developments and improvements within the possibilities of the inward spirit, is a privilege granted to him only who devotes himself to rural occupations.
   In matters of politics Mr. Beard is in favor of the platforms and opinions adopted by the Democratic party, believing that its careful and honorable administration tends only to the improvement and advancement of the country, and the welfare and best possible good of its inhabitants.

TELLO BAUMGART, who occupies a good position among the agriculturists of Highland Precinct, was born in Germany, Oct. 24, 1846, and is consequently a man in the prime of life and the midst of his usefulness. He received a good practical education in his native tongue, and continued a resident of the German Empire until twenty-seven years of age, occupied mostly in agricultural pursuits. Then, believing that he could better his condition, he came with his family to the United States, making his way westward across the Mississippi to this county, and worked first on a farm for a period of six years. During this time, by the exercise of prudence and economy, he had saved up the snug sum of $900, which he invested in 160 acres of land in Olive Branch Precinct, in the southwestern corner of this county.
   Our subject made some improvements upon this place and put up a good house, but later sold out and purchased his present farm, which consists of 240 acres, on sections 11 and 12, in Highland Precinct. Of this he has 160 acres in a highly productive condition, and has gathered around him a good set of frame buildings, with farm machinery, and the other appliances necessary to the progressive agriculturist. He has been greatly prospered in his labors, and represents a fine property. He is a man who attends strictly to his own concerns, meddling very little with matters outside, is honest and upright in his transactions, prompt to meet his obligations, and consequently held in due respect by his neighbors.
   Conrad Baumgart, the father of our subject, was of pure German stock, and spent his entire life upon his native soil, carrying on farming and carpentering, and dying when about fifty years of age, The mother, Clara (Lydcheck) Baumgart, who was born and reared near the early home of her husband, survived him a few years, then she to, passed away, at the age of fifty-five. The family included three children only, those beside our subject being: Felix, who is married, and a well-to-do farmer of Olive Branch Precinct, this county, and Martha, who is also married, and still lives in her native Germany.
   Our subject was married, Sept. 7, 1880, in Olive Branch Precinct, this county, to Miss Charlotte Leckenmyer, whose birthplace was not far from that of her husband, and the date thereof in May, 1852. Her father died when she was a young woman about twenty years of age. The mother is still living in Prussia, and is about fifty-five years old. Mrs. Baumgart came to the United States with her brother when about twenty-six years old, and until her marriage lived in Lincoln. Of. her union with our subject there have been born six children, two of whom, August and August H., died at the ages of three years and nine months and six respectively. Those surviving are all sons, viz: William, Herman, John and Benjamin, bright little lads, who form an interesting group of which the parents have every reason to be proud. Mr. Baumgart votes the straight Republican ticket, and, with his excellent wife, is a member in good standing the German Methodist Church.

ARRY ABBOTT. Happy is that man who so conducts himself that he may not fear to have his children follow his own example. If the sins of the parents are to be visited upon the children to the third and fourth generations how gratifying it is to know that just as truly may the virtues be transmitted by inheritance as well as by precept and example. The subject of this sketch may congratulate himself that for his conduct he has to serve as a precedent that of a worthy father--James B. Abbott, of whom a sketch appears in this ALBUM. Harry Abbott is an energetic young farmer,

residing on section 14 of Denton Precinct. He was born in England on the 10th of May, 1857, and at the age of fourteen came with his parents to America. The State of his father's choice being that of his own, he has continued to reside in Nebraska since his arrival as a child with his father. In his efforts to assist in the establishment of a new home in a new country, he had not that time to devote to the acquiring of a classical education as might have been the case had he remained in the home of his youth, but he has received a fairly good business education, which enables him to successfully manage his estate. and take his rank among the representative farmers of this precinct.
   On the 26th of April, 1881, Mr. Abbott was united in marriage with Clara Fusha, who came from the Province of Quebec, Canada. The parents of Mrs. Abbott, John and Clara Fusha, now reside in Cheyenne County, Neb. This new established home of the young couple has been brightened by the presence of the four children granted to them--George F., Clarence E. P., Eva and Harry. It is a source of gratification to the father and grandfather of these children, that they are surrounded with comforts and privileges altogether unknown in the earlier days of pioneer life. The fruits of industry are seldom lost, rather do they increase and radiate, and gather force to descend as a natural inheritance, a benediction on those who follow after. How wise would children be if they would manifest a due appreciation of the comfortable situation in which they are placed, not forgetting the untiring zeal, energy and philanthropy which has secured them all these benefits.
   Mr. Abbott is the owner of eighty acres of good land, situated not far from the fine estate of his father. He is now serving in the capacity of Constable, and has for several years past been serving as Road Overseer. In matters of politics he gives his voice in behalf of the Republican party, because to him it embodies those principles necessary for the right government of a free country. Had we but the power to look before us for one or two generations, could we but see the exact light in which the future generations would regard our present, actions, what a vast motive would be presented to us to govern our steps by the strictest rectitude of word and example. What an inducement to go forth and labor earnestly and willingly at whatever our hands find to do, knowing that certainly the benefits will fall upon those for whom we would destine them. But without this prescient power, our knowledge being limited to the day that is, how much more admirable in those who put forth unceasing efforts in behalf of those whom they know not, whom perhaps they can never know, and yet for whom they are willing thus to spend the time allotted to them, confident that the reward, come when it will, upon whom it will, will be but a lasting monument to the glory and remembrance of their own good deeds.

ILHELM FRANCKE. The unpretentous (sic) home of this gentleman is pleasantly located on section 4, in Stockton Precinct, and presents an attractive picture of rural life, replete with all its comforts, and evidently built up by the hand of persevering industry. The farm comprises 160 acres of productive land, a part of which lies in Stockton Precinct and eighty in Stevens Creek, across the line north. Upon the residence portion is erected a neat and substantial dwelling, with a good barn and the other necessary out-buildings, and the proprietor has supplied himself with the machinery and other appliances requisite for carrying on agriculture after modern methods.
   Lancaster County has been particularly fortunate in the class of men who first came within its borders, men who were reared to habits of industry and economy, and inherited from their ancestors those traits of character which form the basis of all good society. Like many of his neighbors Mr. Francke is of German birth and ancestry, and first opened his eyes to the light in the Province of Pommern, July 25, 1823. His father was a farmer by occupation, and Wilhelm became familiar with agricultural pursuits during his boyhood, which he followed mostly until a young man twenty-three years of age. Then, not being contented with his condition or his prospects upon his native soil, he resolved to seek his fortune in the New World, and bidding adieu to his old friends and associations,

embarked at Hamburg on a sailing-vessel in the fall of 1846, and four weeks later landed upon American soil in the city of New York.
   Our subject at once left the metropolis, and making his way westward, located first in Greenbush Township, Sheboygan Co., Wis., where he continued farming as before, and where he made his home until coming to this county twenty-five years later, in the spring of 1871. At that time he located in Stockton Precinct, where he has since remained. While a resident of the Badger State he was married, March 12, 1850, to Miss Catherine Kuael, who, like her husband, is a native of Germany, and who was born in the Province of Holstein, Dec. 16, 1832.
   She came to America with a brother-in-law when sixteen years of age, and has proved the faithful and efficient helpmate of her husband in all his undertakings. The household circle in due time was completed by the birth of fourteen children, six of whom they have laid away in early graves, namely: Emma, Anna, Amanda, Julana, Hermina and Mary. Those surviving are Henry, Albertina, Herman, Albert, August, Louisa, Alex and Laura. Four of these are it home with their parents. Louisa is the wife of Joseph Knadle, and lives in Stockton Precinct.
   Mr. Francke cast his first Presidential vote for Pierce, and has since been a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, pleasant and agreeable in conversation, and impresses both stranger and friend as one whose highest aim has been to live in honest and upright life and become worthy of the good opinion of his friends and neighbors. It is pleasant to note that he is appreciated by the people of his community, among whom he bears in excellent reputation as one of their best citizens.

ENRY DEARDOFF, one of the leading farmers of Lancaster County, is Classed among those men of force and rare ability who have been instrumental in developing the State of Nebraska into a powerful and opulent commonwealth whose commercial, agricultural and mercantile interests are hardly surpassed by any of her sister States west of the Mississippi River. He owns a large and valuable farm in Saltillo Precinct, a part of it being on section 12, and probably has more land under his direct supervision than any other farmer in this part of the County. It comprises 640 acres of land, under the highest state of cultivation, and amply provided with commodious and substantial farm buildings for every purpose. His large and conveniently arranged residence, of a pretty, modern style of architecture, pleasantly located in the midst of beautifully laid out lawns and orchards, is an ornament to the town. He erected his fine basement barn, 46x56 feet in dimensions, in 1880, and he has a large corn crib, with a capacity of 6,000 bushels of ear corn, the dimensions of the crib being 25x48 feet. The farm is well supplied with running water. Mr. Deardoff has an abundant supply of fruit-bearing trees and plants. He has a fine orchard comprising 225 apple, forty cherry and twenty plum trees, besides a vineyard of the choicest varieties of grapes, and a large bed of strawberries, everything about the place, from the architecture of the buildings to the lawns, orchards, etc., indicating that a master mind and hand have planned and executed all this, and that the owner has been pre-eminently successful in his life work.
   Our subject is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Bartlett) Deardoff, and on his father's side he is of mingled French and German blood, and on his mother's side is of German descent. His grandfather Bartlett was a soldier in the War of 1812. After marriage the parents of our subject settled in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where his father followed farming, and operated a distillery. He was a man full of enterprise, and soon became the owner of a farm, and was in a fair way to become a man of wealth when death intervened, and he passed away from the scenes of earth on Sept. 8, 1846, at 9 o'clock A. M. The very day that ended the life of the father was the one on which our subject first began life, as he was born at 7 o'clock that evening, the two tragedies of the birth and death of two human beings so nearly connected thus being enacted within a few short hours in that sad home.
   The mother of our subject continued to live on the homestead for two years, and then the estate

was divided up. She married a second time, and moved to Crawford County, Ohio, and thence back to Tuscarawas County, where she and her husband lived for several years. They then removed to Minnesota, where she died in 1866, at the age of sixty-five, leaving thirteen children by her second marriage, our subject being the only child by the first marriage.
   Heavy Deardoff began to make his own way in the world at the age of thirteen, and his education after that was necessarily limited, as he only attended school in the winter. At the age of twenty-one he returned to Ohio to settle up the estate that he had inherited front his father, but he having been under different guardians during his minority, and the property having passed through a legal process, he found it greatly reduced. After he had attended to his business he went to Illinois, remaining a year, and there engaged to drive a team for Mr. Macklin to Nebraska. He was very much pleased with the appearance of the country here, and determined to locate here at some future time. He returned to Illinois, visited his friends in Minnesota and Ohio, and in the latter State was married in 1869, to Miss Lydia Garber, who is likewise a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, having been born there Oct. 12, 1851. She is well educated, is a superior housewife, and to her judgment and ability her husband greatly indebted for his prosperity, and for the enjoyment of a comfortable and well appointed home. The year following his marriage, our subject and his young wife started for this State to make their home here, coming by rail to Nebraska City, and thence by stage to Lincoln. He took up eighty acres of land under the provisions of the Homestead Act, settled thereon in a log house which he built, and immediately commenced its improvement. In the years of depression that followed he manfully maintained his struggle for independence, bravely assisted by his wife. and managed to keep his head above water until better times came, when prosperity began to smile on him. By hard labor and judicious management. He contrived to add to his landed estate at various times until he is now one of the most extensive real-estate owners in Lancaster County. His purchases are as follows: in 1872 he bought a second 80-acre tract of land; in 1880, 160 acres more; in 1885 another 160 acres; and in the spring of 1887 he purchased still another tract of 160 acres of land. He is a man of strong character, vigorous and energetic, both physically and mentally, and possesses much sagacity and foresight. He is a respected member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Bennett Lodge. Politically, he sympathizes with the Democratic party.

OUIS COLAS. The snug and well-conducted farm of this gentleman is pleasantly located on section 16, Yankee Hill Precinct, six miles from the village, and there he is successfully carrying on general agriculture and lives in the midst of comfort and plenty, enjoying an abundance of the good things of life, which he has accumulated through his own industry. A native of the Grand Duchy of Mechlenburg, Germany, our subject first opened his eyes to the light Feb. 8, 1838, and spent twenty-seven years upon his native soil. His parents, George and Maria Colas, were of pure German descent and are now both deceased.
   Young Colas, in common with the majority of German youth, was placed in school at an early age and gained a good education in his native tongue. He employed himself at farming during his early manhood, and July 16, 1866, was united in marriage with a maiden of his own country, Miss Mary Miller, who was born not far from his childhood's home, and whose parents are now deceased. Soon after their marriage our subject and his wife set out for America, embarking from the city of Hamburg on a sailing-vessel, and after an ocean voyage of six weeks landed in New York City.
   After a brief sojourn in the metropolis, Mr. and Mrs. Colas made their way to Mauch Chunk, Pa., where our subject engaged in the carshops, and lived for a period of fifteen years. During this time their seven children were born, namely: Lena, Mary, Louis, Lizzie, Augusta, Emma and Willie. The latter died in Lincoln when thirteen months old.
   Our subject, not yet quite content with his condition or his prospects, left the Keystone State in

the spring of 1878, and came to this county with his family. They took up their residence in the city of Lincoln, and Mr. Colas for about six years thereafter was employed in the roundhouse of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad. In the meantime he saved what he could of his earnings, and in the year 1884 invested his little capital in his present farm. He now has eighty acres of good land, upon which he has labored industriously and brought it to a good state of cultivation, besides putting up the buildings required by the progressive and intelligent agriculturist. He is a man who stands well among his neighbors, being prompt to meet his obligations and attending strictly to his own concerns. He does not meddle very much in politics, but usually casts his vote with the Democratic party.

OHN WATSON, one of the solid and reliable men of Grant Precinct, is comfortably located on section 9, where he owns and occupies eighty acres of good land, which by a process of careful cultivation yields abundantly the rich crops of Southeastern Nebraska. He came to this section of country in the spring of 1878, locating on his present farm, and during his residence of ten years among the people of Lancaster County has acquitted himself as an honest man and a good citizen.
   Our subject is of excellent Scotch ancestry, a nationality of which any man has reason to be proud. His parents, Thomas and Jeannette (Smith) Watson, were natives of the city of Glasgow, and the mother died in her native land while a young woman, in 1836. The father four years later emigrated to the United States, and settling in Adams County, Ill., there spent the remainder of his life, his death taking place in 1883, when he was seventy-nine years old. The parental family consisted of two children only, our subject and his younger brother, James S. The latter is a grocer by occupation, and a resident of Berry, Pike Co., Ill.
   John Watson is a native of the same city as his parents, being born in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 8th of May, 1838. He was three years of age at the time of his mother's death, and seven years old when he crossed the Atlantic with his father. He lived with the latter in Illinois, both in Quincy and in Adams County, until coming to Nebraska, and in the meantime when nineteen years old, began his apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he followed until coming to this State. His education was acquired in the common school, and. naturally of an industrious and quiet disposition, when starting out for himself he was amply fitted for the future duties of life.
   Mr. Watson, while a resident of Adams County, Ill., was united in marriage with Miss Nancy B. Mitchell, Oct. 19, 1865. Mrs. W. was born in Adams County, Ill., Oct. 30, 1843, and is the daughter of James W. and Nancy Mitchell, who were natives of Virginia. The father is deceased; the mother resides in Adams County, Ill. Their family consisted of four children, who are all living and reside in Illinois.
   Mr. and Mrs. Watson began life together in Adams County, Ill., and while residing there became the parents of three children--Jeannette B., Thomas and Lethenia E. The second child, Thomas, who was their only son, died March 18, 1873, when two years old. Mr. Watson is a solid Republican, politically, and has served in his district as School Treasurer and also been Assessor of Grant Precinct. A man whose word is as good as his bond. He stands well among his neighbors, is in the enjoyment of a comfortable home, and is contributing his quota toward the welfare and prosperity of his adopted township.
   At the time of the outbreak of the late Rebellion Mr. Watson was a resident of Adams County, Ill., and not long after the first call for troops enlisted, Aug. 12, 1861, in Company L, 2d Illinois Cavalry, in which he became Sergeant, and gave three years to the service of his adopted country. His regiment was a part of the Army of the Mississippi, serving under Gen. Grant, and their duties lay mostly in the States all along the line. Mr. Watson, in common with his comrades, saw much hardship and privation, and engaged in many important battles, but fortunately escaped wounds and capture, and at the expiration of his term of service was mustered out at Baton Rouge, La., and returning