Republican party, but his study of the matters referred to in our opening paragraph led him to associate himself with the Prohibition party. In this cause he is a constant and energetic worker. That his efforts have been appreciated is shown in that at the last convention of this county our subject was nominated as candidate for representative by his party. At present he is filling in a most satisfactory manner the office of Clerk of his township, to which he was elected in the fall of 1887. Comment regarding the character of one thus associated and engaged is entirely unnecessary, and would degenerate into the fulsome remarks of the sycophant, therefore, it is preferred to leave this epitome as a whole to speak the worth and esteem of its subject.

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AMES ELERBECK furnishes a forcible illustration of the power of industry and self-reliance, he having risen by successive steps from moderate circumstances to his present position of affluence. He is a son of John and Eliza Elerbeck, who were natives of England, and was born on the 24th of July, 1836, in Bradford, Yorkshire. He spent his early years in his native village, and because of the moderate circumstances of his parents he was engaged in working in the worsted and cotton factories until he was eighteen years old, for which reason his early education was limited. His parents were Christian people and interested him in the work of the Sunday-school, so that he was a regular attendant and gained much information of the Bible and religious truths.

Our subject conceived the desire to have a home of his own, and thinking that he would have better opportunities to make and save a competence in America, he sailed from Liverpool in 1854, placing foot on American soil in the month of May of the same year. His destination was Kenosha County, Wis., and after he had arrived there he worked out by the month for one and a half years, after which he went to Racine County, and remained until 1866. Three years after his arrival in America he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Murgatroyd, who is a daughter of William and Sarah Murgatroyd They were born in Yorkshire, England, where the father was a manufacturer of worsted and cotton goods, and was in very good circumstances. The family came to this country in 1848, and made their home in Kenosha County, Wis. The father now resides in Union Grove, Racine Co., Wis., having reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The mother died in 1860, at the age of fifty-six years, leaving a family of seven children, who are now all living and are named as follows: Emanuel, Richard, Nanny, John, Mary A., Eliza and Anna.

 Mrs. Elerbeck was born in October, 1840, in Yorkshire, England, not far from Bradford, the birthplace of Mr. E. She had known our subject in their native country, and was eight years old when she came with her parents across the water. Young as she was she had already inspired an affection in the heart of young James Elerbeck, and who can tell whether or not it was with a desire to see his early love that our subject came to this country, and made her his wife when she was sixteen years old. After their marriage the happy young people made their home in Wisconsin, and in 1863 our subject, hearing that his mother was very ill, left home to make a visit to the Fatherland, with the hope of seeing his dearly loved mother before she should have passed to the world beyond. And she, hearing of his coming, seemed to summon up strength to await the arrival of her darling boy; and with the sight of him it seemed as if a new lease of life were granted her, for she recovered sufficient health to live for three years afterward. She died in 1867, at the age of fifty-three years, and our subject has always been thankful that he made his visit when he did.

In the spring of 1864 Mr. Elerbeck again set sail for America, and after having enjoyed one of the finest trips in his life he was happy to find his family at home well, and waiting to extend a greeting to him whose presence was so welcome. He rented a farm in Wisconsin and prospered fairly. well, but wishing to see the much-talked-of "Nebraska," he started with a wagon team of three horses, with his wife and children, for the State of the Plains in May, 1866. he arrived at Beatrice in the latter part of June, and immediately took up his present homestead on section 18, Rockford Township. They

lived in the wagon in which their journey was made until the shanty could be built, and it being finished in October, they moved into their more commodious dwelling. Our subject dug a well, and made other necessary improvements as he was able to make them; the land being raw prairie there was so much to be done at once. His wagon was the first one on the Blue River at the mouth of Cedar Creek.

Our subject owns 370 acres of land, which he devotes to the purpose of general or mixed farming, and his success has given him the reputation of being one of the best farmers in the county. He has been very industrious and is a careful manager, conducting his business in the most approved method and order. With his own hands he planted a grove which now contains trees of a size sufficient to make a respectable saw-log, and he has a fine orchard of apple, cherry, peach and other fruit trees. He has an artist's eye for symmetry, and has laid out the yards and lawns to the best possible advantage for beauty and utility. He has erected a fine, large house, and cattle and horse barns, with all necessary out-buildings, such as granary, corn cribs, cattle-sheds, etc. His stockyards are furnished with water forced by a wind pump, and in various other ways have labor and wealth made many improvements.

Of the household of our subject and his wife there were five children, part of whom have left the parental roof and are nicely established in homes of their own. John T. married Miss Etta Irving, and with their daughter, Mabel, they reside in Riverside Township, where they have a farm of 160 acres; Mary E. is the wife of Charles Tanner, and they reside in this State; Sarah L. is the wife of Ellory Webster, residing in Logan Township; Willie and Katie are still at home. Mr. Elerbeck was naturalized as soon as the Constitution would permit, and he has become one of the best and most loyal citizens. He voted for the adoption of the State Constitution in 1866. He is a member of the Republican party, but has never cared to accept political offices though they have been tendered him. He has honorably served as School Director for eight years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Elerbeck incline toward the Church of the Christian Scientists, and the former willingly shares the credit of his success in life and his popularity in the community with his estimable and highly respected wife, who has been a faithful companion and helpmate during all the years of their happy wedded life.

OCERN W. KELLEY. In Grant Township there is contained some of the best land in  the county, and on sections 2 and 3 may be found some of the most fertile, arable and tillable in the township. The gentleman whose life furnishes the basis of the present sketch is the owner of a very fine farm on these sections, comprising 160 acres of highly cultivated and productive farming land. His home is upon section 3; he has been a resident of the township since 1875, and since that time has devoted himself to the improvement of his property, and at the same time has been identified with most of the important, practicable enterprises that have had as their aim and object time improvement of the environment, and the advancement of the interests of the community at large.

Our subject is one of the prominent citizens of his township, and has come to fill a warm place in the hearts of his fellows, being a genial, affable and courteous gentleman, sincere friend and honorable citizen. He has been very intelligent and diligent in all the efforts made in the operations on his farm, which is now well supplied with the various necessities in the shape of buildings, etc., and is well stocked with cattle of high grade of the best breeds.

Our subject was born on the 27th of March, 1840, in Munson Township, Geauga Co., Ohio. He is the sixth child and fourth son of John A. and Mary A. (Woodard) Kelley. He was reared at the old home, and the memories connected with his school days cluster around the same place. Having drunk as deeply as was permitted at the fount of learning, his attention was directed to farming, in which he engaged until the present, making an entire success of all he undertook to perform, being quick to apprehend and understand the why and wherefore, and as ready to put into practice what he learned.

The father of our subject was born in Vermont, and is of Irish descent, his father, Pardon Kelley, having served in the Revolutionary War, and fought for home and liberty with the "Green Mountain boys" in most of the chief engagements of those times. In later life he came to Ohio, and erected a woolen factory and gristmill in Ashtabula County, where he resided until his death at the ripe age of seventy years. His son John, the father of our subject, was reared in Vermont, and was there married to a lady a native of the same State, and after the birth of several children, who died in infancy, John Kelley and wife removed to Ohio, and after several years of happy wedded life he there lost his first wife, whose maiden name was Mary A. Woodard. In the year 1857 he entered into a second marriage, the lady of his choice being Mrs. A. D. Sturdavant, who afterward accompanied him in his Western peregrinations. They are now residents of DeWitt, Saline County, and are respectively eighty-four and sixty-four years of age.

The subject of our sketch was reared at the old home in his native county, and there remained until he was of age, obtaining in the usual institution the foundation of his education, which by much reading he has since improved. On the 12th of August, 1861, he enlisted in the 2d Ohio Cavalry, and served in Company B, continuing until Dec. 12, 1865, just four years and four months, with the exception of a brief furlough given him at the time he was veteranized. His regiment being assigned to the Army of the West, under the command of Gen. Blunt, was ordered to the Arkansas frontier, and saw a great deal of frontier life and skirmishing. They took Little Rock on the 10th of September, 1863, and then went to Red River on a raiding expedition. Returning, our subject was appointed to do duty with the regimental guards of the arsenal at Little Rock, and was veteranized in that city. With the exception of the strain upon his constitution from exposure, our subject went through the war unscathed; upon the forementioned date he received his honorable discharge, and returned to civil life. Accompanied by his wife he went to Missouri, afterward removing thence to this county.

 During the time he was at home on furlough our subject took the opportunity of celebrating his marriage, and this step has proved one of the most happy he ever took. This important event transpired upon the 20th of February, 1864, the lady being Lucy C. Warner, the estimable daughter of William and Sarah (Safford) Warner. This lady was born in Munson Township, Geauga Co., Ohio, May 14, 1841. Her early life was spent at home, and practically herself and husband grew up together, the families being neighbors. Her parents were natives of Vermont; their acquaintance having been made and ripening into friendship, led to their marriage, which occurred at Sandgate in that State, They went to Ohio in 1833, where her father took land and followed husbandry as his chosen occupation. Her mother was killed in 1864 in consequence of an accident that caused her to be thrown violently from a wagon. Her father still lives, and is a hale, hearty old gentleman of eighty-seven years.

The family of our subject numbers two children, both adopted, Mrs. Kelley sustaining the relation of foster-mother to the little ones, Willie C. and Jennie M. Mr. Kelley has in a most complimentary manner filled the office of Township Assessor since last spring. He is a member of Curtis Post No. 89, G. A. R., at DeWitt, also of the A. O. U. W., of the same place. In his political position he prefers the principles of the Republican party, of which he has long been a tried and true friend and supporter.

LDEN E. DAY, of Highland Township, occupies a good position, socially and financially, among the well-to-do citizens of Gage County. He has for a number of years confined his attention to farming and stock-raising, and is the owner of a fine tract of land on section 18. A native of the Province of Quebec, Canada, he was born July 16, 1834, and is the son of Jonathan B. and Nellie G. (Gilchrist) Day, the former deceased and the latter a resident of Highland Township.

The father of our subject is believed to have been a native of Vermont and was of Scotch ancestry. The parental family included eight children,

four only of whom survive, namely: Eusebia B., Mrs. Reeves, of Greene County, Iowa; Alden E., our subject; Samuel H., of Furnas County, and Laura S., of Highland Township, this county. When Alden E. was a little lad four years of age his parents left the Dominion, and crossing over into the States, settled in Cayuga County, N. Y., where the father engaged in farming, and where they lived six years. Their next removal was to Lee County, Iowa, but they subsequently removed to LaPorte County, Ind., where our subject was reared to man's estate. In the meantime he had received careful home training and a common-school education, and had been taught those principles of industry and economy which are the surest basis of good citizenship. One of the most important of his plans for the future was the establishment of domestic ties of his own, and he was accordingly married, on the 9th of March, 1857, to Miss Almira Baldwin, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride in LaPorte County, Ind.

Mr. and Mrs. Day commenced the journey of life together in a snug home in Indiana, where our subject engaged in farming. Of their union there have been born four children, three only of whom are living, namely: Ella C., Rosie O, and George B. The deceased child was a boy and died in infancy. In the spring of 1872 Mr. Day came with his family to this county and homesteaded 160 acres of land in Highland Township. The soil was in its original condition, and it has required years of labor to effect the transformation which we behold to-day. It is now highly productive, and the comfortable farm residence, with the barn and other out-buildings, are a standing monument of the industry of the proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Day endured the hardships and privations common to pioneer life, and now occupy an honored position among the old settlers. Our subject, politically, is independent. He has served as Justice of the Peace and Assessor of Highland Township. No man is more interested in the growth and prosperity of his adopted county, and none have contributed more cheerfully as fat as they were able to this end.

 At the time of the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Day was a resident of Indiana, and in July, 1862, seeing little prospect of a termination of the conflict, he resolved to enter the Union Army, and accordingly enlisted in Company G, 87th Indiana Infantry. His regiment was assigned to the 14th Corps, Army of the Cumberland, and Company G was mainly under Gens. Rosecrans, Thomas and Sherman. Mr. Day participated with his comrades in the Atlanta campaign, and on the morning of July 20, 1864, before breakfast, he was wounded in a skirmish at Peachtree Creek by a ball which penetrated his left limb near the thigh. He was confined in the hospital, and when able to leave it was granted a thirty-days furlough, which time he spent at his old home in Indiana. Later he rejoined his regiment at Savannah, but not being entirely recovered from his injuries was assigned to the invalid corps. At the close of the Atlanta campaign our subject marched with his regiment up through the Carolinas, and at the conclusion of his military service under the command of Gen. Sherman, received his honorable discharge in June, 1865. He had the pleasure of participating in the grand review at Washington, and soon afterward returned to Indiana, where he once more entered upon the duties of an ordinary citizen. As an ex-soldier he belongs to Monitor Post No. 184, G. A. R., at Cortland, this State, of which he has served as Quartermaster for a number of years.

NDREW S. DAVIS. One of the most  interesting families in Gage County, perhaps, is that of the subject of our sketch, whose farm is situated on section 20 of Adams Township. To anyone at all acquainted with the district an introduction is needless, the name alone suffices to revive the mental picture of the memory, one exceedingly pleasant to think of or look upon. Our subject is the son of Jacob and Jane Davis, both of whom were born in Carolina, and are of English extraction and descent. They were the parents of twelve children, and of these our subject is the tenth born, which interesting event occurred in the little log cabin upon the farm near Cairo, Ill. As a child he was taken by his parents upon their removal to Tennessee, and

spent the days of his youth upon the farm not far from the Mississippi River. In the same district also he received some education, although neither extensive in range or treatment of subject. They were what was known as subscription schools, and the standard of their efficiency was by no means high.

The father of our subject worked at various occupations in different States, chiefly, however, in Maryland, Kentucky, Illinois and Tennessee. In the year 1833 he removed with his family to Jackson County, Ill., where he rented a farm, but after a few years removed to Adams County, where he remained until his death. On account of his nomadic disposition and the heavy expense and loss necessarily attending such frequent removals, he failed to accumulate any considerable property, and upon his death in 1835, although sixty-five years of age, he was comparatively a poor man.

Upon the death of his father, our subject, being the eldest son, was naturally called upon to take charge of the farm on behalf of his mother and sisters. This he continued to do until the death of his mother, in 1850, at the age of seventy-five years. On the 8th of December. 1837, he was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Washburn. They made their home in Hancock County, where Mr. Davis purchased a farm and resided about sixteen years, but being prevented making certain payments on the property he lost it, and then determined to seek his fortune in the West. There were seven children born to our subject and his wife, whose names are subjoined: James H., John William, Benjamin F., Andrew .J., Timothy H., Louisa and Mary. Mrs. Davis died in Nemaha County in the year 1872, having reached the age of fifty-two years.

 Upon coming to this State Mr. Davis purchased a farm, situated in Nemaha County, but being heavily involved, and suffering severe drouth the first year, and being literally drowned out the next, he was again forced to abandon his home. In the year 1869 he located upon his present homestead, and the following year reaped a harvest most bountiful and large, which might fittingly represent that referred to by the writer who said, "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;" he took it, and has since prospered. Just, however, as success was crowning his efforts, the bereavement of his wife made the cup less sweet and the success less happy than it would have been. But this severe trial did not prevent him from taking every advantage of the leverage gained, and he pushed on the work of his farm, the erection of its buildings, the completion and beautifying of his home, which, incidentally, we would remark, occupies one of the finest sites in the township. The surroundings of his dwelling have been rendered increasingly beautiful as the years have passed, and our subject, being a master in horticulture as well as agriculture, has spared no pains or effort to this end. In addition to his flower garden he maintains quite an extensive kitchen garden. The groves near the house, which include maple, honey locust, cottonwood, walnut, elm and white ash trees, are of exceptionable beauty, as are also his orchards. The whole farm of eighty acres is enclosed by a well-kept, symmetrically trimmed, osage orange hedge, which is also utilized to make the divisions necessary around the barnyard, gardens, etc. Thus he has brought his property from a condition of wild virgin prairie to a very garden of delights, which he and Mrs. Davis are enabled fully to enjoy.

When the work of arranging and beautifying his home as above described was becoming more and more complete, most naturally our subject desired the companionship of some one with whom to share his home. The desire became a resolution, the resolution took shape in action, and March 19, 1881, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Ester M. Lord, the lady who, by her many womanly graces and matronly qualities, her refinement and culture, graces his home and completes his life. She was born close to the Ossipee River, in Cornish Township, York Co., Me. Her ancestors were of English descent, and members of the Quaker community. Their family was one of the earliest to settle in the State of Maine, and her father and mother, David and Anna (Ayers) Morrell, were of the most prominent families in York County. Her father, who was an extensive farmer and lumberman, was a large land-owner; he was a man of the strictest business integrity, of more than ordi-

nary ability, and of unusual prosperity. He was an adornment to his profession as a Quaker. In his political sentiments he was a Whig, and a strong anti-slavery man. After reaching the advanced age of seventy-five years he died in 1852, at the place of his birth, lamented by the community. His wife, who had died the year previous, was sixty-eight years of age. Their family comprised ten children, six of them being sons. Mrs. Davis, who was born on the 15th of December, 1819, was their eighth child.

The early life of Mrs. Davis was spent amid surroundings which, to a person of her disposition and temperament, could not but result in the development of just such a desirable and beautiful character, for after all the soul is but a plant in the spiritual garden, and where the environment for successful spiritual horticulture be favorable, it buds and blossoms into habits of character that are after the order of, and approximate unto, the design in the mind of the great Gardener of the soul. She was brought up on the farm of her father; the educational advantages she enjoyed were limited to the common schools, which in the lumber districts where her father had extensive interests were necessarily few and far between; and again, the school year was limited to about eight weeks. But by her own ambition and efforts she has so supplemented the school work that she possesses a good, sound and thorough English education, and is well read upon all general topics; so true is this that she was accepted as a teacher in the schools, and developed such talent in this direction that it was a matter of regret when she deemed it necessary for her to discontinue. But she received at that time a "more effectual call," and that to the highest sphere of womanhood. Cupid had been at work, and his arrow-shafts had done such execution as resulted in the plighting of faith and vowing of vows irrevocable between her and Samuel H. Lord.

 Mr. Lord was a man of sterling character and considerable means, although still a young man. They were united in marriage in the year 1838; shortly after this interesting event Mr. Lord purchased a woolen-mill at West Buxton, Me., where he continued for over seven years, enjoying, however, only a fair degree of financial prosperity, owing to the large number of mills which sprang up about that time. At the end of that period he sold out and returned to Cornish Township, and there continued engaged in farming for seven years. During that period they had become the parents of eight children, and in 1853 for their sakes they went West and settled in the much-talked-of, but little known, and, if anything, still less occupied Southern Wisconsin. Their home was made on what was known as "Empire Prairie," which is situated in Leeds Township, Columbia County, and is about twenty miles from Madison. Their home, although not elaborate, was one of the happiest and brightest in the country until 1866, when it was beclouded by the death of the husband and father, which occurred in his fifty-fourth year, leaving his widow with eight children, the youngest being but six months old.

In this trying situation Mrs. Lord's strength, determination, character and motherhood were the powers that enabled her to rise to the situation, for, being left in moderate circumstances, she determined to give every possible advantage and opportunity to the children who gathered around her and called her mother. Her brother, John L. Morrell, was at this time in Macoupin County, Ill., and was comparatively well off. With the magnanimous, large-hearted generosity that would appear to be a characteristic of the family, this gentleman induced his sister to sell her property, and then helped her to locate in his neighborhood, where he could aid her in the struggle, and where the educational advantages for their children were superior. It was the firm resolve and established resolution of Mrs. Lord to keep her children together and give them a home, and most nobly did she struggle, endeavor and labor to this end, which she considered her mission. Her devotion has not been without its result or due appreciation, for her children recognize and understand fully how much her course in this extremity has meant for them, and without waiting for the future they have already arisen, "and called her blessed" by a return of wealth of affection and devotion that is at once the greatest adornment, beauty and safeguard of their lives. In order to provide more fully for her two younger sons she removed with them, in 1878, to

this county and settled in Highland Township. Upon arrival their exchequer contained only $17. The boys immediately took hold of such work as could be had upon neighboring farms, with the mutual satisfaction of seeing abundant and most gratifying success.

The names of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Lord are as follows: Cyrus M. (deceased), Lydia E., Ester E., Samuel R. (deceased), Sarah E., Hannah P., Harriet, Samuel and Anneva (the three latter being deceased), Georgie, Edith K., Elmer R. and Levi M. Lydia is happily, married to George Dirkee, a farmer at De Forest, Wis., who was Postmaster at that place from the time of Lincoln's election until a year or two ago; they are the parents of ten children--James Edgar, Eugene, Myra, Frank, Mabel, John; the other names are unknown. Ester A., the widow of Mr. Holton, resides in California; Sarah, the wife of Mr. Gastin, of Luzerne, Iowa, is the parent of five children--Frank, Myrtie M., Ellen, Ralph and John; Hannah, the wife of John Broderick, resides in Summit City, Mich.; they are also the parents of five children. Georgie is living in Meltonville, Iowa, and is happily married to Mr. John Bewick, this family likewise includes five children--Leonard Lord, Mary May, Chilton, Burton and Dora. Edith K., now Mrs. Ross Carney, resides in Newark, Cal., and is the mother of three children--Ede E., Eva and Abbie; Elmer R. and Levi H. are both residents of Dighton, Kan., and are engaged in the real-estate business.

Upon the contraction of her marriage with our subject in 1881, Mrs. Lord brought to him a life and character that had been purified and rendered more happily spirituelle by her years of struggle. trial and devotion. As the years have gone by she has made it her pleasant duty to add constantly some new feature, beauty or refinement, making it a well-nigh perfect home. The house stands upon the farm surrounded by its eighty acres of land, every part of which is utilized either for pleasure or profit. The closing hours of life's day are all aglow with the sunset glories in a clear sky, its rays and reflections painting with polychromatic tints the events and happenings as they occur. It would be impossible to find among the honored, we had almost said venerated, aged and prominent citizens any who more appreciate the sentiments accorded them and feelings expressed by their fellow-citizens or the pleasantness of their surroundings.

 For many years Mr. Davis has adhered firmly and consistently to the membership and work of the Missionary Baptist Church, as his wife has done in that of the Free-Will Baptist communion, where she has long been regarded as among its truest and best friends and supporters. The life of Mr. Davis has been lived for the greater part in districts remote from large centers and beyond the noise and babel of "the madding crowd," and has not taken the prominent place in political matters he otherwise might have done. It has been his custom to work for and vote with the Democratic party, unless by some mischance a candidate might present himself who, in the judgment of our subject, was unfit for the position sought.

IMOTHY G. DEWEY has seen perhaps as many of the changes that have taken place in the western half of this country as any other man residing in this county, having been early inured to pioneer life when the development of these States was yet in its infancy. He was born on the 20th of May, 1828, in Portage County, Ohio, his father, Eliakim (now deceased), having been a native of Massachusetts and an early settler on the Western Reserve lands of Ohio. Our subject spent the early part of his life on a farm, engaged in the various duties of rural life, accompanied no doubt at that time with an infinite number of hardships and obstacles, which have since been removed. He was able to receive but a very limited education, not because his parents did not appreciate the value of learning but because the opportunities were extremely limited.

Late in the year 1849 our subject went to Waukesha County, Wis., and lived there for a time, then changing his residence to several other parts of the State, but in the fall of 1858 he became dissatisfied and, in company with his brother William F., he came to Richardson County, Neb. In the spring of 1859 he came to the western part of Paw-

nee County and took up some Government land lying partly in that county and partly in this, his brother settling just across the line in Gage County. They were the first to break land bordering on Wolf Creek, and at that time the Indians held undisputed sway, and wild animals made their home here. Herds of buffaloes were grazing not more than thirty miles west from here, having been driven already that far by the march of civilization.

There was but one family (by the name of Bennett) living on Plum Creek when our subject and his brother came to this section, and that family was the only one living in Liberty Township. While he was preparing to build his house, and that, too, in the most primitive style, our subject boarded with this family. At one time the Indians staid over night with them, and finding a sack of gold belonging to our subject, they took $20 of the amount contained in it, not daring to take the remainder lest the theft should be suspected. The early settlers of this section suffered quite a number of losses from the pilfering of these Indians, who claimed to he friendly, but who could not resist carrying away with them small articles of value on which they could lay their hands.

Several new families settled in Plum Creek in the fall of 1859, which no doubt was a grateful addition to the lonely little settlement. Our subject returned to Wisconsin in the fall of 1860, and in 1861 he went to Mitchell County, Iowa, where he remained until the 13th of April, 1862, on which day he was united in marriage with Margaret A. Pilcher, a daughter of Joshua Pilcher (deceased). They gathered about them a family of nine children, seven of whom are living, namely: Minnie, Celestia, William L., Charles E., Belle O., Adaline and Daisy.

 Our subject settled on his present farm on section 5, Liberty Township, in 1883, and owns 160 acres of good land, which he devotes to the purpose of general farming, also paying attention to the breeding of graded stock. For a period of almost fifty years he has watched the westward course of civilization, which still continues on her way, and in that time the section of the country which was a frontier and Western Reserve, has become the center of colonization, while stretching far beyond it are improvements far exceeding those of the Eastern States half a century ago. The railroads traverse the country in every direction in place of the stage conches that were once thought to be a great convenience. The telegraph lines form a connecting link which joins this section to the most distant parts of even the great world, while the religious and educational advantages now offered here are unsurpassed. Of all these changes our subject has taken note, and has done his share toward the development of his immediate section.

SAAC D. CASEBEER is a son of John and Elizabeth Casebeer, the former of whom was born in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1832, and the latter in Wood County, Nov. 14. 1835. The father was engaged as a carpenter and painter during his residence in his native State, and in 1877 he came to Nebraska, after which he engaged in farming in this county, and now makes his home in Blue Springs. The mother was unfortunately killed by lightning, Aug. 4, 1887, aged fifty-one years, seven months and twenty-one days. The following is taken from a local paper: "Mrs. Casebeer, who was so suddenly called away from earth, leaves a husband and four children, and a host of warm friends to mourn her untimely death. The funeral services were held on Saturday at 11 o'clock from the Methodist Episcopal Church, in this city, Rev. Mr. Maxfield officiating, but on account of the absence of her son, I. D. Casebeer, and her son-in-law, R. G. Hotham, who were known to be on their way to attend the funeral, the burial services were postponed until Sunday morning at 9 o'clock. at which time the entire family were present, and the remains were laid at rest in the Blue Springs Cemetery." Two sons and two daughters comprise the family of Mr. and Mrs. Casebeer, all of whom are now living.

Our subject was born on the 16th of October, 1856, in Toledo, Ohio, and he remained at home until he was twenty-two years old. He received his education in the public schools until he was thirteen years old, at which age he began to learn

the printer's trade. When he was twenty-three years old he began in business in Toledo, where he continued for three years, but his health failing him he discontinued the business. In 1881 he came to this county, and for two years was engaged in farming, after which he spent two years in the printing-office in Blue Springs. The next period of two years was spent in Missouri and Arkansas, where he was engaged in following his trade, and in 1887 he took possession of the farm on which he now resides.

May 12, 1878, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Lois Parkhurst, at Bristol, Ind. She was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, on the 1st of May, 1861. She is a daughter of Joseph S. and Beulah (Shutts) Parkhurst, who were natives of New York but had moved to Ohio when young, and had lived there until their marriage. The mother died July 12, 1869, and the father now makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Casebeer. Thomas Parkhurst, a brother of Mrs. Casebeer, died in Island Grove Township in the year 1887. By their marriage our subject and his wife have become the parents of four children, whom they have named Archie B., James T., Eunice L. and Effie L.

Mr. Casebeer is in favor of the policy advocated by the Republican party, and while he has an interest in the welfare of the community in which he lives, he does not seek public honors, but gives strict attention to his occupation. He is a member of the Typographical Union, of the A. O. U. W., and in good standing among his fellowmen.

. M. BENNETT is at present engaged in buying and selling grain, and is in partnership with W. H. Leacock in the management of the Hoag Elevator, of Hoag Station. He is also a partner of John Scheve, and they buy and ship all kinds of stock, shipping annually more than 100 carloads from the station, and in this branch alone their sales amount to nearly $100,000 annually. Our subject established the grain buying business here in August. 1887, and his private share of the transactions amounts to a handsome profit per year. By his honest dealing he has justly gained a reputation without blemish, and at its present rate of increase his business will soon assume proportions second to none in the State.

 Mr. Bennett is a native of the Empire State, having been born on the 6th of July, 1851, in Otsego County, near the Susquehanna River. His father, Russell Bennett is a native of New York State, and his ancestors had lived on the same farm in Otsego County since the Revolutionary War. The original purchaser of the estate was Ezekiel Bennett, who was a Captain in the Revolutionary War, and had secured the patent for the tract of land from the owner of a British estate. The successor in ownership was Perry Bennett, the paternal grandfather of our subject, who lived and died on the old homestead. Still later it came into the possession of Russell Bennett, who held it until quite recently, when it passed out of the family. The father of our subject married Miss Harriet Hopkins, who was born, as was her husband, in Otsego County, and recently they came to Nebraska to live. The mother, wishing to make a visit to her early home, started for New York and stopped in Harrison County, Iowa, to visit her sister, and while there she was taken ill, and died on the 27th of May, 1888, at the age of sixty-two years. She was an estimable woman and a member of the Christian Church, of which church her husband is also a member, and after her death he returned to New York, where he is now making his home with his sister.

Our subject is the only child living, and remained under the shelter of his parents' roof until he was of age, having in the meantime received a business education. In 1873 he came West and engaged in farming and stock-raising in Iowa, at which he continued for four years. His health becoming impaired, he took a trip West to the mountains in order to recuperate, and remained in that region for about one year, then returned to his old home in New York, previous to his going to Iowa. On Mr. Bennett's return to New York he purchased a large farm and engaged in the dairy business, building a large creamery, which he operated for five years prior to coming to Nebraska.

On the 3d of February, 1873, Mr. Bennett was

united in marriage with Miss .Jennie Chase. who is a native of Otsego County, and was born on the 20th of October, 1852. She is a daughter of Nathan and Louisa (Denman) Chase, both natives of New York, and the former of whom died when he was a little past middle life. The mother still lives in her home in New York, aged about sixty-three years, and has seen her family of four children, two sons and two daughters, grown to manhood and womanhood. Mrs. Bennett is the eldest child, and received her education in her native county, making her home with her parent until the time of her marriage. She is the mother of four children, whose names are: Perry R., Bertha E., Stella M. and Fred M.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are now making their home in Hoag Station. where they are pleasantly situated and carrying on a flourishing business, They are both members of the Christian Church, and are prominent and influential members of society. The reputation which our subject bears for straightforward, honorable dealing in business places him in the first rank among public-spirited citizens. In all matters of political import he is closely identified with the Republican party.

ACOB H. HOLLENBACK. Upon the 26th  of February, 1851, there was born in one of the pretty farmhouses of Woodford County, Ill., a child, who shortly after received the name which stands at the head of this sketch, who in the years which have succeeded has abundantly justified the rejoicing of which he was the occasion at that time. In the above county our subject spent his early days occupied with the sports and pastimes incident to childhood, gradually taking his place amidst the sterner duties of youth and young manhood. Mingling with the exercises of the school-house were those that could be entrusted to him in connection with the farm work, until, almost unconsciously to himself, he was ready to take his place as an able worker in any department thereof.

 Our subject was one of five children born to Jacob and Margaret Hollenback. The father of our subject was a native of Ohio, but removed with his parents in his youth to Illinois; his mother was born in Pennsylvania. She also, early in life, removed to the same State, and under similar circumstances. They became acquainted, were married, and settled in Woodford County, living upon the farm where they first settled until the fall of 1887, when they removed to Washburn, Ill. Of the brothers and sisters of our subject, one died at the age of one month; all the others were reared upon the old homestead, and on arriving at maturity they were married; Margaret E. became the wife of Josiah Kerrick, who is at present the Mayor of Minonk, in which city they reside; Clara B. is married to Frank Combs, who is a prosperous farmer not far from her old home. Both these gentlemen affiliate with the Republican party.

Upon the 13th of May, 1873, the subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Indiana F. Poole, a lady of admirable disposition, possessed largely of those personal characteristics and attributes that throw around womanhood an eternal charm. They first came to Sicily Township in 1883, and settled on section 27. In January, 1885, they returned to Woodford County, Ill., on a visit, where they remained until February, 1885, but returned to this township and settled at their present home in March of the same year.

The home farm includes 200 acres of excellent land for agricultural purposes, and is situated on section 28. It is cultivated in the interest of grain and stock raising, and in both of these our subject has been very successful. His property shows that he knows his business, and also that he is diligent and earnest in his attention to the same. The whole farm is thoroughly well improved, and everything, whether in the field, barn or stable, is in the most excellent condition. Their home circle has increased and includes three children, whose names are as follows: Gracie E. M., Florence B. and Ethel A.

In the Methodist Church Mrs. Hollenback and her two eldest daughters find their religious home, and are, by their earnest Christian life and efforts, both within and without the circle of church life, held in highest estimation. Politically, our subject affiliates with the Democratic party, of which he