J. L. McBRIEN, County Superintendent Johnson County, Nebraska--Intelligence and culture, along with business qualifications, are requisite for the proper discharge of the duties of the county superintendent. Mr. McBrien who is largely endowed with the same, was born in Newton County, Missouri, March 19, 1867, of Scotch-Irish parentage and raised on a farm. A poor man's son, he received his education at the district schools, and afterwards attended the Campbell University at Holton, Kansas. Moving to Nebraska, he taught for five years, and at the age of twenty-two was elected county superintendent, an office which he filled with such satisfaction that he was re-elected in 1891. He belongs to the K. P., S. of V. and I. O. R. M., and is president of the State Teachers Association of Nebraska, being elected when only twenty-four years of age to this position. He was married December 29, 1891 to Miss Eva Forbes, a native of Elmwood, Illinois, and four years a teacher in the Tecumseh schools, of which she was a distinguished graduate of the class of 1887.

     THE BRADLEY.--The leading hotel in Tecumseh and headquarters for all traveling-men is The Bradley, conducted by Frank Strong for the past two years. It is a brick structure comprising twenty bed-rooms, a dining-room capable of seating forty guests, and a cosy (sic) office, lighted by incandescent lamps, consisting of two compartments. Mr. Strong is a native of Ohio, was engaged for two years with a corps of civil engineers and afterwards took to farming in Illinois and Iowa. His first hotel experience was gained at Milan, Tennessee, whence he traveled westwards, and has devoted himself to the hotel business ever since. He is a K. P. and a straight-forward man.

     A. HAMILTON, Choice Havana and Domestic Cigars.--A. Hamilton is a native of Ohio and a mason by trade who settled in Tecumseh in 1878 and has carried on his business along with plastering ever since, December, 1891, he established this business in the interest of his son, W. C. Hamilton, a young, active energetic fellow and a practical cigarmaker. He was born in Illinois, learned his trade in Tecumseh, worked at the same in Lincoln for some time and took charge of the business in 1891. He belongs to the S. of V. and has another cigarmaker assisting him in producing among others his "Little Cuban Hand Made" a famous five-center.

     ROSS & BRYSON, Manufacturers of fine Cigars--S. J. Ross was born in Johnson County and remained on the farm untill (sic) seventeen. After six years experience in the railroad service he learned cigar making in Tecumseh, and started business in June, 1890. C. E. Bryson was born in Nebraska City, learned his trade in Tecumseh, and worked at the same until he joined Mr. Ross in their present venture. They both belong to the Order of Red Men, and are shrewd, energetic business men. They employ from seven to twelve cigarmakers in producing their "Genuine Havana" straight ten cents, and their popular "Ross & Bryson Patent" and "Montrose" five centers.

     W. L. HEILMAN, Druggist and Bookseller--Was born in Pennsylvania where he spent six years in teaching, and several more in learning his present business by clerking in the drug stores. He located in Tecumseh in 1881 clerked for five years with Dr. Headrick and became his partner in 1886 finally becoming sole proprietor in 1891. He has now several clerks assisting him in handling the drugs chemicals, paints, oils, wallpaper. books and stationery which his numerous patrons require He belongs to the K. P. and Red Men, and is one of the charter members of the State Pharmaceutical Association.

     WILLIAM CONRAD, Watchmaker and Jeweler.--One of the most tidily appointed store in the city is that of Mr. Conrad, the jeweler. It measures 22x60, and contains a stock representing in value from $5,000 to $8,000 and comprising gold and silver watches, clocks, jewelry, Sterling silver and plated ware, pianos and organs, incandescent lamps and general electrical supplies, musical goods and sewing machines. He runs his lathe by electricity and has other ingenious appliances to enable him to produce first-class work. Mr. Conrad was born in Frankfort-on-the-Maine, Germany and landed in this country when three years of age. He learned his trade at Monmouth ant Galesburg, Illinois, ran a business at Maguon (sic) Illinois, for eighteen months, and spent a year in Crete, Nebraska, where he was burned out and finally located in Tecumseh and bought out Ed. Dewey in 1881. He is a K. P.

     CLARK & D'CAMP, Blacksmiths and Wagon Makers, Carriage Repairing a Specialty.--One of the finest wagon shops we have seen is to be found right here in Tecumseh: and run by Clark & D'Camp. who succeeded Pfeifer & Clark, in March, 1892. All modern arrangements and appliances have been adopted, and a six-horse power steam engine is used. A. D. Clark was born in Ohio, where he learned his business at the age of nineteen and where after working as a journeyman for two years, he started on his own account in 1864. Leaving his native State in 1880 he ran a shop for a year and a half in Sangamon County, Illinois, and afterwards located in Tecumseh. A. R. D'Camp was born in Illinois and learned his trade partly in Vesta and partly in Tecumseh, starting business in Vesta some twelve years ago and running the same up till he joined Mr. Clark in Tecumseh. He is a Modern Woodman.

      ALLEN & BRUNDAGE, Tecumseh Chieftain,--A newspaper that has been issued regularly every week for a quarter of a century is bound to have the confidence of the public. The Chieftain is the oldest established paper in this section. A. B. Allen who wields the editorial pen was born in Illinois and taught for about ten years in his native State and in Nebraska where he located in 1879, and he was also engaged in farming while conducting school. After two years in the implement business he enlisted as an officer of the Chieftain, February, 1891. He belongs to the K, P. and Red Men. P. A. Brundage, who superintends the

press and job work was born in New Jersey, learned the printer's art in Tecumseh, worked two years in Wyoming, bought an interest in the Republican of Tecumseh, remained with it for one year and finally joined the ranks of the Chieftain. He belongs to the K. P. and Red Men, held the office of city clerk for two years and represented his fellow citizens four years in the city council.

     WILLIAM FORNEFELT, Harness, Saddles and Collars.--Anything for the horse can always be secured at the harness shop of Mr. Fornefelt. In his store, 20x60, will be seen a first-class selection of harness, saddles, collars, whips, bridles, combs, blankets, etc. He keeps three men and manufactures a great portion of the harness, which must be up to the mark before it leaves his shop. Mr. Fornefelt was born in Germany, crossed the Atlantic in 1867, learned his trade of a harnessmaker in St. Joe, Missouri, and worked at the same for nineteen years in Missouri, Nebraska. Iowa and Kansas, locating in Tecumseh in 1885. and opening up his business some four years ago. Here he has built up a splendid trade.

     WILL F. EATON, Staple and Fancy Groceries, Queensware and flour--Was born in Iowa, and gained his first experience clerking in Kansas. Coming to Tecumseh fourteen years ago, he clerked four years, and traveled for a St. Joe grocer for three years, previous to his start in business on his own account. His present premises. which he entered in May, 1892, consist of a floor 22x80. Superior goods and reasonable prices are hound to tell, and Mr. Eaton knows it, acts accordingly and scoops in the custom of the citizens. He is a K. of P.

     MISS C. IRWIN, Millinery and Fancy Goods. --The ladies of Tecumseh may be congratulated upon having with them Miss Irwin's millinery establishment. Miss Irwin had the advantage of being engaged for some time with Mrs. Hill who carried on business here for eight years. Miss Irwin succeeded to her business in July, 1891, and has conducted the same with great success ever since. In her store, 22x60, she has a magnificent display of the things of beauty pertaining to the milliner's art, and she now employs four assistants.

     MRS. M. W. WARD, Millinery and Fancy Goods.--Everything in head attire of beautiful and fashionable design can readily be found at Mrs. Ward's popular establishment, she is a native of Illinois but has been a resident of Nebraska for the past eight years. She started dressmaking and millinery some five years ago but for the past four has confined her attention exclusively to the millinery business in which she now requires from three to four assistants. Constant employment it always pretty god evidence of ability, and the great patronage now enjoyed by Mrs. Ward is perfect evidence of her superior taste and skill.

     THE TECUMSEH REPUBLIC.--This newspaper in published by a company whose members are residents of Johnson County. It is the official organ of the Johnson County Farmer's Alliance. It is an eight-page, six-column quarto published weekly and edited by J. C. Shull. Mr. Shull la a native of Adair County, Missouri and was engaged in teaching In his native State and in Nebraska for about twelve years. He then took charge of the Republic some two years ago.

SUPERIOR.

REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS FIRMS AND MEN OF SUPERIOR.

     BRADSHAW & MOFFITT. Physicians and Surgeons; Office, Patterson Block, Rooms 1, 2, 3.--Our pen sketches of the enterprising men to be found in Nebraska would be incomplete without mention of the above prominent medical men, who are regarded as doing one of the most prosperous practices in this section, amounting to $5,000 per annum. Dr. Bradshaw has been here thirteen years and graduated from the Rush Medical College in 1879. He is a Mason, I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. Dr. Moffitt came here from Wisconsin, and graduated in 1882 from the Rush Medical College. He is a Mason. They are clever and skillful physicians. They have eight rooms and treat both the liquor and tobacco habit with success.

     STUBBS & MAUCK, Lawyers.--This firm is one of the most vigorous in this section of the State, and during its career has conducted several large cases to a successful isssue (sic). Geo. W. Stubbs is a native of Missouri and was admitted in 1887. He is a Mason. He is attorney for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. H. H. Mauck is a native of Illinois and was admitted here. He also is a Mason. With their extended experience and abilities this firm is as safe as it is possible for human intellect or ability to be, and the many cases placed in their hands have received the best care and attention.

     UNION HOTEL, Thomas Stitts, Proprietor.--The Union is the leading hostelry in Superior, Neb. The building is located near the F., E. & M. V. and B. & M. depots. The house is fitted up with many of the modern adjuncts of convenience and comfort, including steam heat. Mr. Thos. Stitts, proprietor, is a native of New York and has resided six years in Nebraska. He took the Union Hotel one and a half years ago.

M^CCOOK.

     McCook was platted in June, 1882. on an eminence overlooking the Republican Valley and is a live, active, commercial trade center of a vast section of country tributary thereto. Kansas, rich and fertile, abounding in a profusion of agricultural advantages and natural wealth, lies only thirteen miles to the south, while Colorado, with her beautiful and fertile plains on the east, and snow-capped mountains, picturesque valleys and rushing mountain streams in the interior, lies only eighty miles distant on the west, while in Nebraska that vast expanse of country south of the Platte River and west of the ninety-ninth parallel, seventy-five by one hundred and seventy-five miles in extent. recognizes her as the metropolis, and as such, pay her tribute. Hastings, with her 15,000 population, 106 miles away to the east. and Denver, with a population of 100,000 254 miles to the west, are the only rivals she has, and they are so far removed as not to dispute the question of patronage with her. She was called into life suddenly and unexpectedly by the action of the Burlington Railroad Company, in choosing the present site of McCook as a location for the main division station of the entire system west of the Missouri River.
     The town has now nearly 3,000 population, has every class of business represented, has fine Congregational. Methodist, Lutheran, and Catholic Church edifices; water works, electric light system. 100-barrel flour mill and two elevators; five mails daily, the United States land office for this district, a large creamery and splendid hotel. the Commercial.
      The average yield of farms in this district is: fifteen bushels wheat, forty oats, twenty rye and fifty corn. The climate and soil is especially well adapted to growing apples, peaches, cherries, apricots, strawberries and all the small fruits. Potatoes, squashes, melons and cabbage reach an enormous size and fine quality.

REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS FIRMS AND MEN OF McCOOK

     J. E. COCHRAN, Attorney at Law.--At the McCook bar we find names ranking with the best in the land. Among them Judge J. B. Cochran gives grace and strength to its influence. The Judge is a native of Iowa, and was admitted to the bar in 1878. He was formerly Judge for five years of the present fourteenth judicial district. Collections given prompt attention. Notary public in office.

     J. E. KELLY. Attorney--The legal fraternity of McCook has obtained a prominence commensurate with that prosperous city's importance, and no one lends more to that same prominence than J. E. Kelly. He is a native of Iowa and was admitted to the bar in 1890. He is also a negotiator of farm loans. Mr. Kelly's practice is one which has proven justly beneficial to himself and to a large clientage.

     COMMERCIAL HOUSE.--This hotel dates back its inception ten years. The sleeping apartments, are forty in number, and all the appointments of the house are first-class. Special attention is given to traveling men and their every want supplied. The seating capacity of the dining room is fifty persons. The hotel is furnished with electric lights, hot and cold bath, steam heat and free 'bus. Geo. E. Johnson, proprietor, is a native of Ohio and has lived nine years in Nebraska. He possesses the characteristics which make up the successful and popular host. Geo. L. Etter, clerk, adds much to the desirability of the Commercial as a stopping place.

     NEBRASKA LOAN AND BANKING CO., Office in rear rooms of First National Bank. Attorney.--In compiling a review of this prosperous city, a position of well-earned prominence should be accorded the Nebraska Loan & Banking Company, organized three years. Their specialty is farm and city loans; short time loans on approved securities at bank rates. The facilities the company have for successfully conducting their extensive business are of an unusually complete character, whereby they are enabled to offer their customers advantages which are difficult to duplicate, P. A. Wells, manager, is a native of New York. and has lived seven years in Nebraska. He is an attorney by profession, and has practiced seven years in Nebraska--before that in New York. The degree or LL. B. was conferred upon him by the University of the City of New York.

FARM LANDS.

S. H. COLVIN,

McCOOK, NEBRASKA

     Mr. Colvin has been established eight year and handles all descriptions of property Nebraska farms, improved and unimproved. for sale at six to fifteen dollars per acre. He loan money to any desired amount on real estate or personal security and also does a nice insurance business. He is a native of Ohio, a Mason and I. O. O. F. and is highly respected in am around McCook where he is well-known.

     W. C. LATOURETTE, Hardware, Stoves and Tinware.--This popular establishment was founded nine years ago and from the start has done a healthy trade. The premises are 25 140 feet. Mr. LaTournette deals in hardware stoves and tinware, harness, seeds, etc. He is identified with the Masons and I. O. O. F's.

     J. A. WILCOX & SON, General Merchandise.--A prominent mercantile establishment in McCook is that of J. A Wilcox & Son, established in McCook in 1884. The premises are 25x80 feet, two stories, lighted by electricity, and steam heated and two assistants are employed. J. A. Wilcox is a native of New York and is a G. A. R., having served in the 128th New York Infantry and as first lieutenant in the 38th U. S. C. T. He is aide-de camp to Commander-in-Chief John Palmer; G. A. R. He is an A. O. U. W. and Mason. (being Eminent Commander of the St. John Commandery, K, T.) His son. E. J. Wilcox is a native of New York and is a K. of P.

CRETE.

     A score of miles down the Burlington & Missouri River Railway from Lincoln is an entertaining ride, for it carries us through the rich agricultural prairies of Nebraska, landing us in the northeast portion of Saline County, in the prosperous city of Crete.
     Here the Big Blue flows placidly along toward the boundless and the infinite, and on the beautiful tract that gradually rises toward the morning sun, we find Crete and her 3,000 wide-awake, progressive people.
     Crete is, in every respect, except perhaps in size, a modern cosmopolitan city, and there are but few places in the West, of its proportions, that can lay claims to as many substantial improvements. Foremost among these may he mentioned

THE WATERWORKS,

the work on which was begun in 1890. The franchise was obtained by Messrs. Johnson and Stevens, of the State Bank. The works were built at a cost of $50,000 and four and one-third miles of mains carry pure water to all parts of the city. Following this in the order of improvements comes the

ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT,

established in 1886. Three years later the plant was remodeled and improved, and is now a thirty-five arc light (Brush system), the machinery for which is operated either by steam or water power. Both concerns are owned by the city, from which a profitable revenue is derived.
     Beautifully situated on a commanding elevation in the extreme eastern portion of the city is the

DOANE COLLEGE,

an institution that ranks among the leading educational institutions of the State. It is conducted under the auspices of the Congregational churches of Nebraska, and with its large campus and handsome buildings, adds much beauty to the surroundings of the city.
     In connection with the college is also the central station of the Nebraska weather service thus forming an important adjunct.
     The high school building is one of the most beautiful and complete to be found in the West, not excepting our largest cities; and this, together with the many handsome residences and business blocks that line the well-kept thoroughfares, plainly speaks of the enterprise of the citizens.
     Crete has a good library of 1,000 volumes, all the leading secret orders and benevolent associations, and a number of handsome churches, representing the most important religious denominations.
     Within her borders we find a brewery with an annual capacity of 1,800 barrels of beer, two first-class flour mills, a bottling works, one of the largest nurseries in the west, a steam laundry, two substantial banks. two live newspapers, two excellent hotels, a good opera house, and a full line of commercial enterprises, representing all lines of trade. The Missouri Pacific Railway also has a branch going east from this point.
     The people are, as a class, genial and sociable, and Crete has become a good trade center for the surrounding country.
     The Nebraska Chautauqua, established in 1881. holds its annual sessions here. It has one hundred and nine acres of beautiful ground on the Big Blue River, groves, boating, games and twenty-six permanent buildings.

REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS FIRMS AND MEN OF CRETE.

     FIRST NATIONAL BANK.--This representative local bank was established June 1st, 1882, and has a capital of $60,000 with an $18,000 surplus. Its officers and directors are old and well-known citizens of established financial ability, and from the first it has met with a liberal patronage and support. John L.

Tidball, the president, and H. S. Fuller, the vice-president, are natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and both came to this State about 1870, and located in Crete soon after wards. They are both members of the city school board. L. H. Denison, the cashier, is at able officer, who conducts his department in at efficient manner, and the gentlemen mentioned with R. M. Tidball, a resident of Lincoln, are the bank's directors. This house is a credit to our city, and is calculated to invite confidence and stimulate every branch of industry, and with the energy and business ability of its officers, there is practically no limit to benefits they can afford.

     WESTERN BREWERY; William Muchow, Proprietor. This city is supplied with almost every branch of industry. The Western Brewery was built in 1872, and is well equipped. It has all the storage cellars, vats, boilers, etc., necessary; gives employment to six hands, and has an annual capacity of 1,800 barrels. Mr. Muchow, the present proprietor, has been in charge since 1885, and his beer has gained a fine reputation for its excellent and superior qualities. He is a native of Prussia, and came to this city in 1873. Success has attended him in his business ventures, and besides the brewery and valuable property in connection, he has several saloons in Crete, and almost the entire production of his plant is consumed in this city and vicinity.

     R. W. SHERMAN, Veterinary Surgeon.--The only veterinary surgeon in this city, but one that the people have just cause to be proud of, is Dr. R. W. Sherman. This talented young man is not a "common country horse doctor," but an educated gentleman in his profession. Mr. Sherman was born in Milton, Mass., coming here and establishing himself in his present line three years ago. He has a well-equipped stable, 30x40 feet, built and arranged expressly for the care of horses while undergoing treatment. He is a graduate of the Boston Veterinary College, and is prepared to treat any disease of the horse or make surgical operations at reasonable charges. His practice takes him to all parts of the State, and the many difficult cases that he has successfully treated form the best recommendation that can he given him. Mr. Sherman is a close student, and is a pleasant, courteous gentleman.

      AUG. SEGELKE, Manufacturer of Carbonated Beverages.--"I am thy bottler; thy bottler who hath come to serve thee." This is the well-spoken motto of Mr. Aug. Segelke, the proprietor of one of Crete's leading industries --the bottling works. The works were established a dozen years ago, and the trade extends to all the towns throughout the surrounding country. In 1886 the present two-story brick, 36x60 feet, was erected, and supplied with the most approved machinery and operated by steam. A full line of carbonated beverages are manufactured, including mineral water, soda, pop and ginger ale, and the goods of this house will compare with those of any similar institution in the West. During the summer season six hands are employed, and in the winter three are sufficient. Mr. Segelke was originally from Germany, but has been on this side the Atlantic many years. He came to Crete when she was nothing but a straggling frontier village, and has always taken an active part in her development.

     M. E. HAIGHT, General Hardware.--As a country develops the sale of no line of articles shows a greater increase than those included under the general term of hardware. Thus, we find the men engaged in this line among our most prosperous merchants, an evidence of which is seen in M. E. Haight of this city. The store is an old one, and Mr. Haight has been at the head of the management for the past eight years. A beautiful room, 22x100 feet, admirably arranged, is occupied, in which may be seen one of the finest stocks, representing an expenditure of $8,000. A tin shop is also in connection, where all kinds of job work are executed at low rates. Mr. Haight is a native of Illinois, coming here eight years ago, and belongs to the Masonic, K. of P., A. O, U. W. and Modern Woodmen Orders.

     STAR CLOTHING HOUSE, John A. Desh & Co., Proprietors.--The star that points to Crete's leading clothing establishment is not the same seen by the wise men of the East, but it is the star that guides all people in this city to good goods, low prices and square dealings. This popular house was founded eight years ago by Mr. Desh, the present name having been adopted later on. A neatly arranged room, 25x75 feet, is filled with a large stock of all the latest styles and novelties in men and boy's clothing, hats, caps and gents' furnishing goods. Mr. Desh is a native of Pennsylvania, and came here upon the opening of the store. Mr. L. M. Baxter, the "Co." was born in Iowa, but has been a resident of this city for eight years. They give their personal attention to the business, possess a high degree of nineteenth century enterprise, and have placed before the people of Saline County a metropolitan store.

     BONNER STABLES, Fred Laders, Proprietor,--The Bonner Stables are among the oldest in the city, and enjoy an enviable reputation for first-class turn-outs. The premises consist of a roomy structure, and two hands are employed. A general livery, feed and sale business is done. and a substantial patronage is held. Twelve head of fine horses and a full line of vehicles are kept in readiness at all times, and special attention is given commercial men. Mr. Laders is too favorably known to need an introduction to the people of Crete. He has lived here many years, and by courteous dealings has made himself universally liked.

     T. H. MILLER, Real Estate and Loans.--It is a well-known fact that while God made the country, it takes wide-awake, energetic men like Mr. T. H. Miller, to develop that country and build its cities. Mr. Miller can be justly called the pioneer real estate dealer of Crete, having engaged in the mercantile business for eleven years and in his present line ten years.

He has considerable property of his own and loans money at low rates of interest. He represents the Hamburg-Bremen and the German, of Peoria, fire insurance companies, and his business necessitates the employment of two clerks. Mr. Miller was born in Germany but came to America in 1866. He has ably filled the office of mayor, and is also a notary public.

     THE COSMOPOLITAN, W, E. Brock, Proprietor. Rates two dollars a day.--In the Cosmopolitan this city has a hotel that is in perfect keeping with the thrifty, busy air of the town, and favorite stopping place. The house was opened twelve years ago, and has ever enjoyed an excellent patronage, but since passing into the management of Mr. Brock it 1889, the success has been even more gratifying. It is a three-story brick, 45x120 feet, and contains twenty-eight pleasantly furnished sleeping apartments, large sample rooms, an inviting dining hall and free bus to all trains Mr. Brock was born in the Province of Quebec but came over into Uncle Sam's country a quarter of a century ago, when he was quite young, and has been a resident of Crete for the past three years. He is an enterprising gentle man, possessing that affable, nature so essential to the success of a landlord.

     BENTON & BURKET, Staple and Fancy Groceries. Glassware and Queensware, Fresh Fruits, Choice Cigars.--If the opinion of the public is to be relied upon and an extensive business is to be taken as a criterion, the grocery of Benton & Burket is one of the most popular purchasing points in the city. This store is an old one, passing into the present management one year ago. A room, 22x75 feet is occupied, in which may be found a large and complete line of staple and fancy groceries and provisions, also a large and well selected line of queensware and glassware. Mr. E. E. Benton born in Michigan. needs no introduction to the people of Crete having lived here since 1877. Mr. Benton is a graduate of Doane College of the class of 1883. Mr. D. E. Burket is a native of Illinois, but is also well-known. having lived here for eight years. and belongs to the Modern Woodmen and K. of P. They are courteous and progressive citizens, and their customers are insured prompt and careful attention.

     EDWARD J. STEIDL, Druggist and Prescriptionist.--The pharmacy of which Mr. Steidl has been the popular proprietor for six years, is the oldest in the city, dating its opening back to 1876. Two floors and basement, each 24x75 feet. are devoted to this business, and with the beautiful display made of stock, it is decidedly the most attractive store of its kind in Crete. A full line of drugs, medicines, paints, oils, perfumes, fancy and toilet articles, and everything pertaining to a first-class pharmacy is carried. Special attention is given to the compounding of prescriptions, and three courteous salesmen are always in attendance. Mr. Steidl was born in Missouri, and since coming here has made a wide circle of warm friends, and knows no such word as fail. He attended the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. Mr. S. is a member of the State Pharmaceutical Association.

     NORRIS & COMPANY, Hardware.--The extent of the hardware trade in this section of the country may be noticed by the prosperity of such concerns as this. Lu. Norris, a native of Maryland, came to this city about twenty years ago, and has been prominently identified with tier prosperity ever since. For fifteen years he has been engaged in the hardware business, and success has ever attended his efforts. The premises occupied is an imposing brick structure, 44x9O, three floors, with large plate glass front, and containing one of the largest and best selected stocks of shelf and heavy hardware, stoves, etc., to be found in this portion of the State. This is claimed to be the finest retail establishment in the West. The firm own this building. and their business requires the employment of three clerks. Mr. Norris was mayor of Crete the last three years, and is a Mason.

     GOLDEN EAGLE SALOON, Al. Kempkes, Proprietor.--At the Golden Eagle you are always sure of a hearty welcome, a good dram or a fresh glass of beer. Mr. Kempkes opened his saloon in 1887. moving into his present handsome quartets in 1889. The room is 22x80 feet, is beautifully decorated, and the finest brands of wines, liquors and cigars are kept in stock, and two polite employes are ever ready to attend the wants of guests. Next door to the saloon he has a billiard hall, containing four tables. Mr. Kempkes is agent for Dick Brothers' Brewing Co.. and can fill orders for the celebrated Quincy beer in any quantity. from a keg to a car load, at interestingly low rates. Mr. K. was born in Germany, coming to America thirteen years ago, and is a fair representative of the genial son of the Fatherland, and is the most popular liquor dealer in Crete.

     W. O. McOMBER, Livery, Feed and Sale Stable.--A good rig at a reasonable figure car always be secured at Mr. McOmber's stables which have been under the present popular management for the past nine years. The building is a frame structure, measuring 44x60 feet. Mr. McOmber was born in New York! but raised in Michigan, coming here from the latter State upon taking charge of the business He has met with much success from the beginning. He is a Modern Woodman.

     STREETER HOUSE, G. D. Streeter, Proprietor.--Some men seem endowed by nature with the proper qualifications for running a hotel, and if in the course of our travels we ever came in contact with such a man it was G. D. Streeter. This gentleman was born at Phelps Ontario County. New York, removing from there to Plattsville, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the hotel business for ten years, and in 1888 was elected sheriff of Grant County that State, being the first Democrat elected to office there since 1848. Two years ago he came to this city and assumed his present charge The hotel contains thirty rooms and is sup-
     12

plied with the usual modern conveniences. Mr. Streeter is a K. T. Mason, a member of the A, O. U. W., and Modern Woodmen lodges, also the traveling men's association and G. A. R., having joined the army at Cedar Falls and in Company "B" 31st Iowa Infantry, passed through all the Western campaign.

     CRETE STEAM LAUNDRY, J. S. Atwood, Proprietor.--"Ong Lung's" familiar expression "no checkee no washee," is a thing of the past; for in this enlightened age the laundry business has kept pace with other improvements, and nothing that will aid the task of cleansing our linen has been neglected. This city has just cause to be proud of the Crete Steam Laundry, for there are few places of its size that can boast of as creditable an institution. Mr. Atwood is a native of Illinois, coming here seven years ago. The laundry was established several years ago, passing into the present successful management in 1885. The building occupied is a large two-story frame, and from two to four hands are employed. An important feature are the hot and cold baths in connection, while the scale of prices is very low. Mr. Atwood is ably assisted by Mrs. Atwood, and no pains are spared to please their customers,

     FRED. MAIR, Meat Market.--The American people are great meat eaters, and the citizens of Crete are no exception in this line. So, to fully supply their wants, Mr. Fred. Mair purchased the meat market that now bears his name, in July, 1891. The room occupied measures 25x60 feet, it is convenient, and three hands are employed. Mr. M. is a native of Wisconsin, and has called Crete by the name of home for the past ten years. He is an Odd Fellow.

     BATHEN & LINDEKEN, Lumber.--The lumber business in Crete is well represented in the firm of Bathen & Lindeken, established in October, 1891, whose yards opposite the Streeter House are stocked with $8,000 of lumber and building material, from lots being occupied here and two more in another part of the city. John Bathen came to St. Louis twenty-six years ago from Prussia, and was in the lumber business there for thirteen years, since which he has resided in this city and continued in the same line. H. A. Lindeken came from the same German province about ten or twelve years ago, locating in Omaha and engaging in the grocery business for some time, and coming to Crete in 1884, where he served as bookkeeper for a lumber firm until the establishment of this business.

     C. W. HAVLICEK, Watchmaker and Jeweler. --A pushing young business man, who has risen to his present popularity and prominence by his own efforts, is Mr. C. W. Havlicek, Crete's expert watchmaker and jeweler. Mr. Havlicek was born in Wisconsin, but raised in this county. In 1881 he entered upon his apprenticeship, and engaged in business for himself in October, 1887. A specialty is made of repairing, and no assistant is employed. Mr. Havlicek belongs to the A. O. U. W., the K. of P. and the Turners.

     E. L. CHILDS, Dentist, Corner Main Avenue and Thirteenth Street.--Dentistry has advanced from the position of insignificance, as a somewhat neglected accomplishment of the local doctor, to that of a distinct profession. A native of Massachusetts, Dr. Childs began the study of dentistry early in life, and previous to coming here, practised in Brooklyn, N. Y. He came to this city fourteen years ago, enjoys a solid practice, and is always ready for duty when wanted.

      S. L. ANDREWS, Postmaster--Was appointed to this position in May, 1890. There is considerable labor in connection with the postoffice at this place, fourteen mails being handled daily, but Mr. Andrews, with his three assistants, is giving perfect satisfaction, Mr. Andrews was originally from Pennsylvania, but remained in Illinois from 1847 to 1876 with the exception of four years in California, and has been fifteen years here. He was formerly engaged in the grain business. He was in the 134th Illinois Infantry during the war. He has been mayor, is a Mason, and makes friends wherever he goes.

WILBER.

     In presenting to our readers a sketch showing the growth and development of the thrifty little city of Wilber, it may not be out of place to say a few words in regard to

SALINE COUNTY,

of which it is the capital. This county lies in the southeast portion of the State, and is bounded on the north by Seward, east by Lancaster and Gage, south by Jefferson and west by Fillmore, and contains 576 square miles. It was organized in 1862, and lies in the heart of Nebraska's great agricultural district, nearly 200,000 acres being under cultivation.
     The Big Blue flows through the eastern portion of the county, thus not only affording good irrigation, but excellent power for manufacturing purposes. Corn, wheat and fruit is raised in abundance, and the county is one of the most prosperous in Eastern Nebraska. On the border nearest the rising sun, and within sight of Gage county, is

WILBER,

on the line of the B. &. M. Railway, in the richest portion of the Blue Valley.
     Wilber was founded in 1873 by Prof. C. D. Wilber, and in 1878 the county seat was located here, since which time the little city has continued to grow and prosper. There are few