on the 7th of April, 1862, and remained with his parents until he was twenty-three years old, receiving his education in his earlier years from the Hanover schools. In 1885 he took the shaping of his future course in life into his own hands, and aware of the inducements held forth by this State for active and industrious young men, he came to this county and bought a quartersection of land in Island Grove Township. At the time of his purchase the land was worth $4,350, being partly improved. He now has 115 acres under cultivation, from which he realizes abundant crops of grain and general farm produce, and gives special attention to the raising of live stock. The buildings, including a good house and commodious barns, are in good condition, and the farm presents an attractive appearance.

On the 1st of September, 1887, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mattie McKeague, who was born on the 25th of December, 1861, in Carroll County, Ill. She is a daughter of Andrew and Bessie McKeague, who were natives of Ireland, and had come to the United States in the year 1850. There is a family of seven children in their household, of whom the wife of our subject was the fourth born. Mr. and Mrs. Speer are esteemed members of the United Presbyterian Church, of Liberty, and in the short time of their residence here they have won a host of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Speer affiliates with the Republican party in politics, and is interested in the general improvement and advancement of the public welfare.

ENRY KLIPPER. one of the oldest living settlers of this county, is comfortably located on section 28 in Clatonia Township. He came to the Great West during the period of its earliest settlement, and has been no unimportant factor in the development of Gage County, building up one of its most creditable homesteads.

Our subject, a native of Scioto County Ohio, was born Sept. 1, 1848, and is the son of Henry and Mary Klipper, who were natives of Germany. They had a large family of children, of whom the following survive: C. Henry; William, a resident of Lincoln, this State; John, a well-to-do farmer of Clatonia Township, where Herman also lives; Louis, in Saline County; Frank, in Clatonia Township; Anne, the wife of Frederick Sauble, of Saline County, and Lena, the wife of William Gutesmyer, also of Saline County. The parents are residents of this county.

When a youth of nineteen years our subject with his parents left the Buckeye State, and coming to this county, the father purchased a tract of land on section 32 in Clatonia Township along Clatonia Creek. Their neighbors were few and far between, and there was little evidence of the white settler in this region. Henry Klipper, the elder lived and labored in true pioneer fashion, being rewarded in his efforts at building up a homestead and now, with his estimable wife, is spending his declining years surrounded by every comfort, am making his home among his friends and children it this county,

In 1869 our subject homesteaded eighty acres of land on section 28, in Clatonia Township. He had received a rudimentary education in his native State and when about fourteen years of age began to work in an iron furnace in his native county, where he was employed several years. He subsequently resumed farming as more congenial to his tastes am capacities, and has followed this occupation the greater part of his life. After coming to Nebraska he was married, Jan. 15, 1873, to Miss Dora E. Baake, a native of Germany, and the daughter of Carl and Dora E. Baake, who are now residents of Lancaster County, this State. This union resulted in the birth of four children, one of whom, Alfred died when three years old. Those living are Alvena, Martha and John.

The farm of our subject comprises 120 acres of land, he having added to his first property, and has brought the whole to a good state of cultivation He votes the straight Republican ticket, and hit served three years as Treasurer of his school district, being warmly interested in securing to the young those educational advantages which will make of them intelligent and reliable citizens Both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the German Methodist Episcopal Church

in whose interests they have labored as they have had opportunity for many years. Their home and its surroundings present a pleasant picture of rural life, and the family is one of the most highly respected in the community.

OSEPH CAMBRIDGE is a prominent and highly respected citizen living on section 36, Lincoln Township, on a good and well-improved farm of eighty acres. He secured his present farm in the spring of 1880, with some improvements already made, and he has since put it in a good state of cultivation, and made of it a fine and valuable farm. Previous to his coming to this county he resided in Atchison County, Mo., in which place he had made a farm from the wild and uncultivated land, planted an orchard of fruit trees, and erected good and substantial buildings. He remained there for ten years, during which time he succeeded fairly well, but he wished to attain even greater success, and came to this county, drawn hither no doubt by the great inducements offered by the natural resources of this fertile country. He is a native of Norfolk County, England, where he was born on the 17th of November, 1842, and is the next oldest living son of William Cambridge, of whom a more complete mention is made in the biography of George Cambridge, a brother of our subject.

Our subject spent his early years in his native county, and when he became of age he served an apprenticeship to learn the hardware business, engaging in it for a period of about four years, after which he went to London, and there made his home for nine months. He then went on a voyage to Port Natal, Africa, during the time of the journey acting as second steward on the sailing-vessel "The City of Rochester," under command of Capt. Bruce. He then returned to England on the "Evangeline." and remained at home for some months, when he again entrusted himself to the "briny deep," and went to Nova Scotia. There he engaged in farming and made his home for two years, afterward spending two seasons in Michigan, and thence moving to Missouri, a brief mention having already been made of his residence in the latter place.

 Our subject was united in marriage in Atchison County. Mo., on the 30th of November, 1874, to Miss Susanna Sweetman, who was born in Toronto, Canada, on the 21st of May, 1843, and is of English parentage. Her parents came from England to Canada, and later to the United States, making their home in Michigan, where the father died somewhat past middle life. The mother, whose maiden name was Cecelia Baldwin, is now living near Hillsdale, Mich., and has arrived at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Mrs. Cambridge grew to womanhood in her native city, and spent her time in learning the useful accomplishments which are so necessary for the good management of a household. She is the mother of one bright, intelligent child, named Anna E. S. The mother is a member of the Catholic Church, and the father has joined himself to the Episcopal Church. In politics he is a very ardent Republican, and has done all in his power to promote the cause and success of that political organization. As a successful and enterprising citizen, and as an intelligent, industrious, genial and true-hearted man, he is entitled to the esteem which is accorded him by the people of his community.

UFUS C. BROOKS. War is sometimes inevitable, and cruel and heartless as its ravages are known to be, it is sometimes the only resort by which the rights of a people can be protected or maintained. When its cause is in and for the right, then to participate in it becomes most honorable and praiseworthy. We have always taken great pleasure in giving credit where credit is due, and we never fail to recognize and appreciate the immeasurable honor due to those whose valor gained for us the peace and prosperity which we now enjoy. Right glad are we that in the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this shetch (sic) we find another one of those brave and valiant men whom it is our delight to honor.

Our subject is the son of George and Mary (Tucker) Brooks, both natives of Allegheny County, Pa., where they grew to maturity and were mar-

ried. In the spring of 1852 they moved to Delaware County, Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their days, the death of the father occurring in 1854, and that of the mother in 1865. They were the parents of twenty children, ten of whom survive, are married and have families.

Mr. Brooks was the tenth child of the family, his birth occurring on the 14th of August, 1833. On the 24th of December, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Badgley, a daughter of P. D. and Mary Badgley, of Wood County, Va. Mrs. Brooks was born on the 18th of August, 1827, in the county and State above mentioned. To our subject and his wife there was given a family of six children, whom we name as follows: Isabel E., Evaline, Manora, Mary A., Grant and Clystia E. Evaline was born on the 23d of September, 1857, and died on the 10th of May, 1884; Clystia E. was born on the 14th of February, 1870, and died on the 26th of August, 1877.

At the breaking out of the war our subject enlisted in Company G, 96th Ohio Infantry, under the command of Capt. Kinible, at Delaware, Ohio, and served with this company for three years. He was in a number of heavy engagements, and during the three years of service was not sick for one day nor missed a battle in which his command took part, fortunately never having received a wound. Among the places noted in the history of the war at or near which the command of our subject participated in an engagement there were the following: Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, FL Morgan, Ft. Gaines, Ft. Blakely, Spanish Fort, Mobile and Sabine Cross Roads. Our subject enlisted on the 6th of August, 1862; he was mustered out at Mobile, Ala., and discharged at Columbus, Ohio.

 After the marriage of our subject in Virginia, he remained in that State and engaged in farming until the year 1859, when he removed to Delaware County, Ohio, and made his home there until 1869. In that year he moved to this State and homesteaded a quarter-section of land on section 27, Sicily Township, and then sold it in 1878 and immediately bought his present farm. At that time the land was wild and unbroken, and he paid $3.50 per acre for it. His farm now consists of 120 acres of fine laud, on which he has made many improvements, building a fine house and barn and other necessary buildings. The fields are all fenced and in a fine state of cultivation.

Our subject deserves not a little credit for having brought the previously uncultivated land to such a fine state and appearance. Besides raising grain, he devotes considerable attention to the breeding of Poland-China hogs and keeps some cattle. He has been very successful in his farm produce, and is very nicely situated. He is a member of the Republican party, giving some attention to politics, and being interested in the advancement and improvement of his county and the community in which he lives. His wife was an esteemed and active member of the Christian Church, at Wymore, and he enjoys the confidence of his neighbors as a highly respected and reputable man. Mrs. Brooks died on the 31st of August, 1888, and many friends and neighbors now mourn her loss, as she was a kind wife, mother and neighbor.

OSEPH LATSHAW. Highland Township has among its prosperous farmers and stockraisers few who are more deserving of notice than the subject of this sketch. He is fortably (sic) located on section 21, and is the owner of 160 acres of land, of which he secured possession in the spring of 1877. He is a little past the meridian of life, having been born Dec. 30, 1830, in Butler County, Pa.

The parents of our subject, John and Nancy (Zeigler) Latshaw, were also natives of the Keystone State, and reared a large family of children, of whom survive: Henry; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Barkey; John, Jacob, Benjamin and Joseph, all of whom, with the exception of the last-named, continue residents of their native State. Hannah, Mrs. Liken, lives there also, while Samuel and Isaac are in Kansas. When a youth of nineteen years, Joseph removed with his parents from Butler to Venango County, where he resided until coming to Nebraska. On the 27th of November, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Tinstman, a native of his own county, and the daughter of Abram and Catherine (Moyer) Tinstman, who were

natives of Pennsylvania; the father is deceased. Mrs. Latshaw was born Sept. 22, 1842, and by her union with our subject became the mother of seven children, viz: Alpheus; Amelia, wife of Bryant Wilson, of Highland Township; Samuel, Maggie, Jessie, Dayton C. and Earl. With the exception of Amelia, the children continue at home with their parents.

In the spring of 1878 Mr. Latshaw with his family left the Keystone State, and crossing the Mississippi, located on the land comprising his present farm in this county. Most of the improvements noticeable on the homestead have been brought about by himself. He is essentially the architect of his own fortune--a self-made man in the truest sense of the word. His early advantages were limited, and he was thrown upon his own resources when young in years. Politically, he is a Republican with prohibition tendencies. He is the School Treasurer of his district. Religiously, he is a member in good standing of the Church of God, in which he has served as Elder for a number of years. He takes an active interest in the religious and educational enterprises of the day, is public-spirited and liberal, and in all respects a praiseworthy and useful citizen. He avails himself of the standard publications to keep himself well posted upon topics of general interest.

DWARD DOYLE. In the days when Gage County was in its earliest history, and every day witnessed some new incident of importance and interest to the infant State and county, there came hither and settled herein, one who from that day of pioneer settlement until the present has most worthily represented the class sometimes designated by the appellation, Irish-American citizens. Our subject was born in Ireland, in the year 1842, and is the son of Edward Doyle. It was his great and irreparable misfortune to be left motherless when between two and three years of age, and to lose his father by death at the Dixon bridge disaster, Dixon, Ill., about seventeen years since.

 After the death of his mother our subject was brought up by a spinster aunt, Miss Ann Coleman, near Woosung, Ill. When about four or five years of age, our subject accompanied his brother Michael to the United States, and resided with his aunt in Brooklyn for about three years, and then accompanied her to Ogle County, Ill., where he was reared to manhood, and received in the common schools of that county his education. Upon that as a foundation, he has by constant reading become unusually well informed upon all topics of general interest, and takes exceptional delight in such studies as will be of practical value in any department of life.

In January, 1867, our subject became the husband of Ellen O'Neill, one of Illinois' fair daughters. This union was blessed by the birth of eight children, whose names are here subjoined, viz: George A., John, Clara, May, Daisy, Alice, Annie and Sadie. Miss O'Neill is the daughter of John and Bridget O'Neill, natives of Ireland. Their family circle includes nine children; and of these the wife of our subject is the third child. She was educated in the district schools near her home, and until her marriage resided with her parents.

Our subject came to Gage County in 1873, and since that time has continued his residence here without interruption. Upon arrival he homesteaded 160 acres of land upon section 30 of Highland Township, the same upon which he now resides. It was in its original beauty and wild picturesqueness, but in obedience to his wish, enforced by his continued labor, it has taken on a new appearance, has become more fertile, and in every regard more useful. Without doubt it is one of the most improved and best farms in the entire county. When he came hither our subject was practically without means, and as we have seen, the relations to whom it usually falls to give the start in life had been removed from terrestrial scenes, so that his present prosperity is time result of the mutual help encouragement and labor of our subject and his most excellent wife.

Since he became a citizen Mr. Doyle has voted with the Democratic party, but at present is very much inclined to cast his ballot in the coming election in favor of Harrison and Morton. He is not what is commonly called a politician, but is an

intelligent, common-sense, free citizen, and whichever way he may ultimately decide to act, it will be dictated by the desire conscientiously to fulfil his duty as a man and a loyal citizen. It has been his privilege to serve three years as one of the School Directors, and during that period he so discharged his duties as to win the respectful admiration of his compeers.

In August of the year 1861 our subject enlisted in Company D, 34th Illinois Infantry, which became a part of the Western Army. He continued in this department of the service throughout all the campaign from that on, fighting in the battle of Shiloh, and in all the engagements of that series. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Stone River, and confined in Libby Prison for about two weeks, and for the remainder of thirty-five days in Castle Thunder, then he was paroled and in due time was exchanged, rejoining his regiment, and went once more into battle, remaining without further accident, let or hindrance, until July, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge, and returned home to Illinois to resume the less exciting and dangerous duties of civil life.

AMES W. GRAHAM. The farm of our subject, situated upon section 22 of Highland Township, presents a picture of successful, thrifty farm life that is seldom equaled, even in this county of enterprising and prosperous farmers. This gentleman is a native of Knox County, Ohio, where he was born upon the 21st of August, 1852, to David and Rhoda Graham. His father was a native of Scotland, and his mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. Graham, Sr., is believed to have emigrated to America in the year 1840, but in Knox County, Ohio, and there made his home for about eleven years. He went from Knox County to Mexico, and was killed in the Mexican War. Our subject moved to Fulton County, Ohio, and resided there about fourteen years.

The above noted bereavement left our subject and his brother John B. orphans, for about one year previous to his father's departure to Mexico, their mother had been taken from them by death. Thus the beginning of his life was darkened by the shadow of death, and his path bedewed by the tears of orphanhood; in whatever of prosperity our subject may have been in a position to enjoy, it should be remembered that it is always more credit. able to those who come up through tribulation trial and darkness to positions of honor, prosperity and opulence in the community. Our subject was taken into the family of John James, his maternal grandfather, who resided in Fulton County. Here he was well cared for, and received with affection. His education was provided for by the opportunity afforded to attend regularly the classes of the district school in the neighborhood. When not thus employed he was engaged in farming and stock raising.

The spring of 1877 witnessed the migration to this State of our subject, who upon arrival rented land in the southern part of the county, and there for two years did little but "break" the land. In that time he broke 600 acres of land, and our subject built two houses and improved two farms in the space of about five years before locating on section 24. In 1882 he came to Highland Township, located on section 24, built on that farm, and there remained until the spring of 1884. Then he settled upon his present property, that comprises eighty acres of excellent agricultural land, which under his extensive labors has taken on its present beauty, fertility and perfection of productiveness, and forms a most realistic background for the farm buildings and residence that complete the picture.

The loneliness that had been felt in the life of our subject since his childhood was only eradicated once and forever when he was united at the hymeneal altar, upon the 25th of May, 1879, with Miss Susie Boomer, the estimable daughter of John and Margaret Boomer, of Beatrice, who were among the early settlers in this county. This lady was born in New Jersey, at Newark, Feb. 15, 1853. To Mr. and Mrs. Graham have been born six children, of whom, however, but two survive. These are Lucietia V., who was born March 21, 1885; and Lewis W., March 30, 1887.

In all political matters our subject is independent, and his ballot is east for whomsoever he may deem

the most fitting candidate. His suffrage is given not according to the principles of party, but according to the principles of right. Owing to his life struggle, doubtless, there has been developed in our subject a disposition generous and beneficent; he is a man of recognized business integrity, standard character and unquestioned patriotic, public spirit, and because of what he is he is accorded the heartiest confidence and respect of his neighbors and friends, as is also the faithful companion of his life. They are both active and consistent members of society, and move in the most select circles.

ILLIAM RETCHLESS. Upon the banks of the Cain, which gives its name to Cambridgeshire, which is among the prettiest of English counties, stands one of the oldest and most famous institutions of learning in Europe, the date of its founding being lost in the earlier days of the Middle Ages. At present it consists of seventeen colleges and halls, in which have studied, and from them gone out to their life work, some of the greatest men the world has seen, among them Sir Isaac Newton and Lord Bacon. In this county, which comprises 822 miles, and is renowned as one of the most richly agricultural districts of England, there was born to John and Ester Retchless, upon the 3d of October, 1844, a son, of whom the following sketch is a brief biographical compendium.

The parents of our subject emigrated to America while he was quite small, and settled in Niagara County, N.Y., in 1851. There our subject received his early education, and was reared to manhood, being engaged after completing his school course in farming. Although quite a young man, our subject responded to the call for defenders of the Union, and enlisted Aug. 7, 1862, in the 19th New York Battery, and was a participant in several battles, among others that at Suffolk, battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, where he was wounded on the 12th of May, 1864, and from that time was in no regular engagement. He received his discharge Feb. 20, 1865, and returned home and engaged in farm work.

 In 1876 out subject came to Pawnee County, Neb., where he made his home until 1883. Then he settled in this county upon his present property, which includes 200 acres of excellent land for pastoral purposes. He is engaged chiefly in stockraising, and makes a specialty of cattle of graded stock. His herd numbers sixty-seven, and among them are several especially fine animals.

Upon mature reflection our subject decided to take to himself a life companion, and was accordingly united in marriage, March 11, 1867, in Niagara County, N. Y., with Miss Salina Humphreys. This lady is the daughter of William and Ester Humphreys, and was born in New York State, Sept. 14, 1849. Her father is deceased. There have been nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Retchless, whose names are here appended in the order of their birth: Alta E., Alice E., Alma L., Frank W., Charles T., Fred J., Edward, Jessie B. and Grace A.

Time military experiences of our subject were such as to lead him to take a deep interest in the work of the G. A. R., of which society he is a member. He is uniformly loyal and patriotic as a citizen, honorable in all business relations, courteous, liberal and affable as a man and a friend, and enjoys the confidence and regard of his fellow-citizens.

HOMAS E. HIBBERT cultivated in his early days, and has preserved in his older age, a remarkable patriotism and devotion to the welfare of his country. As a boy he was willing to sacrifice his life if need be in her behalf, but it fortunately not being required of him, he has reached the prime of life without lessening in any degree his fervor or activity in advocating her cause. His father, Edward R. Hibbert, was born in England, and his mother, Mary (Graham) Hibbert, was born of Scotch parents in the northern part of Ireland. They were married in Philadelphia, Pa., and resided in that city, the father being engaged in the delightful occupation of floriculture. They had a family of four children, of whom Thomas E. and Martha are living, and James and Edward died in infancy. The parents also died in Philadelphia.

Our subject, the oldest child of the family, was born on the 18th of October, 1846, in the above