marriage there were seven children--Francis, Patrick, Mary, William, Kate, John and Thomas. The maiden name of his second wife, the mother of our subject, was Hannah McGovern, and of this union there were four children--Anna, Martin R., James E. and Elizabeth. Our subject at the time of his mother's death was four years of age, and was left fatherless when thirteen, and has, therefore, been left to fight alone the battle of life from the age when he most needed and would have appreciated parental care and aid.
   After the death of his father our subject continued to reside at the homestead, which was now the property of in elder brother, who did what lay in his power to help our subject to an education in the common school, after which he assisted upon the farm until the year 1863, when he went to Ashley, Washington Co., Ill., and learned the trade of a carpenter and builder. Here he continued for three years and then went on to Kansas City, following the same calling for another season, and still with success. In 1868 he first visited Lincoln, then but all insignificant town, we had almost said village, without any promise of its ever becoming the grand city of to-day, and the surrounding country was lying in all the rugged wildness of its virgin state. Our subject made only a short stay, then returned to Kansas City and remained until July, 1870, when he returned, and continued working at his trade for about eight or nine years. Then, in 1879, having prospered sufficiently to engage in farming, he purchased 240 acres of good ground in Elk Precinct and continued to work the same for six years, greatly improving his property and bringing it into super-excellent condition.
   The change from farming to that of grain buyer and shipper was made in 1885, at which time our subject rented his farm and removed to Malcolm, where he has continued to the present time. The same energy and attention to business which made him prosperous as a carpenter and builder, which converted his acres of wild prairie into a very garden, have made him likewise continuously prosperous in his new avocation. Mr. Davey is fortunate in having for his life companion and helpmate a lady whose affectionate solicitude has ever been in the interests and welfare of her husband and family. Mrs. Rosaltha (Hornung) Davey was born in Welkershausen, Germany, Sept. 11, 1854. and came to this country with her parents when over thirteen years of age. Her family settled in Nebraska, where she made the acquaintance of her husband, to whom she was married at Lincoln, April 25, 1876, when twenty-two years of age. Of this happy union there are five children--James, Frank, Clara, Mabel and Lena.
   Mrs. Davey was early instructed in the teachings of the church which hears the name of the father of German religious liberty and morning star of the Reformation in the Fatherland. She continues loyal to its creed and usages, and is affiliated with the congregation of the German Lutheran Church, in Elk Precinct, where also her children receive instruction in things religious. Our subject is not connected with any church, but is it the same time liberal toward those who are, although they may differ from him in belief. Politically, he is a stanch advocate, firm adherent and friend of the party which was created by the genius of Jefferson, consolidated by Jackson, and so ably and well represented by President Cleveland and his charmingly fascinating lady. Mr. Davey enjoys the political confidence of his party, in behalf of which he is quite energetic, and as a man he is exceedingly well received in the community, by reason of his honorable, upright character.

RA F. RICKARD. On section 26, Nemaha Precinct, lies one of the most pleasantly situated and well-cultivated farms of the entire district. It is the property of Ira F. Rickard, the subject of this sketch. He is the son of Frederick and Martha (Faushaw) Rickard. His father was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and his mother in England. The family fireside of Mr. and Mrs. Rickard, Sr., was brightened by the birth of ten little ones, of whom our subject was the second born. This important event occurred in Dodge County, Wis., on the 24th of January, 1854. His father, after a short illness, departed this life Sept. 15, 1886, in Nemaha Precinct.
   In the boyhood and youth of our subject there

occurred nothing of especial interest or adventure. In due time he commenced the duties and studies of school life in the common schools of the county, and when not thus engaged there was always something for him to do at home or on the farm. He quickly developed an aptitude for such tasks as were given him, and was careful and diligent in his school work. After he had progressed sufficiently to leave school he gave his whole time and sole attention to agricultural pursuits.
   In the fall of 1878 our subject accompanied his father to Nebraska, and after examination a site was selected in Lancaster County, where the family settled and have continued to reside. Our subject now owns about eighty acres of good land, in fine condition for his purpose. He has also given considerable attention to the improvement of his stock. His farm buildings are substantially built, warm, and arranged with a view to convenience. His residence is pleasantly situated and inspires one with the thought that it is a true home. Mr. Rickard may well be proud and highly gratified with the success that has crowned the labor expended and the efforts made since he first took the land, for although not so extensive as some farms that might be named he has given much careful thought, bestowed much steady labor, has been provident and heedful, so that to-day it presents it fair picture and will compare favorably with the best in the district.
   Our subject was married, in Bennet, Neb., Dec. 20, 1882, to Miss Laura Lohr; this lady is the daughter of Solomon and Sarah (Sidells) Lohr. Her father died in Stephenson County, Ill.; her mother survives. The home circle of Mr. and Mrs. Lohr formed the happy circle of eleven children, of which the wife of our subject was the tenth. She was born in Stephenson County, Ill., on the 1st of August, 1864.
   The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Rickard has been no less happy than their farm has been successful. It is the abode of the peace and quiet joy of a true home; though being far removed from the distractions and noises of the city it is marked with a simplicity which some might find uncongenial. They have one son, Freddie S., who was born March 20, 1884, at their homestead. Both our subject and wife are, religiously, associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which assembly they are held in high regard, and are ever found active in its interests. Mr. Rickard thinks strongly on the question of temperance, and is an uncompromising, sincere advocate of prohibition, and his votes are and will be cast in favor of legislation upon these lines. Mr. Rickard has shown much ability in the school offices to which he has been called at different times. and it is safe to say that this gentleman has yet to he heard from in offices of larger opportunity, if not directly of more importance. Highly respected as a citizen; conscientious, exemplary, manly as a friend and church member; outspoken and sincere in politics; pleasant and cheerful, with a kind word for all in the ordinary happenings of daily life, our subject has won a high place in the regard of all who know him.

ENRY KRAMER might be called the patriarch of Nebraska, and is so well known as to only require an introduction to those who are perfectly unacquainted with the history of the County. His residence is now upon section 9 of Olive Branch Precinct, and includes 320 acres. He is one who gave largely to the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, in order that a station might be established, which the citizens have named after him. His efforts have been directed from the first to the developing of the country, and his liberal policy and ceaseless endeavor have done, perhaps, more than any other one individual for this district. His residence dates from the beginning of the year 1865, and he has personally assisted in the settlement of every citizen in the precinct since, and has been a father, as it were, to the people. He was the first actual settler in the district, and was here when Nebraska was yet a Territory, and very few thought of coming so far West. His home is substantial, and exceedingly pleasant in situation; his farm has been brought to the highest possible state of cultivation, and is well stocked.
   The location of the farm of our subject is upon the Salt Creek, which is a living stream, and therefore an exceedingly valuable addition to his property. When he selected this spot, Nebraska City, seventy miles distant, was the nearest town, the

Western metropolis of Omaha was an insignificant hamlet, and Lincoln was unknown. The years have rushed rapidly by and brought many changes to the world around, but he has gone on quietly, building up, extending and developing, not simply his own property, but as far as possible, the entire surrounding district. How many thrilling stories he must have stored away concerning the noble redskin, who, at the time of our subject's coming to this country, was the only inhabitant of the vast country. Previous to taking up his residence in this State he resided in Clayton County, Iowa, and removed hither by the then usual but primitive mode of transit. During the time occupied in the removal his horses lived entirely upon the wild grass over which they were traveling. Iowa had been his home for thirteen years, eleven of them being spent upon one farm. Previous to this he had lived at St. Louis, and for a period of six years he had been very prosperous as a farmer on the outskirts of that city. He had journeyed from Prussia, his native country, to the United States, in the beginning of the year 1846, landing in St. Louis in the month of February. He was born in Westfall, Prussia, April 12, 1820, of pure German ancestry. His father, Charles Kramer, was a farmer, and owned his land in his native country, and continued to make it his home until his death at a very advanced age. His wife, Elizabeth, also lived in Germany in her life, and died at the age of fifty years. Their family consisted of ten children, of whom our subject is the eldest.
   Our subject spent the years of youth and manhood on the home farm, and received his education in the district school. In the year above mentioned he started with his brother William for the New World, and both settled together in Missouri, where his brother died a few years later. The cause of his death was consumption, which was believed to be induced by the confinement and cramped position necessarily incident to his calling, as was supposed, which was that of a tailor.
   After our subject had located in St. Louis, another brother, Stephen H., came to the States and joined Henry in Missouri, but after a few weeks he was taken suddenly ill with cholera and died. This, occurred in the year 1851; he was the youngest brother of our subject. Three years of life upon the farm in the neighborhood of St. Louis were followed by a residence in the city itself, where he learned the trade of a stonemason, and continued at that occupation until he came to this State. Our subject was married in Prussia, to Miss Margaret Shaffer, who was born in the year 1819, not very far from the home of our subject. She is the mother of seven children, of whom four are now dead, viz: Sophia and Mary died in St. Louis of cholera, and an infant and Harmon died in very early life. The living children are named: Eliza, who is now the wife of H. Hollmann, who owns a farm in this precinct; Henry and Sophia are twins. Henry is now the husband of Ereka Weaver, and they reside at Weller, Neb.; Sophia is Mrs. John Brannstadt, and lives in Cherry County.
   Mr. Kramer and wife are both consistent members of the German Methodist Church. Our subject is the leader of a large class, to the continued satisfaction of every member thereof. He has at different times, and for longer or shorter periods, held almost all the offices of the precinct. Ever since the war he has been a stanch Republican of the strongest type, and is one of the recognized leaders of the same. Concerning his character there can be no question; his whole life, has been passed in the interest of others, with the large hearted disinterestedness characteristic of the man. He is the recipient of that peculiar reverential admiration and esteem which are usually given to one whose experience reaches so far back, and who has done so much for the community and State.

OSEPH T. WARD. The Hudson River has always been compared with the Rhine, and we advise persons coming for the first, time to America not to fail to see the Hudson. It is indeed a glorious river, as viewed from the deck of some such steamer as the "Albany," with its noble palisades and towering Catskills, and crowded as it is with memories historic and literary, but we doubt if one other trip which might be mentioned ought not to be linked with that above referred to. Approaching the Virginian coast from the sea, the

opposite capes of Henry and Charles, with their lights and lighthouses, form a picture which can only be appreciated by the voyager of days, or perhaps weeks, upon the ocean. Having made the entrance between these capes into the inexpressibly beautiful Chesapeake Bay, there is conveyed to such a one an impression which shall be indelible while memory lasts. As the steamer glides past the quarantine station, and the more perfect picture of the matchless scenery comes to view, it is one ever-increasing delight through the livelong day. On past its cities, crowded with memories of Colonial days, past grand old Norfolk and Annapolis, past its myriad islands, in a glowing and intensely realistic panorama, until at last, as the shades of evening gather round, we pass the Monumental city and arrive at the head of the bay, and set foot in Harford County, Md., near where the beautiful Susquehanna falls into the Chesapeake. Of all Maryland, this county might, perhaps, well be called the Garden of the State. In this county was born the subject of this sketch, and also his father before him.
   Joseph Ward, the father of our subject, was born about the year 1800, and as he grew up he was taught the occupation of farming, and soon after attaining his majority became the husband of Miss Jane Thomas. Their family circle afterward comprised five children--John, William, Eliza, Jane and Josephine. Mr. Ward always continued to live in his native State, which was named after the beautiful consort of Charles the First, the charming queen Henrietta Maria. His death occurred in the year 1853, after he had completed eighty years of life. His father, John Ward, was one of the pioneers of the State in Colonial days, and was a native of England; from the time of his entrance into the State he followed the calling of husbandry. Joseph Ward, our subject, was born Feb. 8, 1820. He received his education in the schools of his native town, afterward working upon his father's farm until he attained his majority. He then struck out for himself, with the bold, intrepid spirit which was undoubtedly his by heredity. Not simply in the matter of farming and such occupation did our subject thus begin life, but having found his occupation and started upon the work of establishing a home, the need of some one to be a helpmeet in the same forced itself more and more upon him, and, believing, that in Miss Keziah Barton he had, found the only one who could satisfy and complete his life, arrangements were consummated in their union in matrimonial bonds, March 16, 1845. Their happiness was completed in being the recipients of thirteen children, of whom five sons and five daughters are living. The names are here appended--Jane (deceased), Levi, Elzenia (deceased), Albert, Susanna, James, Ella J., Anna, William, Mary H., an infant son who died unnamed, Thomas and Edith I.
   Our subject left his native State in the year 1830, and went to Ohio, and after a short stay there, on to Howard County, Ind., where for eleven years he continued increasingly prosperous. Finding a purchaser for his farm at a figure financially advantageous to him, he sold that property, and on the 4th of March, 1865, he landed in Cass County, Neb. Here he purchased a farm and built himself a home and lived for three years, and then he purchased and homesteaded his present property. The lumber for his house he was compelled to haul from Nebraska City, a distance of sixty miles. Lincoln at that time numbered about 100 houses and shanties, certainly not more, and between the city and his own house were just three other farms.
   Our subject has done much for the improvement of the general stock used in this State, and has given the greater part of his attention to that specialty, at the same time devoting considerable time to general farming and grain-buying. The farm presents an appearance of peace, happiness and prosperity, coupled with that of thrift and a high state of cultivation, although latterly, and more especially since the death of his wife, Feb. 11, 1887, Mr. Ward has lived a retired life.
   Our subject's daughter, Ella, has become the wife of Mr. E. Hermance, of this county; her sister Susanna is now Mrs. E. Reems, and is a resident at Portland, Ore.; Edith is still going to school at Woodlawn; Levi is living upon his farm in Otoe County; Albert is upon his property three miles west, and is the husband of Miss Mary Lansing, and is the parent of three children, named Ethel, Elbert and Cleveland; James is in Cheyenne

County, also a farmer, and the husband of Florence Keil; they have one daughter, Jennie; William is at Portland, Ore.; and Mary H. and Thomas at home.
   Mr. Ward is held in that peculiar reverential regard which attaches to all who have spent their days and best energies in the upbuilding of a county or State as he has done. His life has been marked by enterprise and industry, integrity and honor. In political matters our subject has always been earnest and hearty in his advocacy of Democracy.

OSEPH H. COPPERSTONE is a prominent stock-raiser and farmer, whose property is situated on sec. 8, Little Salt Precinct, and comprises 160 acres of super-excellent farming land. He is one of the many instances where "grit and grace" have in due course been joined by their fellow, "greenbacks." Not infrequently is it found that the men of grit to cope with the difficulties of frontier life, and the grace to bear the hardships of the same, and before long reap their reward and ride upon greenbacks to a prolonged bank account, hail from the Quaker State, as in the present instance.
   The father of our subject was John Copperstone, who was born in Pennsylvania, where he resided at the time of the birth of our subject, who was, however, never privileged to know his father, receive his instructions, or know the power of his strong arm in beginning life's battle, for while Joseph H. was an infant his father died. He had been by occupation a freighter, and although not rich, was enabled to sustain a comfortable home. He was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Witt, in Somerset County, Pa. There were four children born to them, all of whom are living. His widow is still in the old home, and although she has arrived at the ripe age of sixty-four years, enjoys a fair measure of health and strength.
   Joseph H. Copperstone, our subject, was born in Somerset County, Pa., Sept. 23, 1842. His education, by no means extended, was received in the public school of his native place. When the Union was imperiled, and the "gray cloud" from the South loomed threateningly upon the horizon, he enlisted for his country's defense, in Company K, 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was ordered to the front, taking part in the battles of Gettysburg and Brandy Station, at which place he was taken prisoner, and sent to Richmond, afterward forwarded to Belle Isle, and subsequently incarcerated at Andersonville. At the latter place, for six long, weary months he endured the terrible privations and hardships, bearing with heroic spirit all the horrible sufferings, so well known to us by the oft-told tale, and frequent writing, but never realized in all its keen poignancy, as did our subject and his companions. From Andersonville he was sent to Charleston, and thence to Florence, at which place he was liberated on parole. He now spent some time recruiting, and upon recovering health and strength, went back into the service, and served as sergeant until July, 1865.
   After leaving the army, our subject turned his attention to farming, and made his home at Dixon, Lee Co., Ill., where he continued for a period of two years, and then returned and spent six months in his native place, when he again started West, and did not stop until reaching Nebraska, and took up the land which is his present farm. His entry dates from the year 1870, which shows him to be one of the early pioneers of the county. Here he found much scope for all the grit and grace he had brought with him from his Eastern home. But the spirit that had sustained him when he fought, marched or bivouacked, or when he languished in Southern prisons, did not fail him now. In spite of all the adverse circumstances which go to make up the environment of pioneer settlers, and compose the surroundings of those who make the first home in a now country, he has succeeded abundantly. The wild prairie has, under his care, and as the result of his assiduity, become one of the fittest and most productive tracts of land in the county.
   When our subject effected his settlement, he was intelligently careful in his management, as is shown by the site then selected for his residence, barns, granaries and farm buildings. Upon an eminence which gives a very extended and beautiful view of the country surrounding, and yet is of easy ascent, stands the farm residence, a substantial but com-

fortable structure, and furnished in keeping with the requirements of a bright and happy home. Near by is the orchard, where flourish in rich profusion apple, plum, cherry and other trees, besides quite an extent devoted to the culture of small fruit, many kinds being indigenous to the country. A short distance from the house stands the barn, a large and commodious structure, 46x46 feet, and so apportioned as to yield him the greatest service.
   Until the year 1873 the life of our subject was incomplete, and none recognized this fact more clearly than himself. His pleasure and happiness were, however, insured from the 3d of July, 1873, upon which day Miss Eliza A. Grever became his friend and life companion, and he became her husband and protector. Then there came into his life the highest inspiration and noblest stimulus to live, and live a success. Of this most happy union there have been born six children--William John, Minnie M., Caroline R., Charles H., Catherine C. and Joseph F.
   The most estimable wife of our subject was born in Virginia, Feb. 10, 1848. When her parents removed to Illinois, she of course accompanied them, and continued to reside at home until 1866, when they removed to Iowa, and she remained with them throughout their residence in that State, and also after their removal to their settlement in Saunders County, until her marriage.
   The father of Mrs. Copperstone, Phillip Grever, was born in Shenandoah Valley, Augusta Co., Va., in July, 1810. After the usual occupation of youthful years, his attention was given to husbandry. As the years of manhood began to be numbered, he united his life with that of Miss Eliza T. Palmer, in a relationship which was brighter and better as the years rolled by. Their home circle increased its diameter from time to time to admit new faces and forms, until eleven children had been born to them. It was their privilege to bring nine of this number to years of maturity. Mr. Grever at present makes his home with his daughter, and has done so since the death of his wife, which mournful event took place Oct. 1, 1884. He is still a hale and hearty old gentleman, and looks forward with keen interest and hopes to cast his vote for Gen. Harrison in the coming election, as he did on a previous occasion for his illustrious progenitor, "Old Tippecanoe."
   The late unpleasantness did not pass without leaving its dread mark in the empty place in the family circle, and the void in the hearts of the family, caused by the loss of a beloved son and brother in that war.
   Ever since our subject has been in this county, he has shown an admirable fitness for the duties of office, and on the organization of his school district he became School Treasurer, and has continued to hold the office ever since. He has also been several times Supervisor. By much care, observation and reading, our subject has educated himself, and is today in this regard second to none of his neighbors. Like a true citizen, he takes the greatest interest in everything that has to do with Governmental and political affairs. His political sympathies are with the Republican party. He is a stanch friend and supporter of the party, which ever receives his best efforts in its behalf.

SA STEWART. Among the good citizens of the Quaker State who have left their Pennsylvanian homes to carve for themselves a fortune and a name in the West, are the parents of the subject of the present writing, who was born in Robbstown, that State on the 26th of April, 1830. His father, John Stewart, was born in October, 1789, was prosperous in his chosen calling of husbandry, but removed Nov. 9, 1834, and settled in Wayne County, Ohio, which became his home for the remainder of his life. The marriage of John and Leticia Stewart occurred April 23, 1812; his demise occurred Jan. 17, 1846. The mother of our subject, Leticia (Teal) Stewart, died Jan. 30, 1852.
   The years of childhood and youth of our subject were spent in the above State. He removed, however, as soon as he had grown to years of manhood, to Illinois, and located in Springfield and learned the trade of a shoemaker. From there he went to Chicago, where he remained a short time. Subsequently he removed to Keokuk, Iowa, and resided there until 1868, which is the date of his removal to this county and his settlement in Lin-