers' Memorial Association of which she is secretary-treasurer. The purpose of the society is the erection of a monument to the memory of the spirit of the pioneers of Nebraska, and the preservation of early Nebraska history.

She is also active in various professional associations. A member of the American, the Nebraska State and Omaha-Douglas County Bar Associations, she is vice president for Nebraska of the National Association of Women Lawyers, which office she has held since 1926. She was president of the Omaha Women Lawyers from 1926-30. She is a member of the Douglas County Law Library, and the Nebraska and Omaha League of Women Voters. In that connection she is chairman of the committee on the legal status of women in Nebraska.

Miss Beckman is a Catholic, and a member of St. Peter's Church. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Catholic Alumna, and the Catholic Daughters of America. She is legislative chairman for Nebraska, of the former organization. Particularly active in civic and welfare work, she is a member of the child survey group of the Council of Social Agencies. She has been a member of the Women's Division of the Chamber of Commerce since 1925, and served as its president from 1928-29. Her hobbies are music, art, dramatics, reading and journalism. Residence: Omaha.

Edwin Walton Bedford

Edwin Walton Bedford, real estate executive, was born in Omaha, August 27, 1886, son of Jefferson William and Mary Octavia (LeSueur) Bedford. His father was born in Lexington, Missouri, June 3, 1845, and died at Omaha, September 17, 1917. He was very prominent in the public affairs of Omaha (member of the City Council several terms) was state representative and state senator, and at the time of his death was Douglas County commissioner. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and directly descended from one of the signers of the constitution. Mary Octavia LeSueur was born in St. Louis, Missouri, April 24, 1849, and died at Omaha, August 22, 1922. She was directly descended from the old French families of LeSueur and Dumain.

Mr. Bedford received his early education in the public schools and later attended Missouri State Normal School. He was married on October 27, 1909, to Alice Eliza Bolton at Omaha. Mrs. Bedford was born at Logan, Iowa, April 26, 1877.

Mr. Bedford has been engaged in the real estate business since 1907. At the present time he is a member of the firm of Stuht-Bedford Company. During the late war he served with the 62nd Balloon Company. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church, the American Legion the Chamber of Commerce, the Masons and the Omaha Estate Board. Residence: Omaha.

Britannia Bednar

Britannia Bednar, clubwoman and educator, was born at Mooreshill, Indiana, December 27, 1879, the daughter of William Turpen and Sarah Elmira (Henton) Daughters. Her father, an engineer, was born at Mooreshill, August 8, 1834, and died at Coeur d'Alene Idaho, July 28, 1916. His English ancestors settled in Delaware and Maryland as early as 1714. His wife Sarah, was born at Mooreshill, December 6, 1841, sad died at Coeur d'Alene on February 11, 1907. She traced her ancestry back nine American generations to Governor Theophilas Heaton (Eaton) who served as colonial governor of New Haven Colony for 19 years.

Britannia Bednar attended the public schools in Kansas, the preparatory school of the University of Idaho, and in 1905 received the Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Nebraska. Later she took graduate work in sociology and education at the latter instiution (sic). She received the Kaufman scholarship at the University of Idaho, was a member of the Ladies Chorus and Varsity Viff of the University of Idaho, and was a charter member and one of the founders of Phi Omega Phi at the University of Nebraska.

She taught in the public schools of Washington and Idaho from 1906 until 1909, and during the year 1909-10 served as assistant in the education department at the University of Nebraska. A Republican, she was one of the five women to speak for woman's suffrage on July 4, 1913, in Nebraska. She is a member of the executive board of the First Congregational Church of Omaha, serving as head of the Women's Missionary Society of that body, was a member of the Central High Parent Teachers Association, 1924-28, and at this time holds membership in the Dundee Parent Teachers Association. From 1926 until 1930 she acted as vice president of the Camp Fire and in 1929 was an active member of the Social Settlement Association.

Mrs. Bednar was president of the Omaha branch of the American Association of University Women, 1924-26, during which time the publication of college news was organized and sections in international relations and education were started. She was leader of the Dundee Round Table in Adolescence, 1926-28, was chairman of the Omaha Mother-Daughter Week, 1928, 29, 30, and was chairman of industrial work of the Young Women's Christian Association and counsellor of Omaha branch of the American Association of University Women 1926-27. A member of the Eastern Star, she served as Worthy Matron of Chapter NO. 52 and was Grand Representative of the state of Tennessee. Her club is the Happy Hollow Country Club of Omaha, while her chief recreations are reading, golfing and hiking.

Her marriage to James Edmund Bednar occurred at Lincoln, Nebraska, June 16, 1910. Mr. Bednar, a lawyer, was born at Wymore, Nebraska, September 28, 1882. They have two children, James Edmund Bednar, II, born October 13, 1911; and Bryce Renwick Bednar, born August 3, 1916. James is a member of the National Honor Society, is a talented pianist, and is a member of the debating team at Leland Stanford University where he is a student. Residence: Omaha.

James Edmund Bednar

James Edmund Bednar, lawyer, was born in Gage County, Nebraska, September 28, 1882, son of Albert and Johanna (Peroutka) Bednar. The father was born

in Czechoslovakia, April 23, 1837, and died at Odell, September 21, 1914. He was a cabinet maker and farmer who came to America in 1876, and pioneered on the Otoe and Missouri Indian Reservation. His wife, Otoe was born in Czechoslovakia, in 1840 and died at Odell on December 15, 1925.

Mr. Bednar attended rural school in Gage County and in 1903 was graduated from Wymore High School. He received the B. A. degree from the University of Nebraska in 1907; and the LL. B. degree in 1910. In 1906 he attended Nebraska Wesleyan. He is a member Delta Sigma Rho, Phi Alpha Tau and Delta Chi, and of a member of the debate team which defeated the University of Illinois in 1907.

On June 16, 1910, he was married to Brittania Daughters, at Lincoln. Mrs. Bednar was born at Moores Hill, Indiana, and formerly taught in the public schools of Washington and Idaho. During 1909-10 she was assistant in the department of education of the University of Nebraska.

Mr. and Mrs. Bednar have two children, James Edmund, II, born October 13, 1911, and Bryce Renwick, born August 3, 1916. James is a graduate of Omaha Central High School with membership in the national honor society, captain of Company F (Flag Company), the Susan Paxton Latin prize, etc. He is a pianist, and is now a student at Leland Stanford University and a member of its debating team. He is a member of Phi Gamma Delta and assistant manager of Chapparal. Bryce Renwick is a prominent violinist.

Since June 16, 1910, Mr. Bednar has been active in the practice of law at Omaha. He is a Mason (32nd degree, Scottish Rite, K. C. C. H., Shrine; past grand patron, Order of Eastern Star). He is a member of the First Central Congregational Church, the Nebraska State and Douglas County Bar Associations, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ad-Sell League and the Nebraskana Society. His club is the Happy Hollow Club. His favorite sport is golf and he is a member of the Hole-In-One Club. Residence: Omaha.

Leroy Beebout

One of the leaders in the political and business affairs of Johnstown, Nebraska, is LeRoy Beebout, who was born at Salem, Ohio, October 5, 1881, the son of William Larmer and Lettie Margaret (Price) Beebout. His father, who was a farmer, was born in Ohio, July 19, 1849, and died at Eden, Idaho. His mother, who was born at Richmond, Ohio, August 27, 1851, and died at Eden, January 14, 1926, was active in religious affairs and work of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Her father was a Presbyterian minister in Ohio and Nebraska.

Mr. Beebout has been editor of the Johnstown Enterprise since 1906 having formerly been a farmer and carpenter he has engaged in the insurance business since 1913 in addition to publishing the newspaper. After receiving a common school education in a sod school house in Blaine County, Nebraska, he entered upon his editorial career without any previous experience in publishing or editing. He is active in his community in all civic matters, and holds membership in the Johnstown the board Episcopal Church, of which he is chairman of the board of trustees, School Board, of which he is secretary; Nebraskana Society; and the Modern Woodmen of America.

During the World War he served as second lieutenant in the home guard company, was a member of the registration board, acted as chairman of the Council of Defense and was prominent in Liberty loan and Red Cross drives. A Republican, he has served as county commissioner of Brown County, 1914-1924, was candidate for for legislature in 1927, and served as chairman of Council of Johnstown for several terms.

His marriage to Rosa Akert was solemnized at Oakdale, Nebraska, May 20, 1913. Mrs. Beebout, whose parents were natives of Switzerland, was born at Coleridge, Nebraska, April 11, 1894. To them the following children were born: Lois P., January 12, 1914; Leona Fae, August 7, 1919; Allan Dee, January 11, 1921; Merlin Frederick, June 25, 1923; Ardis Ione, January 4, 1916; Willard Leroy, April 1, 1917; William Larmer, July 20, 1929; and Shirley Ann, born December 26, 1927. Residence: Johnstown.

Edwin Dewey Beech

Edwin Dewey Beech was born at Meadow Grove, Nebraska, August 24, 1898, and is now engaged in the practice of law at Pierce, Nebraska. His father, Joseph Isaac Beech, who was born in Iowa, October 15, 1860, is a retired hardware merchant. His mother was born in New York, and died at Meadow Grove, July 20, 1919.

Mr. Beech was graduated from the Meadow Grove High School in 1916, and in 1923, received the LL. B. degree at the University of Nebraska where he was a member of the Order of the Coif, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Phi Alpha Delta. He is now serving as county attorney of Pierce County, and holds membership in the Lions Club at Pierce. He is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association, is a Mason, and holds membership in the Pierce University Club and the American Legion.

On August 11, 1928, he married Clara Olive Roberts at Lincoln, Nebraska. Mrs. Beech, who was a teacher in the high school at Neligh, Nebraska, prior to her marriage, was born at Dorchester, Nebraska, September 1, 1901, of Scotch parentage. Residence: Pierce.

George Allen Beecher

Right Reverend George A. Beecher, bishop of the Episcopal Church in western Nebraska, was born at Monmouth, Illinois, February 3, 1868, son of Benjamin Jonah and Mercy Ann (Boland) Beecher. His father, a native of Minerva, New York, was born in 1832, and died at Kearney, Nebraska, March 28, 1888. He was of Scotch, Irish and English descent; a school teacher, farmer and merchant. Bishop Beecher's mother was born at Parishville, St. Lawrence County, New York, in 1837. She also died at Kearney in 1903.

After the completion of his elementary education in the public schools at Kearney, he attended the University of Nebraska from 1886 to 1889. After the death of his father, Mr. Beecher became a student under the tutorship of the late Rev. Robert W. Oliver, D. D., rector of St. Luke's Church, Kearney, Nebraska. For one year he taught in the Stone School House one mile east of Kearney. He then became a candidate for Holy Orders under the Rt. Rev. George Worthington, D. D., then Bishop of Nebraska. In 1892 he graduated from the Philadelphia Divinity School and was ordained to the Deaconate and Priesthood in the little old Episcopal frame church in Kearney.

He was sent by Bishop Graves, then Bishop of The Platte, to Old Fort Sidney in the west end of the state, where he was given charge of the missions extending from Fort Sidney to North Platte on the East, and to the Wyoming line on the West, including the North Platte Valley which was then very sparsely settled. This territory required a trip of 250 miles overland each month with pony team and buggy.

His marriage to Florence Idella George, who was born at Kenosha, Wisconsin, April 22, 1867, was solemnized in St. Luke's Church, Racine, Wisconsin, on June 22, 1893. At the time of their residence in Fort Sidney, Nebraska, the United States Government was trying the experiment of making soldiers out of the younger generation of Indians from the Agencies of the Dakotas. The young parson grasped this opportunity for real missionary work and began, with the consent of the Commanding Officer, to conduct day and night schools for the men and non-commissioned officers

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