cheerful in his contributions for the support of the Gospel. As an Elder and church officer he was and diligent, cautious in forming a judgment, but his opinion when formed was the result of careful consideration. Good will was in his heart, and ever found expression in his words and acts of kindly helpfulness. He was a man of sterling worth and uncompromising fidelity to principle. In the simplicity of his manner there was a grandeur and strength of character not to be mistaken, and in the broad and generous sympathies of his heart there was that true sincerity that crowns the greatness of Christian manhood. He was a faithful, fond, loving and tender husband; a good, kind, consistent, indulgent and affectionate father. He was never absorbed with worldly affairs. He was always intent on the life of the mind and of the heart for himself and his family. He spared no pains in the training of his children, and was earnest in the cultivation of piety in his family. He lived to see a large, prosperous and enterprising town grow, aided by his own work, where had been dense woods and a wilderness; fruitful fields and prosperous villages where naught but the bare prairies were to be seen when he came to the then infant Territory. In his old age he could not boast of worldly success, but enjoyed a moderate competence, and he gathered around his Thanksgiving table nearly a score of children and grandchildren, who looked up to him with reverence and affection. By all who knew him, but especially by the inner circle of his own home, will he be ever remembered as a man of unswerving trust, inflexible integrity, of unflinching fidelity in all life's relations, and of tender, ever-deepening affections. No richer heritage could any parent bequeath to a child than the memory of such a character.
   As a Christian Mr. McMechan was deeply attached to and interested in the welfare of the church of his choice, devoted, calmest, zealous and faithful, and his religions life was not one of ostentatious profession, but of humility and quiet piety. He made the Bible a study, and could recite whole chapters, which he had committed to memory in his youth. His love for the Psalms was peculiarly strong, and he had memorized the entire metrical version, as sung in the United Presbyterian Church, and taught them to his children. Of his life and its successes let it be written: "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." When his evening came the clouds in his sky were golden. The setting sun of life lighted them up with a radiance that heralded a blessed immortality.
   Mrs. Matilda McMechan, relict of John McMechan, died Feb. 5, 1886, from the effect of a fall consequent to paralysis, at "Headwood," the family residence in Otoe County, near Nebraska City, aged seventy-eight years, ten months and twenty-three days. She was the eldest daughter of David Ballentine, and a direct descendant of Lord John Ballentine; she was born March 12,1807, at "Headwood," the family estate near Belfast, Ireland. In 1814 the family came to the United States and settled in Ogdensburg, N. Y., where she and her only sister, Agnes (Nancy), and her four brothers, William, John, Henry and David, the two latter twins, were educated. When she was seventeen years of age the family removed to Zanesville, Ohio, and there, when eighteen years old, she united with the United Presbyterian Church. She was united in marriage with John McMechan, April 24, 1827, at Zanesville.
   The family moved to the West in 1842, living at Glasgow, Mo., until 1846, then removed to St. Louis, living there until 1853, and in the autumn of that year moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and in October, 1854, they came to Nebraska Territory, settling in Kearney City, which Mr. McMechan laid out, and which is to-day part of Nebraska City. Mrs. McMechan had ten children, six sons and four daughters. Of these, two walked before her through the valley of the shadow of death; John and Rachel died in infancy. The eight living are: Mary Jane, now Mrs. Alexander E. McCormett, in New Orleans, La.; Annie Clarke, residing at "Headwood," the family residence; David Ballentine, in Kansas City, Mo.; John Henry. living at "Headwood," the family residence; Andrew Charles, Lieutenant U. S. N.; Matilda, Mrs. S. H. Calhoun, in Nebraska City, Neb.; William Ballentine and Edwin Ethridge, in Kansas City, Mo. Two of her brothers survive her: William Ballentine, of Kansas City, Mo., and Henry Ballentine, of Mariposa County, Cal. David Mc-

Mechan, in 1857, opened the first hardware store in Nebraska City, and was also the first south of the Platte.
   Mrs. McMechan was possessed of an amiable, loving, retiring and charitable disposition, gentle in manners, kind and sympathetic, refined and intelligent to the highest degree, and endowed with excellent judgment, active and efficient in every good work. As a Christian woman, a Christian wife and a Christian mother, she was a model, and truly worthy of imitation. While she rests from her labors, by her life we may hear her saying to us, in words of inspiration; "Be diligent, that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot and blameless." When she went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, there was no Bible Class in the Presbyterian Sabbath-school there, but she soon organized one and taught it during her residence in that place. When the family, removed to Nebraska she, with her husband and family, organized in Kearney City the first denominational (United Presbyterian) Sabbath-school in the then infant Territory, and she taught the first Bible Class. In 1877 she and her husband united with the Presbyterian Church at Nebraska City, there being no United Presbyterian Church there.
   For three years before her death Mrs. McMechan was unable, because of physical weakness and failing sight, to attend church, but while thus deprived of the privileges of meeting with God's people in His own house, doubtless He made her own home a little sanctuary, where He met with her and blessed her. It was her custom to gather her family together and have then, read the Bible. which was read through yearly, and afterward would be read several sermons from the bound volumes of the Pulpit, a United Presbyterian periodical. She had very clear views of Gospel truth, being a diligent Bible student all her life until within ten years of her death, when failing sight prevented her searching the Scriptures. In her girlhood she had memorized the Gospels and the metrical version of David's Psalms, as sung in the United Presbyterian Church. These with the catechism she taught her children, and when she could no longer see to read she would repeat entire passages of Scripture and the psalms from memory; her joy was to sing the twenty-third Psalm.
   While rising from her seat in her sitting-room on the afternoon of the 19th of January, 1886, to receive some visitors, she fell, fracturing the right thigh bone, the fall being caused by a paralytic stroke of the lower limbs. She lingered until the afternoon of the 5th of February, bearing her suffering with great fortitude, and with full possession of all her reasoning faculties, and conscious until a few hours of her death, which she, like a good and true Christian, calmly awaited, sleeping quietly and sweetly away without pain or struggle. She need a no eulogy to hallow her memory, no marble monument to keep her in remembrance. She lives in the hearts of all who knew her. Her monument is already built: a noble, intelligent, charitable and consistent Christian character. Upon it in letters of light are inscribed the words for us all to read; "Be then faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
   The subject of this sketch was but an infant when his parents moved to Missouri; he was twelve years of age when they took up their residence in Council Bluffs, and fifteen years old when they moved to Nebraska. The wild, sparsely settled Territory of that day bore but little resemblance to the wealthy and populous State of to-day. The settlements were then mostly confined to the river, and the whole interior of the State was a wild, open prairie inhabited by Indians. Deer were plentiful on the plains only a short distance from the city, and with other wild game often set forth the table of the pioneer. In 1859 Mr. McMechan commenced freighting across the plains, taking corn that he had raised himself on the farm, in two wagons, with a pair of horses to each wagon, and delivering it in Denver at fourteen cents a pound. He made but one trip that year, and during the winter was engaged in teaming flour from Winterset, Iowa. From 1860 until 1863 he had charge of his father's freighting business. In the fall of 1860 he engaged in a wholesale grocery business in Denver, with his brother David. In the spring of 1863 they were burned out there, and then they returned to Nebraska City and established themselves in the hardware business, which they continued together until 1869, when our subject took charge of his father's homestead, and he has ever

since been engaged in general farming with gratifying success. The farm is located two miles south of the court-house in Nebraska City, and contains 160 acres of the richest and most productive land to be found in this locality. The residence is a commodious brick house, pleasantly located on a rise of ground, overlooking a beautiful stretch of country. There is quite a variety of trees in the yard, some of which were planted by the father of our subject, and all of them were planted during his lifetime.
   Mr. McMechan's shrewd common sense, and his industrious, methodical habits have been prominent factors in his success in life. He is upright and conscientious in his dealings, and his neighbors find in him a man to respect and esteem.
   The portraits of John and Matilda McMechan are presented in connection with this sketch.

HARLES C. COWLES, prominent and successful as a farmer, intelligent and capable as a business man, and one of the most valued members of his community, is numbered among the old and honored residents of Wyoming Precinct, where he has a fine tract of 320 acres of land, on section 14, and which is familiarly known as "Sunnyside Farm." Some idea of its beauty and value may be obtained from the fact that at one of the State Fairs it was awarded the first prize in point of improvement and natural resources. The residence is a handsome two-story frame structure with basement, finished and furnished in modern style, and with its surroundings forms one of the most complete homes to be seen within the boundaries of the county. The barn and other out-buildings are equipped with all conveniences required for the proper sheltering of stock and storing of grain. Adjacent to these is fine apple orchard of 1,200 bearing trees, in prime condition and yielding bountifully. There is also an abundance of smaller fruits in their season. The property lies about seven miles northwest of Nebraska City, and forms one of the most attractive pictures in the landscape of this region. Our subject came to this part of the county in spring of 1857, ten years before Nebraska was admitted into the Union as a State, and when his youthful companions were little Indian boys of the Otoe tribe. They had their little "set-to's," as youngsters will, and when the battle raged too strong the squaws came out and chased away the white boys. Upon one occasion, when the conflict was a little more serious than usual, our subject was threatened by an old warrior with losing his scalp, and, as may be supposed, hied himself to a place of safety as soon as convenient.
   The entire life of Mr. Cowles has mostly been spent on the banks of the Missouri, except the period spent in the mountains, he having been born in Atchison County, Mo., Dec. 18, 1849. His parents were Charles H. and Mary (Martin) Cowles, and he was the second son and child. The father, a farmer by occupation, died at his home in Wyoming Precinct, April 14,1888, when nearly seventy years old. (See sketch of C. H. Cowles.) He had been a resident of Nebraska for a period of thirty-four years, coming here in the spring of 1854. Until 1857 he lived in Nebraska City, when it was but a hamlet, but finally moved onto a farm in Wyoming Precinct, where he followed agricultural pursuits and became a prominent man in his community. The wife and mother is still living at the old homestead.
   Mr. Cowles after leaving the district school entered Tabor College, Iowa, but in the meantime had taken a course in the Normal School at Peru. He was naturally fond of study, and made the most of his opportunities, and at the close of his last school term was well fitted for the future business of life. The first employment to which he turned his attention was in connection with a nursery at Bloomington, Ill., which he operated about five years.
   In the fall of 1876 Mr. Cowles, desirous of seeing something more of the Great West, crossed the plains by rail, and spending some time in Colorado, returned home in the fall of 1880. He then took a trip East, traveling considerably over the Eastern States, then returning home again, set out for New Mexico, and spent some time in its mining regions, where he invested a portion of his capital, and from which he realized good returns. About 1887 he returned to this county, and took possession of the land which he now owns and occupies.

While residing in New Mexico Mr. Cowles engaged quite largely in stock-raising and ranching. He owns four separate ranches, which he still operates, besides owning a sixth interest in a large company doing an extensive ranch business. His home place was thirty miles west of Socorro, at Magdalena, the terminus of the Magdalena Branch of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. He also owns some valuable mining property in that district.
   Our subject, on the 7th of July, 1885, was united in marriage with Miss Lilly, White, at Zanesville, Ohio. This lady was born there Feb. 13, 1859, and is the daughter of Homer and Small J. (Cassidy) White, who are still living, and residents of Zanesville. Mr. White is a prominent insurance man, having been connected with some of the best companies in the United States, and being particularly expert in the adjustment of claims.
   Mrs. Cowles was carefully educated in her native town, and was graduated from Zanesville High School in the class of '78. Later she became a teacher, and was very successful, occupying a position in the public schools of her native City for a period of seven years before her marriage. Of her union with our subject there are two children: Fayzette Mae, who was born Sept. 17, 1886, and Clayton Earl, July 13, 1888. Mrs. C. is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church, and a very estimable lady, who has hosts of friends in this vicinity. Our subject is a sound Republican, politically, but has no aspirations for office, and has very little to do with matters beyond the boundaries of his large estate, which can only be properly managed by close attention and calculation.

EORGE W. BROWN is one of the prominent farmers in Otoe Precinct, and one of the early pioneers of Nemaha County in 1865. He removed to this county in 1867, and established himself on his present farm, which comprises 160 acres, and is situated on section 17. Upon this he has made excellent improvements, and is one of the well-to-do citizens. He played no mean part in the earlier history of the Territory, which is all the more creditable to him, because whatever has been accomplished in his life has been the result of his own ambition and continued effort, in which he has been supported by his wife, a most excellent lady, devoted to her husband and children.
   The parents of our subject were Thomas and Margaret (Phillips) Brown, both natives of Cumberland County, Pa. There they were married and lived until 1856, when they came to this State, bringing with them their two sons, John P. and George, the latter being at that time about twenty years of age. Besides these they had two other children, viz: Mary S. and Eliza Jane, who were born in Pennsylvania. Mary is the wife of Martin L. Smith, of Federalsburg, Md., and Eliza Jane is the wife of Dr. John Cleland, of Davenport, Iowa.
   The native place of our subject is Bloomfield, Perry Co., Pa., and the date of his birth the 22d of February, 1832. He grew up at Carlisle, Pa., where his father had a farm, upon which, especially after school days had passed, the two brothers assisted their father, and continued until the older brother went to Washington City to learn the carpentry trade.
   In 1853 the subject of our sketch joined his brother at Davenport, Iowa, where he was established in business. There he engaged in milling and worked by the month. In 1865 he came to Nemaha County and engaged in farm work, two years later removing to this county, where he rented a farm, but was shortly established upon his present property.
   Our subject had not been long in Otoe County before he made the acquaintance of Myra, daughter of J. G. and Julia (Layman) Carmichael (see sketch of Mr. Carmichael). Mrs. Brown was born on the 8th of December, 1844, in Mifflin County, Va., and was nine years of age when her parents removed West. After passing through the classes of the common school, she took the High School course at Nebraska City, and made exceedingly good progress. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were married at the residence of her parents, on the 26th of September, 1861, at Minersville, Otoe Precinct.
   There have come to Mr. and Mrs. Brown eleven children, whose names are as follows; Abbie T.,

Mary; Eddie, who died when six months old; Thomas, Jennie; Lora. who died at the agent four years; George Franklin, William, Ida, Maude and Carl. Abbie T. is the wife of Jewett Thomas, one of the successful merchants of Nebraska City, and they are the parents of two children--Minnie and Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Brown may be justly proud of their children to whom they have been enabled to give a good education, and who appreciate all the care and provision made for them by their parents.
   When Mr. Brown looks back to his beginning in Nebraska, it must be with exceeding thankfulness, remembering that he started with but $2.50, and that to-day, with his productive, well-kept farm, his beautiful home, his wife and children, he is among the most prospered and happily situated of the citizens of the county. During the past year (1888) he erected a very fine two-story frame house, very commodious and comfortable. It is supplied with the numerous appliances and conveniences generally considered almost indispensable to the modern home. Beloved by his family, and respected in the community at large, he stands in the front of Otoe's citizens. In politics he is a stanch Republican. The family attend the Southern Methodist Church.

RED SHRADER, an extensive land-owner of Berlin Precinct, possesses the warrantee deed to 1,000 acres, and operates 200 besides, his home being within two miles of the town. He Is a popular and public-spirited citizen, intelligent and liberal, and in all respects a useful member of his community. Of German birth and ancestry, he is the son of Christ and Sophia (Harra) Shrader, who were natives of the Prussian Province of Mecklenburg, the father born in 1795 and the mother in 1805. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Shrader, was a farmer by occupation, and spent his entire life upon his native soil, dying at a ripe old age.
   The father of our subject, when a youth of seventeen years, enlisted in the German Army, serving against Napoleon. After the war was over he returned to his native town and became a weaver of custom work, which trade he prosecuted successfully until the year 1862, and became owner of a small farm. On the 15th of October of the year mentioned Christ Shrader started with his family for America, and shortly after landing in New York City proceeded to Cleveland, Ohio, where he settled and lived seven months. Next he moved to Lee County, Ill., and spent his last years with his children near Dixon, his death occurring in September, 1869. The mother survived her husband until 1875, coming to Nebraska and spending her last days with her children; she died when seventy years old. The six children of the parental family were: Sophia, a resident of this county; Mary, who lives in Cleveland, Ohio; Dora, living in this county; John, in Valparaiso, this State; Fred, our subject, and Henry, in Berlin.
   Our subject was born in the Province of Mecklenburg, Prussia, Sept. 20, 1843, and remained with his parents on their little farm until a youth of eighteen years, in the meantime receiving a thorough education in his native town. He came to America with his parents, crossing the Atlantic on the sailing vessel "Columbus," taking passage at Hamburg, and after a two-months voyage, in which they encountered several severe storms, landed safety in New York City. Fred remained with his parents in Cleveland during their stay there, then accompanied them to Lee County, Ill., and subsequently was employed on a farm two years. He then began operating rented land, and was thus occupied until March, 1869, when he determined to seek his fortunes on the other side of the Mississippi River.
   The first purchase of Mr. Shrader in this county was eighty acres of land in Berlin Precinct, upon which there had been no attempt at improvement. There was then not a mile of railroad west of the Missouri River. Mr. Shrader landed in this county with a cash capital of $4.75, and for two years after coming here operated rented land until he could begin the improvement of his purchase. Upon this he built a house, into which he removed in the spring of 1871, and thereafter proceeded vigorously in the task of building up a homestead. The nearest market was Nebraska City, and he battled with drouth, grasshoppers and other difficulties, making considerable headway, notwithstanding. He set out

groves of cottonwood and willow trees, and planted an orchard of 250 apple trees, and in due time the first humble dwelling was replaced by a substantial and modern residence, with barns and the other necessary out-buildings. Later he added to his landed area, buying in 1874 eighty acres adjoining his first purchase at $6.50 per acre; two years later he bought 160 acres adjoining which was improved, and for which he paid $2,000; in 1879 he bought 120 acres for $1,000; in 1880 he added 200 acres to his estate, paying for this the sum of $1,550; in 1882 he secured 160 acres for $2,200; in 1883 he bought the 160 acres adjoining for $1,850, and the year following he added 120 acres of highly improved land, for which he paid $2,800; his last purchase was in the spring of 1887, and comprised a quarter section under a high state of cultivation, for which he paid $5,000. His land altogether is now placed at an average value of $30 per acre.
   In the spring of 1888 our subject invested a portion of his spare capital in the merchandise store of Shrader Bros., in Berlin, an establishment which now carries $10,000 worth of goods, the largest stock in town, and enjoys a good patronage. In his farming transactions Mr. Shrader makes a specialty of live stock, buying and feeding cattle, and shipping annually about three cars of these, besides two or three cars of swine; he keeps about eighteen head of horses. To this industry is devoted about 480 acres of his land, while he lets the balance to a tenant.
   Our subject, while a resident of Lee County, Ill., was married, Feb. 14, 1869, to Miss Katie Albright, who was born in Somerset County, Pa., May 4, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. S. began their wedded life together in this county, and here their seven children were born, four sons and three daughters, namely: Emma, Ella, Albert, Charles, Fred, Sarah and Levi. Ella officiates as clerk in her father's store at Berlin; Charles also spends some of his time there. The other children remain at home with their father.
   On the 9th of March, 1888, our subject and his family were called to mourn the loss of the devoted wife and mother, a loss which was not only deeply felt by them, but by all who knew her. Mrs. Shrader was a lady possessing all the womanly virtues, fulfilling the duties of wife and mother in the most praiseworthy manner, being kind and gentle in her household and having the welfare of her children deeply at heart. She stood bravely by the side of her husband during his early struggles, being his efficient helpmate, a most kind counselor and wise adviser. She lived to see the country around them developed into a prosperous community, and to enjoy those home comforts which she had go justly earned by her toils and sacrifices, and her name is held in kindly remembrance not only by her family, but hosts of friends and acquaintances.
   Mr. Shrader has always kept himself well posted upon current events, and votes the straight Republican ticket. He takes considerable interest in politics, and has done good service for his party in this section, frequently being sent as a delegate to the county and State conventions. He has been a member of the School Board ten years, was Supervisor eight years, and Assessor two years. He was a charter member of the German Lutheran Church at Berlin, with which he is still connected, and gives liberally and cheerfully to its support. He is a Trustee of the church property, and besides contributing largely in the erection of the building, solicited money outside, and has given freely of his time and means in the general welfare and prosperity of the church. Berlin Precinct has within its borders no more useful or praiseworthy citizen.

ON. GEORGE FERGUSON, who is widely known throughout the county in his political relations, and who is at the head of a very successful business as dealer in stock, farm implements and vehicles in Dunbar, was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, on the 14th of August, 1845. He is the son of William and Agnes Ferguson, who were natives of the same country and district. His father, who is now deceased, came with his family to New York in 1848, and settled nineteen miles south of Buffalo, removing in the year 1854 to Guernsey County, Ohio.