had to be subdued and improved, they lacked the means of purchasing stock, and were obliged to go in debt for it as well as for all their improvements and farm implements. With families to support, prices at first very low, and freight rates high, they became hopelessly involved, or nearly so, and weary of the burden of debt are anxious to unload and make a new start with what money they would realize from their equity in their land. Under the circumstances it is strange that they have any equity at all, or that they have done as well as they have, and the greatest compliment that can be paid to any country is a statement of the fact that under all these adverse circumstances men have been enabled to hold on to their land until it will sell for enough to give them a "stake" after paying their indebtedness.
     The county has an average elevation of seventeen hundred feet. The altitude of the City of York is 1,602.
     The contrast between the fever and ague stricken complexions of the thickly settled eastern towns and the hue of health and glow of spirits that you meet on all sides here is so strong that a pleasure trip to this locality is always productive of a new settler. Corn is the staple product, and this year's yield runs from forty to sixty bushels per acre. Wheat, oats and small grain are being raised more extensively now than a few years ago.

REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS FIRMS AND MEN OF YORK.

     YORK FOUNDRY & ENGINE CO.--The above large enterprise, since its establishment eight years ago, has acquired a well-earned prominence. The York Foundry & Engine Co. occupy extensive premises, comprising three large brick buildings and one frame, while the equipment embraces the best tools and machinery. Their specialty is elevator and mill machinery, while they carry in stock and make prompt shipments of the following goods, for which they solicit orders, viz: Elevator buckets and bolts, grain and flour scoops. champion pinch bar or car mover, pulleys, shafting, hangers, boxes, collars and couplings. Also handle link belting Nos. 35, 42, 45, 49, 52, 55, 57, 67, 77, 78 and 114; spocket wheels for same; standard leather belt. 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 inch; standard rubber belt, three-ply, 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 inch; standard rubber belt, four-ply, 6 inch; cotton belt, 3 1/2, 4 and 5 inch. Also horse powers, elevator boots, crane spouts, swivel spouts, flexible spouts, improved grain testers, flax testers, steam packing, lace leather Hancock inspirators, flue brushes, pulleys. flanges, Pease's No. 1 end shake, fanning mills, steam pipe and fittings, sheet iron for smoke stacks, reels for cleaning flax seed, fire brick and clay, and wire cloth for sieves. Engines, boilers and complete steam outfits promptly furnished or repaired. Smoke stacks made to order on short notice. They manufacture everything made by a first-class foundry. while ten skilled mechanics are constantly employed in the execution of the work for which the establishment is noted. They ship all through Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. Parties should not fail to send for catalogue. J. C. Kilner, president, resides in Chicago; G. P. Chessman is vice president; P. A. Kilner, secretary and manager, is a native of England. He is a most energetic gentleman, who has had many years' experience in the business, and by well directed management has reared an industry that takes a position in the front rank of Nebraska representative concerns. S. C. Grippen is the popular traveling representative.

     YORK COLLEGE.--Of the great educational institutions of the State, that forming the subject of this sketch--the York College--stands out prominent. It was founded in August 1891 and has steadily advanced with the phenomenal growth of the county and section. The college is conducted under the auspices of the United Brethren in Christ. There are two hundred students, boys and girls. The general appointments include all the modern conveniences and utilities requisite for the advantageous management of an academy. The special object of this college is to furnish higher education for girls, and preparing young men for profession. or business. Every thing usually given n a strictly first-class establishment for boys and girls is here taught. by the very best teachers--art, music, French. Greek, Latin, mathematics, etc. The president, J. George, A. M., Professor of Mental and Moral Science, is a native of Iowa and has had twenty years' experience in teaching. He graduated from the Western College, Toledo. Ia., and is a member of the Iowa Legion of Honor. He is one of the finest educators in the great West and the success he is meeting with is the best evidence that his ably directed efforts are appreciated on all sides. The financial management is under the control of a board of trustees and executive committee. Rev. G. F. Deal, formerly of Ohio, and a man of long experience, and a careful manager, is the general agent.

     T. L. DAVIES & CO., Dry Goods Merchants, next door First National Bank, Lincoln Avenue.--Three years ago the popular dry goods firm of T. L. Davies & Co. was established and during this period has enjoyed a liberal share of public favor. The premises occupied are two stories high, 25x90 feet in extent and nine hands are employed. A $15,000 stock is carried, embracing a full and complete assortment of dry goods of imported and domestic manufacture, including dress fabrics of the latest fashionable designs, white goods, embroideries. laces, ribbons, gloves, hosiery, underwear, etc. Mr. Davies is a native of Wales and is a K. P. He is a genial man, especially qualified for his line of trade.

     BURR & COMPANY, Dealers in Farm Machinery and Wind Mills.--In enumerating the enterprises of this prosperous city, a position of merited prominence should be accorded to the well-known firm of Burr & Co., founded six years. The premises comprise a large and well-appointed warehouse, 30x100 feet in di-

mensions, where is kept a splendid stock of farm machinery and windmills of best known makes; also wells of all kinds (tubular wells a specialty), buggies, pumps, sewing machines, pianos and organs. The trade is a voluminous one and reaches through a wide scope of territory, five hands being constantly required on the premises. Mr. Burr is a native of Ohio, and affiliates with the Masons and I. O. O. F.'s, while his partner, Mr. D. K. Bittinger, was born in Pennsylvania. The prompt, honorable policy pursued by them has rendered the firm deservedly popular and universally respected, and the city of York is to be congratulated upon the possession of such a representative establishment.

      THE YORK NATIONAL BANK.--York is especially favored in the management of her banks, which is done upon a conservative and intelligent method. The York National Bank was organized as a national institution in 1884; it is one of the foremost of the State and does a prosperous general banking business. The capital and surplus is $120,000. Geo. W. Post, president. is from Iowa. He was formerly district judge and is one of York's earliest pioneer settlers. He was one of the organizers of the bank of which he is the manager. The success of the bank is chiefly due to the confidence reposed in him by all. W. K. Williams, vice president, is from Illinois. E. J. Wightman, cashier, is a native of New York, has lived in Nebraska seventeen years and in the county eight years. He has been engaged in banking since 1885, and is an A. O. U. W. He is justly esteemed for his high character and intellectual worth.

     THE NATIONAL BI-CHLORIDE OF GOLD INSTITUTE, for the Cure of the Liquor, Opium and Tobacco Habits. Treatment will be Given by Experienced Practitioners.--Since this Institute's recent organization, it has bounded into public favor, the charges being moderate, and the treatment sure and speedy. The officers are: Attending physicians, Dr. W. J. Wells and B. F. Farley, M. D.; Dr. H. Reader, secretary and treasurer. These are gentlemen well-known for their many years of professional experience and for their honorable methods. They justly enjoy the esteem of all with whom they have dealings.

     JOS. BOYER, Druggist, West Side Square. --Conspicuous among the enterprising houses to be found in York is that of Jos. Boyer, established sixteen years. The premises occupied are 19x72 feet. Two assistants are required in the prosecution of the business. The stock of merchandise carried is varied and comprehensive. Mr. Boyer is a native of Pennsylvania and belongs to the G. A. R. and served in the 75th Illinois lnfantry. He is very worthy of his successful mercantile career and also of the confidence reposed in him by all.

     BLODGETT HOUSE.--The liberally patronized Blodgett House has been ably conducted by Dad Blodgett for five years. It is conveniently located near the depot (F. E. & M. V.) and close to the business portion of York. It consists of an imposing, brick structure, three stories high. The Blodgett contains fifty-six nicely furnished sleeping apartments, there are three large sample rooms. The dining hall will seat sixty-four persons at one time. The cuisine of the Blodgett is a feature of the house and the tables are filled with the substantials and delicacies which the market affords. Mr. Blodgett is a native of Illinois. He is to be congratulated upon the success attending his ably directed efforts and ranks among the most popular hotel men of the State.

     SCHOOL OF THE HOLY FAMILY.--The mother house or central school of the Ursuline Sisterhood is one of the leading institutions of the West. It was founded in 1889. The buildings comprise the main building, college, hospital, dorm-

itory and church, all of which are provided with steam heat, gas and modern furniture and improvements. There are numerous private rooms for the use of persons who wish to reside for a time at York and benefit by the superior and salubrious air which this city affords, not to mention her other numerous advantages. Rates $5 a week. The number of boarders is forty, who come from Nebraska and other Western States. The training includes a comprehensive collegiate course, embracing music on any instrument, French, German, Latin, literature, history,

mathematics, trigonometry, astronomy, chemistry, botany, art, fancywork, etc. The school is conducted by thirty sisters under the direction of the Superioress, Mother Clara; this lady has a national celebrity as a teacher and splendid business attainments.

     KNAPP & RYAN, Druggists.--This enterprising firm has been established five years. The spacious premises are 24x75 feet in extent, and are completely equipped with every improved appliance and facility needed in the prompt and accurate compounding of physicians' prescriptions and family recipes. The proprietors are both graduated physicians (from Lincoln, Neb., and Rush Medical College, Chicago), but do not practice, owing to the pressure of the drug business. Dr. Knapp is an I. O. O. F. and M. W. A. They are indefatigable in their efforts to give utmost satisfaction to all.

     S. E. MANSFIELD'S Grocery and Bakery, West Side Square.--One of the best known establishments in its line is that of S. E. Mansfield, established three years. The premises occupied are ample, 15x100 feet in extent, and two hands are constantly required to meet the demands of customers. Mr. Mansfield handles a full line of foreign and domestic food products, teas, coffees, etc., of the best quality. He is a native of Ohio, and by handling only goods of superior quality he has won a permanent patronage and enjoys the esteem of customers as an upright and painstaking merchant.

     G. W. WIRT, Dealer in Grain, Coal and Live Stock.--One of the leading enterprises in its line is that of G. W. Wirt, successor to Wirt Bros. He has been founded eight years, and from the start has done a substantial and growing trade. He owns the following elevators: Funk, Neb., Axtell, Neb., Holbrook, Neb., Mason, Neb., Bartley, Neb., Hazard, Neb., Ansley, Neb., Berwyn, Neb., Thayer. Neb., Edison, Neb., and Bradshaw, Neb. Eighteen hands are required to meet the demands of the business. Chas. B. Burt. a native of Ohio, has been manager here three years. He is well-known in the mercantile circles of this city as one thoroughly conversant with the details of the enterprise engaged in, and deserving of success and patronage.

      IRVIN PRIBBLE, Sanitary Plumbing, Office and Salesroom, Lincoln Avenue.--An efficient exponent of this branch of skilled industry is Mr. Irvin Pribble, who was established 15th December, 1891. His premises are 20x80 feet in dimensions. The business embraces plumbing, gas and steam fitting of all descriptions. Mr. Pribble has had ten years' experience in the business and employs from two to ten hands. Steam and hot water heating; specifications and estimates made on short notice; all work guaranteed. Carry in stock a complete line of plumbers' and fitters' supplies. Fine work a specialty. The references of Mr. Pribble are given as below: Dad Blodgett, Blodgett House. York: Rev. E. H. Baker, York; S. H. Sedgwick, York; Matt Whitson, Salina, Kas.; G. W. Post, York; National Bank, York; T. M. Sexton, Minneapolis, Kas.; Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, York; J. M. Noyes, Hotel Geneva, Geneva, Neb.; J. H. Jameson, Jameson House, Geneva, Neb.; and many others furnished on application, Telephone 88. Mr. P. is a native of Virginia.

     D. S. ZIMMERMAN, Treasurer.--Among the names which have acquired prominence on the wings of York's prosperity, is that of D. S. Zimmerman, who is serving his first term as county treasurer. He is a native of Ohio and has lived twelve years in the county, where he formerly farmed. He is an active member of the Farmers' Alliance. Mr. Zimmerman has ever done his various duties in life in a conscientious manner and has a bright future before him.

     G. W. SHRECK, Sheriff of York County.--Our pen sketches of York's men would be incomplete without mention of G. W. Shreck, the county sheriff. He is a native of Indiana and is serving the second term of his third election. Mr. Shreck is prominently identified with the Masonic Order and has lived in York County twelve years. Mr. Shreck has shown to all that he is cut out for the office of sheriff. Quick, active and fearless, he has at the same time an affable and pleasant manner.

     A. J. NEWMAN, Clerk of the District Court.--The office of clerk of the district court calls for the exercise of such qualities as good judgment, diligence and carefulness. An official who is possessed of these is A. J. Newman, who is serving his fourth term. having been elected June 15, 1883. He is a native of Indiana and has lived in our county since 1877. having formerly been engaged in the loan business. Mr. Newman is identified with the Masons and I. O.O. F.'s. He is a gentleman who in his administration has given perfect satisfaction to the representatives of all parties.

     A. C. MONTGOMERY, County Judge.--A gentleman who has largely contributed to make York what she is, is the subject of this brief sketch. Judge Montgomery is a native of Pennsylvania and was elected to this office November 8, 1891. having formerly, by appointment, served for one year in the same capacity. He is an attorney by profession and practiced for fifteen years here. He is a member of the G. A. R. and served in the 83d Pennsylvania Infantry. The judge has lived twenty-two years in the county, where he was the first settler. He has a half interest in the York Roller Mills, which supply this section with flour of the best grade. His administration has been characterized by a display of a first-class knowledge of law and justice.

     C. J. NOBES, Opera House Drug Store.--One of the active business men in York is C. J. Nobes, established July 1, 1891. His premises are 20x70 feet. and two hands are employed. The stock is large and complete, embracing drugs, chemicals, toilet and fancy articles, reputable proprietary medicines. etc. J. H. Pinkerton has charge of the prescription department. Harry Cowell is private bookkeeper at

the drug store. Mr. Nobes is a native of Illinois and has lived here eighteen years. He is owner of the city opera house and is a Mason. He was formerly warden of the penitentiary, Lincoln Neb. Mr. Nobes is owner of the Highland Park farm (980 acres), a half mile east of town, where he breeds standard-bred trotting horses, and where he has a half mile track for training horses, and miniature track, trainer (Jack Conley). etc,, and all facilities for the purpose. He believes in the principle of honest goods at honest prices, and the success he is achieving is the best evidence that his efforts are appreciated by the public.

     THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK. --The financial policy of the government, as seen in the national banking system, is wise, safe and economical. The First National Bank, of York, Neb., has a capital stock of $50,000; surplus and undivided profits. $15,000. Special attention given to collections. F. O. Bell, president, was born in Pennsylvania, raised in Ohio and came here from Iowa. He was formerly in the lumber business fifteen years here. He has lived here twenty years and is York's first settler. F. B. Daggy, vice president, is a native of Indiana, and is in the real estate business here. H. C. Kleinschmidt, cashier, is a native of Missouri and has lived here twenty years and has shown vast ability as cashier. The First National is a credit alike to the city and its excellent executive.

     FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK.--The prosperity of banking concerns in any city is indicative of an era of commercial progress. The Farmers and Merchants Bank was organized in 1890, and has a capital of $50,000. E. E. Brown, president, is also president of the State National Bank, Lincoln, Neb. C. E. Waite, vice president, is assistant cashier of the State National Bank, Lincoln, Neb. J. P. Hebard, cashier, came here from Lincoln, Neb., where he lived over twenty years. He is a Mason. He is full of tact and enterprise, and has made a splendid cashier of the Farmers and Merchants,

     ST. ELMO HOTEL, T. Kilborn. Proprietor.--One of the best hotels in the State, for the prices charged and the accommodations given, is the St. Elmo hotel. of Lincoln Avenue, York. Rates, one dollar per day. The St. Elmo contains fifteen bedrooms, and the dining room will seat thirty-six persons at one time. Mr. T. Kilborn, proprietor, is a native of Canada. The steady growth of his business is due to his promptness and the best facilities afforded his patrons.

     NEBRASKA NATIONAL BANK of York--Was organized March 8, 1890. Capital and surplus, $58,000. The general appointment of the premises embraces all the modern adjuncts of convenience, safety and elegance. Correspondents, Schuster-Hax National Bank. St. Joseph. Mo.; Hanover National Bank. New York City. T. B. Clawson, president, is from Missouri. Herman Behling, vice president, is from Wisconsin. N. M. Ferguson. cashier, from Rochester, N. Y., the gentleman upon whose shoulders devolves the management of the bank, has lived twenty-one years in York County. He is a Mason, A. O. U. W. and M. W. A., and served in the late war in the 15th and 147th Illinois Infantry. A. C. Ward, assistant cashier, is from Leroy, N. Y.

     HARLAN & HARLAN, Attorneys.--The name of Harlan carries with it its own weight, and few give more importance to these pages. The Hon. N. V. Harlan, born in Ohio, studied in Iowa, and was admitted in 1878. He has lived thirteen years in Nebraska and is a Mason and I. O. O. F. Mr. Harlan represented York County during 1885-7, and was Speaker of the House in 1887. A. S. Harlan, born in Iowa, studied law with France & Harlan, of this city, being admitted in 1890. He is a Mason. The gentlemen are most diligent in working for their clients, are well read in the details of law and it is safe to place cases in their hands. In keeping with their extensive practice they have nicely appointed offices and a shorthand writer constantly employed.

     BALDWIN & WYCKOFF, Abstracts, Loans and Insurance.--One of the prominent city enterprises is that of Baldwin & Wyckoff, founded four years. From the start their business has had a rapid and substantial growth. They have a complete set of abstract books. They make a specialty of loaning private money for eastern investors on only first-class farm and city securities, They give this branch of their business their most careful personal attention, and have never lost a dollar of principal or interest entrusted to their care. They are natives of Illinois and have lived twelve years in the county. Mr. Wyckoff is notary public and an A. O. U. W. They are highly respected in local trade circles and numbered among the representative York business men.

     EDWIN W. MOSHER, Real Estate and Farm Loans.--Success, to a very large extent, in any branch of business depends upon intelligent proficiency, such as that exercised by the subject of our sketch. Edwin W. Mosher has been established nine years. He is successor to Stark & Mosher. While being a general real estate dealer, he pays particular attention to investments for nonresidents, either in outright purchases of realty or in mortgages. He is thoroughly informed as regards values, and his opinion and judgment will prove advantageous to all prospectors. He, also deals in fine stock, owning a large farm near town. He is a native of Illinois and is one who has rendered valuable services to York.

     LE GRAND HOTEL, $2.00 a Day.--The Le Grand is under the new management of E. J., E. L. and R. S. May. Eleven hands are employed. A hotel could not be conducted in a manner more pleasing to its regular patrons and the traveling public. There are forty-one bedrooms and the dining room will seat seventy persons. Commercial trade a specialty (sic). Advantages of the Le Grand: steam heat through-out; free bus to and from all trains; four large sample rooms; bath rooms; electric light, and closets on each floor; our table always

the best; Mr. May, a native of Ohio, came here from Indiana with the best talents for the business.

     A. BISSELL, Groceries.--Has been founded nearly five years. The premises are 22x90 feet and two assistants are required. The stock of merchandise embraces staple and fancy groceries, teas, coffees, spices, canned goods, choice foreign and domestic fruits, etc. Mr. Bissell was born in Canada and has lived thirteen years in Nebraska. The success which he has achieved is but a natural reflex of his energetic and capable management.

     CHILCOTE & CO --Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Staple and Fancy Groceries, Provisions, Queensware, Confectioneries, Etc., Central Block, Lincoln Avenue.--This firm has been established nine years. They occupy a room 22x110 feet, and employ two hands. They deal only in goods of the highest grades and purchasers are guaranteed. Mr. Chilcote was born in Ohio, and is a Mason and A. O. U. W. His son, G. E. Chilcote, is a native of Wisconsin and is a Mason and M. W. A. They are gentlemen whose careers bear evidence of strict personal worth.

     IRA A. SMITH, Diamonds, Watches and Fine Jewelry, 102 Opera House Block.--One of the oldest jewelry houses in this section of the State is Ira A. Smith's, founded twenty-five years. The premises occupied are 20x60 feet. The artistic wares handled are selected with care, and, include imported and domestic watches, diamonds, artistic jewelry, gold and silver-plated wares, clocks, bronzes, etc., all of which are guaranteed to be strictly as represented. Repairing and engraving a specialty. Mr. Smith was born in Canada East and is a Mason and M. W. A.

     ALFRED I. SNOW, Loans and Collections.--Founded six years; loans money on real estate or personal property, and also does a general collection business. Mr. Snow is a native of Illinois and formerly was engaged here for five years in the lumber business. He is universally popular and has developed a field of usefulness in his present enterprise.

     C. C. CAMPBELL, Investment Broker.--Occupying a leading position among the investment brokers of York and this section of Nebraska is C. C. Campbell, established one year, the successor to Campbell & Lawrence. In buying and selling real estate he has developed a good trade as well as renting of property and managing estates. Money to any desired amount is loaned on real estate. Mr. Campbell was raised in Iowa and has lived four years in Nebraska and one year in York County. He ranks among the recognized authorities as to. the present and prospective values of the residential and business sections of the city.

     D. T. MOORE, Attorney, Notary; Office in Commercial Block.--A well-known attorney in York is D. T. Moore, a native of Ohio, who has been practicing here since 1869. He studied law with Judge Peck, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, also in Alabama and Illinois, being admitted in 1858 in Champaign County, Ill., under Judge David Davis. He is also notary public. Mr. Moore is one of our earliest settlers. He prosecutes his cases with assiduity, which deservedly commands for him the good will of his clients.

     G. W. SHIDLER, M. D.--A prosperous practitioner in York is G. W. Shidler. He is a native of Pennsylvania and has been practicing fourteen years here. He graduated in 1875 from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Keokuk, Iowa. He is a Mason. K. P., M. W. A., A. O. U. W. and Woodman of the World. Also the doctor is an active and enterprising member of the Nebraska State Medical Society, Central Nebraska Medical Society, American Medical Association, and the National Railroad Surgeons' Association. He enjoys one of the most lucrative and paying practices in this section and is eminently worthy of his success

     DAILY AND WEEKLY TIMES, T. E. Sedgwick, Publisher.--This paper has been running twelve years; is Republican in politics; the daily has a circulation of 460, the weekly 1,100. Mr. Sedgwick was born in Illinois and came to York in 1878; in 1880 he commenced in newspaper life with the Times at its start. He is half owner of the Nebraska Newspaper Union of which Elmer E. Lesh is manager. He employs twenty-five hands and supplies over a hundred papers in Nebraska, Kansas, Idaho, South Dakota and Wyoming with ready prints; also paper, stationery and inks.

     H. M. DETRICK, P. M.--One of the best known men in this prosperous city and section of the country, occupying the important position of city postmaster, is H. M. Detrick. He is a native Pennsylvanian and is one of our county's oldest citizens, having lived twenty-one years in York County. He belongs to the G. A. R., and served in the 4th Iowa Cavalry. Mr. Detrick has been postmaster three years and has performed the many arduous duties devolving upon him in a manner satisfactory to the people and the government.