suffering terribly from the destruction of their seed corn and the immediate provision for their teams, he and his brother Edmund (see sketch) at their own expense shipped in three carloads from Plattsmouth, Iowa, and distributed the same freely but judiciously to the needy. To many this meant a new start, and was the saving hand which snatched them from the madly rushing stream of ruin. It is no wonder that the brothers hold the warmest place in the hearts of their fellows, many of whom, now wealthy, were then driven to despair.
   Mrs. Duling is the daughter of Isaac Germain, and was born in New York about the year 1831, but when quite a little girl her parents removed to Ohio. The long years which have passed since she first united her life with Mr. Duling have proved that he was wise in his choice, and she none less so in her decision. The old legend that "marriages are made in heaven" is sometimes found fault with by denizens of certain courts of justice, but nevertheless, wherever the true union of heart and life is found, as in the present instance, there are not wanting those who can disprove the old aphorism, and those most interested are the least inclined to undertake the task.
   Our subject, Isaac Duling, was born in Owen County, Ind., Jan. 16, 1860, but when a few months old the family removed to Edgar County, Ill., where he was brought up. In the schools of that district he was educated, and when this process was completed, so far as the school-house and text books were concerned, he graduated to the second department of his education, and, with his father as teacher, was introduced to the intricacies of farm work. In the year 1874 the removal was made to Lincoln, and our subject continued with his father upon the farm until he was twenty-two years of age. At that time he began to work the farm for himself.
   In West Oak Precinct there resided a prosperous farmer and his family. One member of the same must at this time be introduced into this sketch. Our subject had grown to appreciate the sterling qualities of character and womanly graces of Miss Lottie Sutton, daughter of Schuyler Sutton, referred to above. His admiration and regard being reciprocated, their marriage was celebrated Dec. 24, 1882, and subsequent years have gone to prove that the union was right and happy. There have come to their fireside at various times three children, who make the home bright with their childish glee, and bear the names respectively: Gertrude, Mattie and Earl.
   Since the year 1885 our subject has been upon the present farm, his father having removed to Lincoln. In the meantime his course has been marked by care, intelligence and energy, and success has been accorded. Although a young man, and the son of the man who did so much for the salvation of the district, he is not respected upon that ground, but because of his own sterling worth and manliness. He is held in the highest estimation by his neighbors and fellow-citizens, as is also his family. His wife was born in Iowa, Sept. 7, 1866. Her parents removed to Lincoln when she was about two years of age, thence to Saline County. In Lancaster, Neb., July 2, 1882, her father died, leaving his widow with her family to struggle alone.
   Our subject is giving much thought to stockraising, and owns about eighty head of superior high-grade Short-horns, besides horses and other stock. Politically, he is an honored member of the Republican party, and religiously, with his wife, is devoted to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both are held in the highest esteem.

OHN ABERNATHY. Among the popular writers and novelists, we often note England's farmers depicted as round-faced, jovial, happy men, with large, generous hearts, successful in their chosen vocation, these three elements being presented as though intimately connected. It may be true and is in fact so stated, at least in one of the ancient Hebrew classics. The man who by his happy disposition is enabled to carry the burdens and cares of life lightly, and has a heart to sympathize and a generous hand open to aid the needy, in thus giving is simply sowing the seed of a harvest rich in returns. Such characteristics and description are not alone the property of our English friends; they have no monopoly upon

them, They are to be found this side the Atlantic, and are just as true of our Hoosier farmers, if not indeed more so, than the British.
   William Abernathy, the father of our subject, was born in Ross County, Ohio, June 19, 1819. Here he received his early education, and was initiated into the many details of farm life, with all the intricacies of soil and seed and stock, continuing with his father until he was of age. He then removed to Indiana, and after farming for a time went on to Iowa, and bought a farm. He at present resides in Clarke County of that State. He was married to Miss Ellen Clark, in Clark County, Ind., and their union has been happily cemented by the birth of twelve children, of whom ten are still living. He was bereaved of his wife in the year 1880. Through all the years of their union she had been in the truest sense a wife and mother. Her father was a native of Kentucky, went through the War of 1812, and late in life removed to Illinois, where he spent his last days.
   Our subject was born in Clark County, Ind., on the 3d of July, 1842. At the usual age he was introduced to the interior of the school-house, and for some time was a regular attendant at the same. Having passed through its classes and grades he graduated to the larger school of experience, and began work upon the farm with his father, which he continued until he was about twenty years of age. At that time, in answer to the bugle of war, he rushed to arms. He enlisted in the 78th Indiana Infantry, Company C, and later served in Company G, 133d Indiana Regiment. He saw considerable service and was taken prisoner in a skirmish at Uniontown, Ky. His actual term of service was six months, when, his time having expired, he was discharged.
   Upon leaving the army our subject returned to farming, taking up property in Iowa. In this he was quite successful, prospering year by year until the spring of 1871, when he came to Little Salt Precinct, purchasing his present property, then in an unimproved condition. The orchard which he has set out is noteworthy both because of the quality and quantity of its trees. The house, which is surrounded, and yet not buried by shade trees, is by that means made exceedingly pleasant as a residence. The grove of our subject is as fine as any in the precinct. He has been careful also in the erection of his dwelling, making it a most delightful and comfortable home.
   Mr. Abernathy married Miss Mary E. Hiskey, Jan. 2, 1867. This lady was a native of Iowa, was the daughter of James Hiskey, and was born on the 17th of July, 1848. He was called to part from her by death in the year 1874. Our subject was a second time married, to Miss Sarah Tothill, in 1881. She is a native of England, born in 1846, and came with her parents to America when nine years old.
   Mr. Abernathy has for twelve years been School Director of his district, and indeed was one of the primary organizers of the same, and has always continued to feel the deepest interest in all matters relative to the education and training of youth. He has also been Supervisor for two terms. The appreciation of his fellow-citizens of his official acts, and the high esteem in which he is held by them by reason of, his manliness, conscientious regard of right, and moral courage of his convictions, whatever they may be, is expressed in that whenever it delegate is required from this precinct to any convention, association or society, our subject is looked to and usually selected. He has always been a straight Republican and strong in his attachment to the principles of the party.

LMON W. ENSIGN, an intelligent and progressive pioneer citizen of this section of country, is located at present just across the line, in Precinct 1, Seward County, but he was formerly located in Middle Creek Precinct, this county. Mr. Ensign was born in Charleston, S. C., Dec. 14, 1829, while his father, Ira Ensign, was born in Massachusetts, and was one of twelve sons comprising the parental family.
   Ira Ensign, the father of our subject, was reared to manhood in his native State, and learned the trade of a hatter, after which he removed to York State, and subsequently to Ohio. After a few years he migrated to Charleston, S. C., and opening a store for the sale of gents' furnishing goods, resided in that city until 1836. He then removed to Michigan and located at Detroit, when that place was

but a small village. The migration from Charleston was effected by steamer from that place to New Orleans, thence up the Mississippi River to Illinois, and on by stage to Chicago, which was then but a mere hamlet. In Detroit he opened a gents' furnishing goods store, and remained there until about 1850, when he closed up his interests in that business, and removing to the west line of Wayne County, bought a tract of land, on which he resided until the death of his wife in 1855. The maiden name of this lady, the mother of our subject, was Ruth Ellis, and she was a native of Vermont.
   Almon W. Ensign was the youngest child of a family of eight born to his parents, and was a little lad of seven years when the family removed to the Territory of Michigan. He attended the primitive schools of Detroit. and when he was fifteen years of age he engaged in his own town to learn the trade of carriage-maker. At the end of one year, however, he removed to Belleville, Mich., where he spent two years, and then migrated to Rochester, N. Y., and served an apprenticeship of one year, which made him a skillful workman. He then returned to Belleville, and, starting out in the same business for himself, remained until 1851, when he went to Cincinnati and worked at the trade there, and in New Orleans three years. He then engaged in business for himself in Cincinnati, but at the end of two years he lost all that he had by fire. He next migrated to Rockport, Ind., and was foreman in a shop for six months, after which he bought the shop and remained in the business until 1861.
   When the call arose for troops to defend the Union our subject was not slow to respond, and in the first year of the war he enlisted in Company F, 1st Indiana Cavalry, and went to St. Louis. He was mustered into the service as Orderly Sergeant, and served in the Trans-Mississippi army. His soldierly qualities did not escape the notice of his superior officers, and in 1863 Mr. Ensign was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant, and soon afterward he became First Lieutenant, and served in that capacity until after the cessation of hostilities, receiving his honorable discharge in August, 1865. Lieut. Ensign never had leave of absence during his long term of service, and participated in many of the sanguinary battles of the struggle, including those of Frederickstown, Pea Ridge, Helena, Little Rock and Marks' Mills. At the last-named battle he had two horses shot under him, but escaped capture with fourteen of the ninety men of that regiment who took part; the others were either killed or wounded.
   Returning his sword to its scabbard, Lieut. Ensign was again seen in his early haunts, but in the autumn of 1865 he started from Rockport, Ind., with a pair of horses and wagon, and drove to Otoe County, Neb., where he opened up a shop and did a general repair business. He visited Lancaster County in 1867, on the 22d of June, the same day in which it was decided to locate the capital at Lincoln, and he homesteaded a tract of land on section 22, Middle Creek Precinct. He at once set about improving his purchase with his characteristic energy, and he soon had a valuable farm, containing good frame buildings, with orchards of fine fruit trees. In 1881 he sold this property and bought 160 acres where he now resides, in Precinct 1, town 10, range 4 east, Seward County. The fact that in this short time the greater part of his land is under a good state of cultivation, and is provided with a good set of frame buildings, with the machinery required for the successful prosecution of farming, attests to the enterprise and practical ability of our subject.
   Our subject was united in marriage, Dec. 7, 1856, with Miss Julia Barkwell, who was born in Troy, Ind., in 1840, and was the daughter of Hon. Harmon Barkwell, who was born in Virginia, and was an early settler of Indiana. He was a lawyer by profession, and was for some time Prosecuting Attorney, while he also served in the capacity of Circuit Judge. He was also elected to the State Legislature, and was a member of the State Constitutional Convention; he now resides at Rockport, Ind. His wife, whose maiden name was Hermelia Osgood, is now dead. Mrs. Ensign departed this life in September, 1871, leaving four children--Richard, Harry, Joseph and Ida. Our subject was a second time united in marriage, in 1873, with Miss Hattie Coulter. Of this union there have been born six children--Ollie, Floyd W., Charles C., Maud. and Alice and Ruth, twins. Mrs. Ensign

was born in Randolph County, Ill., and is the daughter of John W. Coulter, who was born in Washington County, in the same State, while his father, Stewart Coulter, was, it is thought, a native of Kentucky. The great-grandparents of Mrs. Ensign settled in Illinois before it was a State, and her grandparents spent their last years on a farm in Washington County, Ill., which they had cleared from the wilderness, and upon which they had erected the first brick residence in the county. The father of Mrs. Ensign removed from Washington County, Ill., and traveling westward finally reached Nebraska, and purchased a homestead three miles from the present site of Hastings, and has resided there since. Hastings was not yet started. The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Ensign was Margaret McDill. She was born in Randolph County, Ill., and was the daughter of John and Harriet (Armour) McDill. Harriet Armour McDill was born in South Carolina, and accompanied her parents to Illinois in 1818, the removal being effected by means of teams. They settled in Randolph County on a tract of timber land which the great-grandfather of Mrs. Ensign purchased, and they improved their purchase to a fine farm. John Armour was a Presbyterian in belief, and being opposed to slavery was obliged to leave South Carolina. Mr. Ensign came of an ancient and honorable family, it is believed is ultimately descended from three brothers who came from England and settled in New England during the period of its earliest history. Mrs. Ensign is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a woman greatly respected for her many sterling virtues by all who know her. Lieut. Ensign affiliates with the Republican party, and besides being well informed on the current topics of the day, is thoroughly acquainted with the early history of this county, of which he is one of the most worthy pioneers.

EV. CARLTON L. BELT. By a happy dispensation of Providence, there are "many of many minds," and in looking over the world at large it would seem to the contemplative mind that it is really admirably balanced.
   Some must necessarily be expert in the marts of trade, while at the same time it is important that others interest themselves in upholding those moral principles which he at the basis of law and order. To the latter class the subject of this sketch has since a youth been inclined, and has built up for himself a good record as a man and a citizen. He has labored long and faithfully in the church, and in both his public and private life has exhibited the kindly disposition and generous mind, together with charity, the noblest of all traits, which have gained him the esteem and confidence of those among whom he has lived, thus establishing his influence and making him the instrument of much good.
   A native of Licking County, Ohio, Mr. Belt was born on the 1st of March, 1832, and went with his parents when a little lad five years of age to Kosciusko County, Ind. There his father purchased a tract of land, and Carlton L. busied himself with farm pursuits and in attendance at the common schools until a youth of eighteen years. Then the family removed across the Mississippi into Lint County, Iowa, whence our subject Went two years later into the northern part of the Hawkeye State, where he sojourned until reaching his majority.
   Young Mr. Belt, about 1853, purchased a farm in Fayette County, Iowa, which he operated until 1865, then sold out and moved to Iowa County, that State, where he secured another tract of land, and lived from the spring of 1865 until 1873. In the early part of the latter year he made his way to this county, and for two years cultivated rented land in Stockton Precinct. Finally he purchased 240 acres on section 22, and has since given to this the time and attention not required in his ministerial labors. He has erected a comfortable dwelling, set out fruit and shade trees, and gathered about himself and those nearest to him those little comforts and conveniences which have so much to do with the happiness of life. His farm embraces 160 acres of good land, all in productive condition and devoted to general agriculture.
   Mr. Belt was married, Oct. 25, 1857, in Buchanan County, Iowa, to Miss Mary J. Hayes, who was born in New Brunswick, Dec. 24, 1838. Her parents, Thomas B. and Elener (Colpitts) Hayes,

were natives of New Brunswick, and are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Belt there have been born nine children, the record of whom is as follows: Luella, the eldest daughter, in 1881 became the wife of Alonzo Monk, and is a resident of Litchfield, Sherman Co.. Neb.; Herbert married Miss Belle Wheeler, and is occupied at farming in Lancaster County; Fred, Gussie and Carl are at home with their parents; Harlan, Clarence L., Arthur and Earl, all died in infancy.
   Our subject, while a resident of Iowa, was Township Clerk and School Director, and has held the latter office in his present school district for a number of years. He and his estimable wife for a long period have been devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. B. was made a licensed minister in 1855. For two years he was a member of the Iowa Conference. He commenced his labors in the ministry in 1855, and gave much of his time to church work until 1881. He cast his first Presidential vote for J. C. Fremont, and was a lifelong member of the Republican party until 1884, when his warm interest in the success of the temperance movement led him to identify himself with the Prohibitionists.
   The father of our subject, Aquilla Belt, was a native of Newark. Ohio, and the mother, in her girlhood Miss Henrietta, E. Lewis, was born in Virginia. They are still living in Buchanan County, Iowa, having arrived at an advanced age.

IRAM POLLEY. Kentucky has long been known internationally because of its blooded stock interests as restricted chiefly to the breeding of horses of high grade throughout its magnificent blue grass region. Its stockraisers have put into this branch of business an enormous capital in the aggregate, have imported famous horses from Arabia and elsewhere, and have produced some of the finest animals in the world. But Kentucky can no longer claim exclusively this renown. Other districts in the United States vie with her in that regard. Nebraska. for instance, with its boundless plains, its bright, clear atmospbere, is every year coming more to the front in this line of business. This State possesses among its best citizens men who have given much time and thought to this subject, and to whom, also, it is an infatuation, who have launched into it very extensively and employ large capital toward a success. Among this number might be classed the subject of this writing, who owns a splendid tract of land comprising 320 acres on section 17, Oak Precinct.
   William Dennis Polley, the father of our subject, was born in Canaan, N. Y., in 1777, where he received his early education and training, settled and continued to reside until 1811, when he emigrated Russia, Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he continued to make his home until his death. He was twice married, first to Deborah Eggleston, Feb. 15, 1802. His family by his first wife was as follows: James W., William H., Louisa, Hackley, Williard and Sophia. His wife died Nov. 19, 1813. The following August he celebrated his second marriage.
   The name of the lady was Elizabeth Smith, a native of Norway, in the same county. To them were born ten children--Isaac P., Eliza, Nancy, Harriet, Daniel, James, Hiram (our subject), Waitie, Henry (who died in infancy), and Henry P., all of whom, with the exception of the first Henry, came to maturity.
   Hiram, our subject, was born on the 31st of March, 1837, in Russia, N. Y. He received his education in the schools of the same town, and upon graduation taught for some time in that institution, and so continued until his marriage. In his native town there lived a young lady of high character and aptitude for the responsibilities of home, family and social life, and to her he was united in marriage. Her name was Mrs. Abbie G. Gillett, nee Cooper. Their wedding was celebrated Jan. 19, 1854, and they continued to make their home in Russia for a period of three years, in which interval one daughter was born to them. At the expiration of this time they removed to Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga Co., N. Y. In this home their family was increased by the birth of a son, named Frank J., who is now upon the farm with his father. His sister's name is Minnie; she became the wife of O. C. Bell, and resides in Lincoln, her husband being the County Clerk.
   The wife of our subject was born Feb. 26, 1826,

in Boonville, Oneida Co., N. Y. There she received her early education, and continued to live with her parents until they removed to Herkimer County. For a short period previous to becoming the wife of our subject she occupied the same relation to Mr. Ezra Gillett, to whom she was married Aug. 10, 1847, but who died shortly after celebrating that event. Her father was Thomas Cooper, whose native town was Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he, was born about the year 1795. He made it his residence until the War of 1812, and received his education in its schools. He enlisted and served throughout the various campaigns of the above war, after which he returned home. He was married to Eva Rarrick. To them were born seven children, of whom Mrs. Polley was the fourth. With the exception of a few years' residence in Ohio, where his wife died, he was a resident of New York State until the year 1878, when he came to this State, and died four years later, at the age of eighty-seven years.
   Our subject, Mr. Polley, occupied the position of Postmaster of McFarland, the only post-office in that part of the county, and continued in the same for four years, when the office was discontinued, owing to the establishment of that at Orlando, now Raymond. Mr. Polley was the first and only Postmaster of McFarland. He is now the Assessor, which office he has continued to hold through two consecutive terms, and. has now entered upon his third. He has also held in a most worthy manner the office of Justice of the Peace. In the community, Mr. Polley and family are held in very high esteem, and their efforts toward the elevation of society and the advancement of the city and county interests receive the fullest appreciation. It is a family that every true and honorable citizen is proud to know and to be received within its circle as a friend. They are members of the Christian Church, and among its most exemplary, consistent and energetic supporters. Society and mankind generally, whatever may be said to the contrary, must and will always respect and honor the man or woman whose constant honest effort it is to approximate the character and life of the founder of out, pure and holy religion. In political relations our subject has always, since the breaking out of the late Civil War, been a stanch Republican., outspoken in support of his party and energetic in its behalf.
   Mr. Policy was one who assisted in establishing on the 4th of July, 1886, a society under the name of "The Old People's Pioneer Society of Lancaster County." It takes in all who settled before the year 1880. Our subject, who was elected the first President of the society, continues to hold the position.
   There has come down to us from the Pharaohonic era the account of a terrible plague of locusts and another of flies. However extensive and however terrible the results accruing from them, we doubt if they were more terrible in their results to the people of Egypt than the devastating plague of grasshoppers which swept over this section of country in the years 1874 and 1875 was to the comparatively few pioneer settlers and farmers at that time. Among the number who suffered in and went bravely through that dark period and heavy trial was our subject. Not very long after, and while he was suffering from its effects, a new trouble was upon him. The day dawned bright and fair, became hotter and stiller, until presently, in the distance there could be seen the effects of a slight breeze. This rapidly approached, and in a very few moments it was realized that this slight, rustling breeze was but the advance of a terrible wind-storm. When the hurricance (sic) had passed, among the rest of the damage it had caused, it was found that his barn had been torn down and scattered by the wind. Nothing daunted, he set to work again and has met with his reward, for his property is one of the most valuable in the district. He is the owner of a very delightful home, and the old barn above referred to is still used, and last year he erected a large one.
   As a stock-raiser our subject must rank among the first, and is quite successful. His special attention is given to the higher grade of horses and thoroughbred Short-horns. He is the owner of an exceptionally fine registered bull, and several cows, descendants of old "Richmond." Among his horses may be seen five exceptionally fine horses, also the Norman-Morgan stallion, "Sam." He is a beautiful creature, finely formed, perfect in all his points,