publican. Since becoming a resident of this county he has devoted his attention to business, and has acquired a competency. The portrait of Prof. Stuart in this volume will be of interest to all, whether personally acquainted with him or otherwise, for doubtless even the casual reader will be interested to know the features of this worthy devotee of science and art.

ILLIAM HEDGES. When Longfellow wrote his world-renowned poem "Excelsior," he presented in the idealistic youth not so much a person as a principle, which might be translated as desired, and applied to the individual, community, or even nation. The banner with its motto "Excelsior," is simply the Latin Excelsus, meaning "still higher" or "upward and onward." In all probability the poet had pressing upon his mind that which is brought forcibly before every intelligence which contemplates the movement of the best of Eastern citizens and families, in order to the development of the more western country. Every move is of national importance and is one step upward and onward. Like the youth in the poem, there are difficulties, dangers and enticements, seeking either to lure or dash the intrepid traveler from his purpose. The only unfortunate thing about the poem is that the poet did not finish it. The banner still waves; the traveler still presses on; the voice is still heard, and victory, not death, is the result to the intrepid pioneers who have been developing the Far West. Among the number who have bravely borne aloft the banner device "Excelsior" is the subject of this sketch, an old pioneer and prominent citizen, having his farm upon sections 2 and 12 of West Oak Precinct.
   Our subject is the son of Benjamin Hedges, who was born in the State of Ohio. What education could be obtained in those early days in the little pioneer school-house was afforded him by his parents. After this foundation had been laid he began to work upon the farm of his father. Upon coming of age he started to work upon a farm for himself, and saw as the result of his efforts continued prosperity. He was twice married; his first wife was only spared to him a few months, and he was afterward united to Miss Melissa Bennett, and their happy union was made increasingly so by their children, of whom there were nine. Our subject was the eldest child, and was born in Cumberland County, Ill., May 25, 1842.
   Very soon after his marriage with Miss Bennett the father of our subject removed to Indiana, and thence to Illinois, continuing his occupation as a farmer in the latter State until 1868, when removal was made to Saunders County, Neb., where a tract of land was taken, and the wild prairie soon became within his borders a farm fair to look upon and profitable in its harvests. This continued to be his home until his death, Oct. 12, 1884. For many years previous to his death the property had presented an appearance of beauty, thrift and prosperity. The broad acres were well tilled and kept, the house and barn with the other farm buildings were substantially built, the residence being always attractive because of its air of home and happiness, and as it stood surrounded by the broad spreading shade and lofty forest trees, seemed always to offer the blessing sought by the tired toiler at the close of the day, seeking a place where "the weary may find rest."
   Phillip Hedges, grandfather of our subject, was a native of Virginia, and was one of the men who left the comparative comforts for the pioneer life of Indiana, and was one of those who helped to lay the foundation of the present State with all its huge possibilities and incalculable wealth. Mr. Hedges farmed, and in addition kept hotel, also for some years of his life ran a mill. He died it Lafayette, Ind., of cholera, in the year 1849. He, with his son Benjamin, was a member of the Christian Church for many years. Mrs. Benjamin Hedges was the daughter of William Bennett.. Until her marriage she made her home with her parents, and after a happy wedded life of many years, died Aug. 17, 1882.
   Our subject, as also his father before him, received in the common school of his native district all his education, and from that gave his attention to farming. At this work he continued until he enlisted in the defense of his country, on the 12th of October, 1862, in Company E, 5th Illinois Cavalry.

Going out to the front he went through Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, seeing some active service, taking part in a large number of skirmishes and minor engagements. He was discharged, owing to disability, Feb. 24, 1863, at Helena, Ark. Thence he returned to Illinois and recommenced farming, continuing for about three years.
   In 1869 our subject came to Nebraska City, where he made his home for one year. At the end of that time he entered his present home farm under the Homestead Law. At that time it was in its virgin state, and only occupied by its original denizens. Now it is transformed and become one of the best, richest and most fertile farms in the district, as a result of his continued perseverance, energy and care. Whether we turn to the house, as before remarked, the fields or orchard, we are convinced that the owner knows what he wants and what is best adapted to meet these wants, and moreover is a success in what he undertakes.
   Among the blessings of life which Kentucky perhaps rightly claims have been given to the world especially by her, stands at the head of the list that blessing, good and beautiful women. In Green Castle, Ky., was born June 12, 1847, to William and Mary (Potts) Wilson, a daughter Sarah. As she grew up her parents watched with pleasurable pride the development of those charms and graces which distinguished her, and made her so attractive afterward to our subject. She made her home with her parents in Kentucky, and also in Iola, Kan., when her parents removed there. This lady and our subject were felicitously united in the closest and most holy of all relations, July 4, 1867. Her father died in Kansas in 1867. His wife was Miss Mary Potts, of Kansas, and their family comprised seven children, of whom four brothers and Mrs. Hedges still live. The marriage of our subject has been happily fruitful in the birth of six children--John Frank, Adelia, George, Estella, William and Lillie.
   In the year 1886 an Old Settlers' Reunion was established, of which our subject was the first Vice President. The meetings of this society are held in a beautiful grove, which is in great demand throughout the summer for all kinds of entertainments and picnics, because of the superior arrangements and shade from its noble trees. The meeting of the society for this year will be held in the same place. The interest which attaches to this place is the fact that the whole, comprising some two and a half acres, is the work of our subject, mostly in the year 1872. Then it was prairie; now a beautiful park. It will perhaps be remembered that our subject had to haul the lumber for his first house a distance of fourteen miles.
   For five years Mr. Hedges has been School Director for his district, and has also filled the office of Supervisor. Himself, wife and two children are members of the Christian Church at Agnew, and are among its most earnest supporters. Mr. Hedges has always been an ardent Republican, active in campaign, and at all times ready to lend the weight of his influence and the activities of his energy in behalf of his party. As a man and citizen he is most highly esteemed, and all his well-directed efforts for the benefit of the community duly and fully appreciated.

HENRY SCHMALE. The German Empire has contributed thousands of its most enterprising and substantial citizens to the New World, and to whose thrift and industry it is largely due for its remarkable growth and prosperity. They have permeated every channel, both East and West., and have been especially efficient in the development of the latter section of country. Their undaunted courage made them fully equal to the privations and hardships which the pioneer settler must ever encounter, and they considered no sacrifice too great in order to effect their object, namely, the building up of a home, and providing against the necessities of later years.
   The subject of this biography has reason to be proud that he is one of this nationality, and his career is one eminently worthy of mention in connection with the sentiments which have here been put forth. His home on the other side of the Atlantic was near the famous old German city of Bremen, which is known the world over as one of the principal ports of emigration from the old

World to the New, and distinguished alike for its extensive manufactures of the articles most largely utilized by the human family. In this region the Schmale family had lived for generations, and here also was born Henry, Sr., the father of our subject, who carried on farming, and spent his entire life on his native soil.
   Henry Schmale, Sr., was married in early manhood, and of this union there were born eight children, three only of whom are in the United States, viz.: W. Henry; Charlotte, the wife of Fred Niedenstein; and Louis, of Seward County, this State. Our subject, in common with the children of the Germany Empire, was placed in school at an early age, where he attended quite steadily until a lad of eleven years, and subsequently pursued his studies half it day for nearly two years. When not in school he was employed in a cement factory, and later in a flouring-mill. In 1859, not being satisfied with his condition or his prospects in his native land, he determined to emigrate to the New World. He was without means, being obliged to borrow money to pay his passage, and thus landed on a foreign shore among strangers in debt, and unable to speak the English language. He sojourned but a very brief time in New York City. making his way directly to Illinois, where his honest countenance soon secured him friends and employment, and he remained a resident of Monroe County, that State, until 1865. On the 14th of February, that year, the Civil War being in progress, he enlisted in Company F, 153d Illinois Infantry, and remained in the service until the conflict was ended, but seeing little fighting. He, however, was ready whenever called upon to perform his duty as a soldier, as it is well known that a German volunteer seldom runs. He received his honorable discharge at Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 21, 1865, and returning to his old haunts in Monroe County, Ill., remained there until the spring of 1866, then migrated to Wisconsin, of which he was a resident two years.
   In the meantime, with the thrift and industry characteristic of his race, our subject had managed to save a snug little sum of money, and in 1868 had sufficient for profitable investment, and for this purpose set out with a team to seek a location.
   Making his way to this county, he homesteaded a claim in Middle Creek Precinct, where he put up a log house with a sod roof, and prepared to locate, and commenced cultivating the soil, planting fruit and shade trees, and as the seasons passed found himself on the road to prosperity. In due time his land was all enclosed with neat and substantial fences, and he erected a good set. of frame buildings, gathered together a goodly assortment of livestock, and also the machinery requisite for the prosecution of agriculture to the best advantage.
   When Mr. Schmale came to this section of country Nebraska City, sixty-five miles distant, was the nearest market. Deer and antelopes bonded through the forest and over the country with fleet and graceful limbs, while game suitable for the table was abundant. Indians also still lingered in this region, and other denizens of the wilderness no more desirable for neighbors. The nearest white family was one mile away. Mr. Schmale is thus one of the earliest pioneers on the western line of Lancaster County, and was one of the first to till its soil and commence the transformation which has been little short of miraculous, considering the length of time which has elapsed, and during which villages have sprung up and a city has been built, which is now of no little importance west of the Mississippi.
   There came to this section of country with our hardy pioneer his newly wedded wife, formerly Mrs. Mary Ann (Moring) Bridge, to whom he was married in Lancaster County, Neb., May 15, 1870. Mrs. Schmale was born near Davis, Stephenson Co,, Ill., March 16, 1851, and is the daughter of John Henry Moring, a native of Prussia. The latter was born near the old Prussian town of Minden, in the Province of Westphalia, and emigrated to America when a young man. He located in Illinois, and was married not very long afterward, settling near Davis, where he engaged in farming, and where his death took place in 1852. The maiden name of the mother was Sarah J. Ballenger. She was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, and after the death of her first husband was married to Ernest Otto, of Stephenson County, Ill., where she continued to live until 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Otto then removed with their family to Wisconsin, living in Lafayette

and Green Counties until 1866. The spring of that year found them on their road to Nebraska, to which they journeyed with a team, and were nearly five weeks on the route, traveling after the manner of the emigrants of those days, camping out wherever night overtook them. and cooking by the wayside.
   The Otto family upon arriving in this county settled on land now occupied by the city of Lincoln, and which was then called Lancaster. But four dwellings marked the spot where now stands one of the most flourishing cities of the West. Mr. Otto was a blacksmith by trade, opening the first shop of this description in the future city. He carried this on two years, then desirous of a change of occupation, homesteaded a tract of land in Middle Creek Precinct, from which he improved a farm. Mrs. Otto died near Malcolm, this county, July 31, 1878, and Mr. Otto is now a resident of Holt County.
   Miss Amanda Moring, an elder sister of Mrs. Schmale. taught the first school opened in the city of Lincoln, when it was known as Lancaster, in 1866. She subsequently married W. H. H. Thompson, and is now a resident of Sacramento, Cal. Mrs. Schmale accompanied her mother and stepfather on their journey to this county, in 1866, and lived with them until her marriage the following, year with William Bridge. He was a farmer by occupation, and they settled in Lancaster County, where his death took place in 1869. Of this union there were no children. To our subject and his wife there have been born two sons and two daughters, viz.: Harmon, Norman, Ida E. and Minnie May. The eldest is seventeen and the youngest twelve years of age.

LONZO GOSS is the owner of a beautiful farm of 150 acres situated on section 7, Oak Precinct, and favorably known as a general farmer and stock-raiser. In the East, especially in New York State, the family name has been known and honored in other days. His grandfather, Simon Goss, was born in about the year 1793, in New York State, and when quite small he suffered the irreparable loss of both parents. He, however, managed to procure an education, and began to read law, and after passing a very satisfactory examination he was admitted to the bar, and continued prosperously for some time in this profession. Feeling called upon to take up the work of preaching the Gospel, he gave up his practice and law office, and entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in due time was ordained and given the charge of a large circuit.
   Being oppressed with the number of sick and afflicted, and not aware of any way to help them, he began the study of medicine with that end, and, following the example of his great Master, he went about doing good, preaching the Gospel and teaching the people, and healing large numbers of those who came to him. Constantly engaged in this work, he became quite a skillful physician. and finally settled down in the town of Camburg, Cananda, to the practice of medicine, and so continued until the end of his days. He was a prominent and highly respected citizen, and from the first a self-made man.
   Milan G. Goss was the fourth child of Dr. S. Goss by his second wife, and he had one brother and two sisters, by name in the order of birth, Angeline, Jessie and Simeon. He was born on the 18th of April, 1813, in New York, where he was reared and received his education. For several years after leaving school he was engaged as a teacher, and after that became a farmer, although at various times this was interspersed with other occupations at such times as farm work was slack. His first farm was situated in Canada, where he had lived for some time, owing to his father's residence there. About the year 1831 he became acquainted with Miss Eleanor Lounsberry, and as their acquaintance ripened into friendship, and this into deeper and stronger attachment, it was finally arranged that they should unite their lives, which was accordingly done May 29, 1832.
   The father of our subject disposed of his Canada property in 1849, went to Winnebago County, Ill., and bought a wild tract of land, and set to work to improve the same, erecting the buildings required for farm and home purposes, and bringing the ground itself into a fit state for farming. In all of

this he was eminently successful, and after a time found a good purchaser for this property, went to Iowa, purchased 160 acres of land in Howard County, and began again duplicating his experience in Illinois. And this was his experience twice repeated, each time, however, in the immediate neighborhood.
   Not satisfied with these repeated changes, the father of our subject removed to Kansas, and in Crawford County began again by taking Government land and living over again his old experience, making the sixth home built, and farm improved in thirteen years. In 1884 he removed to Nebraska, and spent one year prospecting. At the end of that period he returned to Kansas, and bought an improved farm in Greenwood County, where he now makes his home, enjoying the fruit of his toil, and, considering his age, most excellent health.
   Mrs. Eleanor Goss was born April 10, 1812, in Canada, where she was also reared, and received her education, and continued her residence until marriage The union has been most felicitous, and was blessed by the birth of seven children, six of whom it was their happiness to see arrive at years of maturity. The eldest-born, Harriet Ann, is now Mrs. Hugh Hamilton, of Colorado; the next was Alonzo, our subject; after him, William, who owns a firm in Lancaster County; then Angeline, the wife of Josiah Evans, of Iowa; Melissa, now Mrs. Joshua Clugston, resident in Greenwood County, Kan., and Milan G., resident of the same place. Their mother departed this life Aug. 9, 1885, at Greenwood, Kan., where her remains now lie.
   Our subject, Alonzo Goss, was born in Niagara County, N. Y., May 27, 1837. While quite small, his father removed to Canada, he of course accompanying him, and there remained until he was twelve years of age, when they removed to Illinois, and after another five years to Iowa. His education was received chiefly in the two latter places. From the time he had completed his schooling until he was twenty years of age, he assisted his father on the farm. He then went into the same occupation upon his own account, but after a short time was compelled to relinquish active labor, owing to a most painful accident. In the year 1866, while engaged in some necessary duties with his team, he received a painful and dangerous kick in the region of the stomach, from which he was laid up for over three years. He consulted a prominent Chicago physician. A most wonderful cure was the result, after eight distinct operations. After this he returned to his father's house, and there remained until quite strong again. Upon returning to active pursuits, he gave his attention first to teaming through the western section of country, and shortly afterward purchased an improved farm in Iowa, which he continued successfully to operate for several years.
   July 16, 1864, our subject was married to Miss Alsena Towne, a native of Iowa, which union has been blessed by the birth of seven children, of whom three are still living: Andrew Simeon, the eldest, died in Minnesota. Three have died since the removal to this State; one, a fine lad of seventeen, Walter C., in company with a friend, was bathing in the Oak Creek, at Woodlawn, was taken with cramps while in fifteen feet of water, and drowned, July 16, 1885; Estella died here, it the age of seven years, March 18, 1884; also Cora, aged ten months. Those living are Ella and Mary, both young ladies, and Mabel R., the latter about two years of age.
   In the year 1866 our subject sold his property in Iowa, and spent two years teaming in Minnesota; then he returned to Iowa, and, after a short stay went to Kansas, and purchased a farm in Crawford County, which he after one season sold, and went west to Howard County, which name has since been changed to that of Elk County. Here he purchased a farm and improved the same, and after three years of prosperity accepted an advantageous offer for his property, and went back to Winneshiek County, Iowa, where he made his home for two years, after that making his home for eighteen months in Monroe County, removing thence to his present home, March 18, 1880.
   No one to see the city of Lincoln to-day could conceive the difference since that period; then it was in the midst of a wilderness of prairie, with here and there a log house, dug-out or sod shanty, surrounded, perhaps, by it small clearing or stretch of plowed ground. To-day the landscape around the city, which has grown marvelously, is in every

direction smiling and fair to look upon. As far as the eye call reach are farms and homesteads, speaking eloquently of peace, happiness and prosperity within their borders. Among the large and handsome residences, by no means the least worthy of mention is that which our subject has erected upon his property, and has surrounded with shade and fruit trees which offer to the heated, weary and thirsty, both rest and refreshment. Although this home is so pleasant and fair to look upon, over it have gathered the clouds, and the dark shadows have at times wrapped it round, for since his coming our subject has buried about one-half of his family.
   The farm of our subject, both in its agricultural and stock-raising departments, will bear the closest inspection, and from whatever standpoint regarded, the verdict will be one of satisfaction and delight. At present Mr. Goss is Director of School District No. 18, which office he has continued to hold from his first coming hither. He has also for some time held the office of Road Commissioner. In religious matters our subject continues his adherence to that department of Christian teaching in which he was brought up, and is affiliated with the local communion of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which his sterling qualities are duly appreciated. Among his fellow-citizens Mr. Goss is duly appreciated as a mail and patriot, perhaps more especially by those of the same political creed and party. Our subject has always been active and energetic in his support of the "grand old Republican party."

HOMAS M. S. REYNOLDS. Men have come to Nebraska from nearly all sections of the Union, mostly from the Eastern and Middle States, and some from the South. The Old Dominion, cradled the subject of this sketch over seventy years ago, his birth taking place on the 21st of February, 1818, in Orange County. His life has been that of an honest, steady-going citizen, who has lived uprightly and in consequence occupies a good position among the people who have known him best. He is now comfortably located in Yankee Hill Precinct, on section 36, where for the last fourteen years he has been tilling the soil of a farm 172 acres in extent, with results which have made him comparatively independent, surrounded by all the comforts of life, and with a competency for his declining years. By the aid of the accompanying illustration, we are assisted in presenting to the readers a much more accurate and complete picture of this home and its surroundings, which bespeak prosperity and comfort.
   Washington Reynolds, the father of our subject, was also born in Virginia, where he was reared to manhood and married a Maryland lady, their union resulting in the birth of nine children. Thomas M. S. was the sixth son, and continued a resident of his native State until a youth of nineteen years. His father died when he was a little lad six years of age, and he was reared in the family of Zachary Billingsly, with whom he removed to Southern Kentucky, where he lived nearly a year, then returned to his old home with his brother, Philip S., and embarked at farming at Louisville, Ky., where he remained until 1860. Then, migrating westward, he was occupied for a time at farming in Saline County, Mo., whence he came to this county in 1874.
   Mr. Reynolds, as it has been seen, was early in life practically thrown upon his own resources, and the necessity for industry and economy bred within him those self-reliant qualities which have proved the secret of his success in life, thus being one of the best schools in which a youth can be educated. While in Kentucky he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Seaton, who was born in that State, and whose parents were natives of Kentucky and spent their last years there. This union has resulted in the birth of thirteen children, most of them born in Kentucky, and twelve of whom are still living. The eldest, Simpson S., is farming in Gove County, Kan.; Theodore F. lives in Holt County, this State; Louisa A., Mrs. Allen Price, is a resident of Seward; Mary E., Mrs. Jerome Cameron, lives in Saline County, Mo.; Virginia, the wife of John Cameron, and George, in Butler County, this State; William died in Missouri, Dec. 27, 1872, when about sixteen years old; Charles is occupied at keeping a meat market in the city of Lincoln; Emma is the wife of Charles Cadwallader, of Ray-