Harmon and Catherine (Haabine) Hauptman, who also looked to the Fatherland as the land of their birth. Their daughter Anna was the second of seven children born to them in their native land, and accompanied them to this county, she being at the time about twenty years of age.
   In 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Stukenholtz migrated to Jefferson County, Wis., but the following year came to this State, settling on the unbroken prairie, which was at that time entirely destitute of houses, homes, churches, schools, government or law, and almost of settlers. Life was held very cheap, and a shooting caused little or no remark. He took up a claim of eighty acres, and went to work with the splendid result that is apparent to all by a glance at his admirably cultivated and fertile, productive farm.
   The family circle of our subject included eight children, viz: An infant stillborn; Annie P., Harman H. (both deceased), Mary E., John F., Charles H., Ida (deceased) and Carrie. Mary P. is married to John Wellberger, of Otoe Precinct, and they have three little ones, whose names are Addie S., Nelson and Charles E. Carrie is the wife of John Maag of this precinct, and is the mother of one child, Ethel M.
   The religious home of our subject and his wife is within the pale of the German Methodist Episcopal Church in Nebraska City, of which organization they were charter members, and our subject has been a Trustee from its commencement. He is not a leader in politics, but is a student and lover of the institutions and government of his adopted country, and always votes with the Republican party on National questions.

RS. ANN MARTIN has been for many years identified with the various interests of Otoe County, and is a lady of intelligence and culture, an earliest temperance advocate, and very highly esteemed member of society. Her home is situated upon section 28 of Otoe Precinct. Her parents, Richard and Grace (Balch) Hodges, were natives of England, and were the parents Of six children, five of whom came to this country with their parents. Their first home in the New World was in Tompkins County, or, as it is now called, Schuyler County, N. Y. The names of their children are as follows: Elizabeth, Janes; Palmice, who died in infancy; Ann, Maria and John R.
   The nativity of Mrs. Martin dates from the 7th of July, 1832, and her place of birth was near the city of Bath, Somerset County, England. When she came to America she was about eight years of age, and received her education in the common schools of this county, attending also at Peach Orchard Academy, Schuyler County. Her mother died in the year 1847, at the age of fifty-nine years. The subject of our sketch began teaching in Schuyler County upon being graduated from the academy, and afterward taught in Chemung County, and continued to follow this profession in all about three years.
   In 1853, while upon a visit to her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Jaquish, who resided at Barrington, in Cook County, Ill., our subject met Mr. John Winyard, to whom she was afterward married. This gentleman was born in England on the 21st of December, 1827. He came to this country from England in 1849, and was farming in Cook County at the time the acquaintance began.
   Mr. and Mrs. Winyard came to this State with their two children in 1858. They did intend to settle in Kansas, but becoming disgusted with the State after a short acquaintance, it being right in the midst of the Kansas and Nebraska troubles, they departed from their original intention and located three miles northwest of Palmyra Village, and Mrs. Winyard's husband died July 18, 1871. The father of Mrs. Winyard accompanied them to Nebraska; he died at the residence of his daughter in 1858. They were the parents of the following children: Amelia M.; Carrie E., who died when five years old; Libbie E., who died when two months old; Hettie J., Grace E. and May A.
   Of the above-named children Amelia is now the wife of John Meek, a resident of Otoe Precinct; she had previously been married to John Carr, by whom she became the mother of two children--Ole F. and Preston W.; Hettie J. was the wife of Clarence B. Casselman, the well-known hardware merchant of Hendricks; she died in 1886, leaving two

children--Winnie M. and Frank W. Grace E. is now Mrs. Milton Meek, and lives on the old homestead; she has presented her husband with one bright, beautiful child, who bears the name Carlton L. May A., who still makes her home with her mother, is single.
   The second marriage of our subject was celebrated in 1873, when she became the wife of Mr. Hiram Martin. He was a native of Oneida County, N. Y. Of this marriage one child was born, whose name is Maude L. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Congregational Church at Camp Creek, and is one of the prominent workers of the W. C. T. U.. which has been in running order in this place for over two years. In this she is joined by her daughters, who are all actively engaged in the temperance cause, and are recognized leaders therein.

HRISTOPIIER OELKE. Among the German-American citizens of Otoe Precinct, few are more loyal to the institutions and government of their adopted country, of higher character or more successful in business undertakings, than he whose life is herein sketched succinctly. His home and farm are upon section 7 of the above precinct. His property comprises 134 acres.
   The subject of our sketch is the youngest of twelve children born to John and Catharine (Myer) Oelke. He was born on the 24th of February, 1843. When his parents came to this country he was nine years of age. Their home was made in Clayton County, Iowa, where, about seven years later, his father died. After that event our subject began to work out upon the neighboring farms by the month. The following year he accompanied his brother-in-law, Henry Hyer, and came to this State, where he followed the same course. The next year he went to Pike's Peak, but not being so successful as he anticipated he went to Virginia City, Mont., and worked in the silver mines for two years in the employ of a company.
   Leaving Montana Mr. Oelke went prospecting for himself, and developed a gulch mine on Silver Creek, and is reputed to have been the first to discover silver on that creek, which was named by him on account of that event. Being desirous of making a change he sold his mine and bought stock in the Virginia City mines, but this was not a successful move.
   In 1865 the subject of our sketch returned to Nebraska and embarked in farming. In 1873 he celebrated his marriage with Miss Catharine Theile, the daughter of Frank and Margaret (Walder) Theile. She was born near Hamburg, and did not come to this country until 1870, when she was twenty years of age, and came to Nebraska City. Her sister Lydia accompanied her in this long journey, and both lived for a time in Nebraska City, There have been born nine children of this union, whose names are recorded as follows: Mary, Carl, Maggie, Chris Henry, Louis, Taylor, Arthur, Frank and Harry (twins).
   Mr. Oelke purchased 160 acres in 1880, and when the Missouri Pacific railroad was built he sold twenty-six acres to that railroad for a town site, at $75 per acre, on which is located the station and village of Paul. This left him his present property of 134 acres, and since that time, by patient, persevering industry, he has brought it from an unimproved condition to its present productive, fertile state. His last improvement was the erection of a very pleasant and commodious one and a half story frame dwelling, which is designed to meet every requirement of home life, so far as such is possible. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has so been for many years, although not taking a very prominent place in political affairs. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Oelke are members of the German Lutheran Church, where they are much esteemed, as they are indeed wherever they me known.

RUNE BRUNS. The property of this well-to-do farmer of Rock Creek Precinct comprises 160 acres of fertile land, embracing the northwest quarter of section 20. Of late years he has been giving especial attention to stock-raising, and keeps some excellent breeds of cattle and hogs. He has been a resident of this county for a period of twenty-six years, coming to Nebraska with his parents during its Territorial

days. He located on his present farm in March, and during a comparatively brief residence upon it has effected some fine improvements.
   The parents of our subject, Ocke and Fancy (Wallmann) Bruns, were born in what was then the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, which was also, the birthplace of their son Brune, where he first opened his eyes to the light Nov. 15, 1853, and was the eldest son of a family of five children. They set out for the United States in the summer of 1862, when our subject was a lad of nine years, embarking on a sailing vessel, landing seven weeks later in the city of New York. They made their way directly to Nebraska, the father selecting a tract of land on section 19 of McWilliams Precinct, this county, where he became owner of 170 acres, from which he has built up a comfortable homestead, and where, with his estimable wife, he still lives. The father is sixty-six years old and the mother fifty-six. Both are members in good standing of the Lutheran Church, and people greatly respected in their community.
   The first lessons of our subject were conducted in the schools of his native Province, but his education was completed in McWilliams Precinct, this County. Here also he was reared to manhood, and married Miss Gesine Varenhorst, who was born near the town of Etzel, Hanover, June 20, 1854. Her parents were Phillip and Gesine (Wall) Varenhorst. They were of pure German ancestry, and still continue residents of their native Empire, the father pursuing his calling of agriculturist, and being now quite well advanced in years.
   Mrs. Brims was reared to womanhood in her native Province, and came alone to America when twenty years of age. She also proceeded directly westward across the Mississippi to this county, and lived with her husband's parents in McWilliams Precinct until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there were born five children, the second of whom, a son, Rudolph, died when a bright and interesting lad of nine years. The survivors are three daughters and one son, and named respectively: Fanny, Lena, Anna and Ocke. Mr. and Mrs. Bruns, like their parents before them, are connected with the Lutheran Church, and our subject politically independent, aiming to support the men whom he considers best qualified for office. He is a quiet and unassuming citizen, having no desire for official honors, preferring to give his undivided attention to his home and his family. He has fulfilled all the obligations of an honest man and a good citizen, being prompt in his business transactions, and a member of the community whose word is considered as good as his bond.

ON. LOUIS HOEBEL, President of the Bank of Syracuse, and widely known throughout the county as one of the large grain dealers, having his headquarters at Hildreth and Upland, was born in Freeport, Stephenson Co., Ill., on the 17th of December, 1842. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Hoebel. who were natives of Bavaria, Germany, where they grew to years of maturity and were married. In the year 1842 they determined to emigrate to the New World, and upon effecting their purpose settled upon a farm near Freeport. Mr. Hoebel, Sr., became the owner of 140 acres of good farming land, which he was enabled to bring to an almost perfect condition for agricultural purposes. He erected first-class buildings for the various requirements of the farm, and also a comfortable farm residence.
   The father of our subject died in the year 1882, after an active, and upon the whole, prosperous life of eighty-two years, having survived his wife, the mother of our subject, since the year 1857. They were the parents of six children, all of whom attained to years of maturity. but of whom two, Peter and John, are now deceased. The surviving members of the family are: Jacob, whose home is in Stephenson County, Ill.; Phillips, who resides in Benton County, Iowa; Catherine, now Mrs. Spratler, and Louis, the subject of this sketch.
   The early years of the youth and manhood of our subject were spent in his native county. He was brought upon his father's farm, and attended the public school near by. Between the two the work of his education went on, and when he was fifteen years of age he started to learn the trade of a tinner. This he followed at Freeport until he attained his majority, when he went to Benton County, Iowa,

and engaged in the hardware business with his brother, and continued therein until the 1st of January, 1880. Our subject then came to Syracuse, and associated himself with Walter Peet as a partner in a banking-house, which they established, and which has become an incorporated bank, and is that over which our subject now presides. In 1886 he embarked in the grain trade at Hildreth and Upland, to which he has since given much of his time and attention. To say that he is successful is almost unnecessary, for the record of his life is that whatever he has undertaken he has conducted to a desirable finish.
   Mr. Hoebel became the husband of Katie Sauer, at Freeport, in June, 1865. This lady, who is the daughter of Ambrose and Terisa Sauer, was born at Baden-Baden, April 30, 1845. When her parents came to this country she was twelve years of age. They first settled at Freeport, Ill., and engaged in farming. There have been born to our subject four children, whose names are as follows: Carrie, Ida, Fred and Edwin.
   The political relations of our subject are with the Democratic party. He was enthusiastically elected to represent his district in the Lower House of the State Legislature. He has also served one term in the State Senate. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and is well received in it by his fellows. In addition to his other business interests he is President of the Upland Banking Company, at Upland. He resides upon his farm, which is pleasantly situated near Syracuse, and is an extensive landowner in other parts of this State and Kansas. He is a man of character, of business qualities, shrewd, of large intelligence, and one respected and esteemed by all.

HADAMANTHUS H. SCOFIELD, Principal of the public schools at Syracuse, traces his ancestry back to England, whence the first representatives of the family in this country emigrated to America during its Colonial days. History records the fact that some time between 1594 and 1600 a boy was born in England, among whose descendants are now found noted Generals, eminent divines, and bright lights in nearly every calling or profession in which man is engaged. The name of this boy was Daniel Scofield, and he must have been a venturesome lad, as it is believed he took passage in the "Mayflower," which landed on Plymouth Rock in December, 1620. There have now elapsed 268 years, and the Scofield family is scattered over the whole length and breadth of the land, having reached the tenth generation, of which our subject is a representative, and who probably aggregate 500 souls. Some time ago they formed an association for the purpose of holding annual reunions and preserving their records. The first meeting was held in 1866, at which time eighty-five members were present. The year following the meeting included 151 members, and the third session was attended by 212. The next meeting, appointed for Aug. 16, 1889, is to be held at the home of Levi Loomis, in Ashville, N. Y.
   Seymour Scofield, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Greenfield, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1805, and enjoys the distinction of being the oldest living member of his race, although they are noted for longevity. He grew to manhood, becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits, and married Miss Eliza Scofield, a distant relative. During the year 1844 they took up their residence in Jefferson County, N. Y., where the father eliminated a good farm from the heavy timber. In 1856 he changed his residence to Chautaugua County, where he now resides, and though crippled in his lower limbs, possesses all his mental faculties in a high degree, and is a fine, handsome, intelligent and high-spirited old gentleman. The faithful and affectionate wife and mother, who has journeyed with him for a period of fifty-seven years, is also living, and although seventy-seven years of age, looks as young as a lady of sixty.
   This aged and honored pair became the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living, and residents mostly of New York and Pennsylvania. Rhadamanthus H., our subject, was their fourth child, and was born at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Oct. 27, 1839. He was but a boy when the family removed to Chautauqua County, and there secured his education in the common schools and academies. His

parents being in limited circumstances, he made his own living from *early youth, employing himself at whatever he could find to do, and paying his way through school. He finally developed into a teacher, and having a thirst for learning, succeeded finally in entering the State Normal School, of Edinboro, Pa., where he was nearly prepared for graduation at the outbreak of the Rebellion. This crisis in the nation's history aroused the patriotism of the students generally, and our subject, with others, enlisted in a Pennsylvania regiment of infantry, but on account of physical disability was in a short time discharged.
   Young Scofield now resumed teaching in his native State for a time, and then visited Whiteside County, Ill., where he taught one term. The excitement of the oil discovery in Pennsylvania being now at its height, he visited the region where wells were being developed, but after experimenting there for a time, concluded there was nothing for him in that region, and returning to Illinois, taught school during the winter seasons, and spent his vacations in traveling over different States. While residing in Morrison, Ill., he made the acquaintance of Miss Lottie McDearmon, to whom he was married in September, 1868. Mrs. Scofield was born in Aurora, N. Y., on the 22d of March, 1840, and early in life removed with her parents to Chicago, Ill., and later to Whiteside County, that State, where she was graduated from Mt. Carroll Seminary.
   Mr. and Mrs. Scofield after their marriage settled in Chautauqua, N. Y., and our subject devoted himself to teaching. Later he assumed charge of the public schools at Blairstown, Iowa, and subsequently held the same position at Iowa Falls and Sidney, that State. In 1883 he invested in land in Madison County, Neb., and had then made up his mind to become a tiller of the soil. He was obliged to abandon this project on account of the failing health of his wife. He then took charge of the school. at Madison, but was soon compelled to resign his position. Mrs. Lottie Scofield departed this life at her home at Madison, April 2, 1885, leaving four small children--Ralph, Ernest, Hattie and Bertha. The home of our subject was then broken up, and his little girls were sent to Portland, Ore., to live with an aunt, while Ralph remained in Madison and Ernest was taken into the home of an uncle living in Missouri. For some time after Mr. Scofield was unable to confine himself to any one place, but in 1886 was called to take charge of the schools at Syracuse, which he arranged according to the graded system, and in 1888 graduated a class of four members.
   On the 7th of June, 1887, Mr. Scofield contracted it second marriage, with Mrs. Juana L. Sanderson, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, but came to the United States with her parents when quite young. She is a lady of excellent education, and has followed teaching for some years. She has been since her marriage associated with her husband as assistant teacher in the schools of Syracuse.
   The Scofields, from father to son, through many generations, have been stanch supporters of Democratic doctrines, and our subject is no exception to the rule. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and a social, genial, intelligent gentleman, who numbers his friends by scores, and whose home is a most attractive resort for the cultivated element of society.

HOMAS ANDREWS, of Russell Precinct, owns and operates a snug farm of 101 acres on section 30. His homestead is one illustrative of peace and contentment, and his domestic affairs are presided over by a lady of more than ordinary abilities, both as a helpmate and housekeeper, the dwelling within being a picture of taste, cleanliness and beauty. St. Paul, during his journeyings and philosophizings, once remarked that "Cleanliness is next to godliness," and the intelligent individual will heartily coincide with him in this sentiment. Mrs. Andrews evidently believes entirely in the truth of it, and carries it out in her daily life.
   Mr. and Mrs. Andrews are approaching the afternoon of lives which have been well spent, during which they have lived at peace among their neighbors, and shed a good influence around them. Our subject is the eldest of twelve children, the offspring of Bartholomew and Philamela (Merriam) Andrews, who were natives of Litchfield, Conn., the father born in 1790, and the mother five years

later, in 1795. The paternal grandfather, Lyman Andrews, was of English ancestry, but born in Connecticut, and the maternal grandfather, Thomas Merriam, was also a native of Connecticut, where it is supposed he spent his entire life.
   Bartholomew Andrews when a young man twenty-two years of age was drafted into the army during the War of 1812, but on account of illness was unable to serve. He had in the meantime with his parents taken up his residence in Saratoga County, N. Y., to which they had migrated when he was a little lad four years of age. There the parents of our subject were married. In 1815 they moved to Onondaga County, N. Y., where the father purchased sixty acres of heavily timbered land, from which he cleared a farm, where he erected a sawmill, and by means of the two together accumulated a fine property. There he spent the remainder of his days, his death taking place Oct. 12, 1867. The mother survived her husband a period of eighteen years, remaining a widow, and died on the 13th of April, 1885, at the advanced age of ninety.
   The twelve children of the parental family were as follows: Thomas, our subject; Gamsey; Hannah, deceased; Noah; Caroline and Lavina, deceased; Edwin, Titus; Curtis, deceased; Solomon, Clarissa and Almira, the two latter also deceased. Solomon during the Civil War enlisted in the 3d Iowa Battery, which was stationed most of the time around Little Rock, Ark., and after the expiration of his first term of enlistment volunteered the second time. He is now in Iowa. The surviving members of the family are mostly residents of Nebraska and New York.
   Thomas Andrews, our subject, the eldest child of his parents, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., April 14, 1817. He made his home with his parents until reaching his majority, in the meantime receiving a common-school education. He then learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for a period of ten years. He was married while a resident of New York State, after which he followed farming two years, then going to Walworth County, Wis., resumed his trade and lived there also two years, at the same time carrying on farming in a modest way.
   In 1853 our subject, seized with the gold fever, made his way to California, and in company with his brother staking a claim in Sacramento County, was engaged most of the time thereafter for a period of ten years in hunting for the yellow ore. Not withstanding his perseverance he met with indifferent success, and 1863 found him on his way to his old home in Onondaga County, N. Y. He lived there three years, then moved to Wisconsin.
   In 1875, once more crossing the Mississippi, Mr. Andrews purchased 240 acres of land in Keokuk County, Iowa, in partnership with his brother, which they operated together until 1877, and then Thomas disposed of his interest in the property to his brother. With the proceeds he purchased 160 acres in Jefferson, Iowa, which he sold in 1884, and determined to experiment upon the soil of Nebraska. The result was his purchase of the homestead which he now owns and occupies. Upon this he has made great improvements, setting out groves and an orchard and hedge, and otherwise gathering together the appliances forming the complete rural home. He has of late years given his attention largely to stock-raising, dealing in cattle, hogs and horses, the latter embracing the celebrated Hambletonians and Clydesdales.
   Mr. Andrews was first married in Onondaga, N. Y., Feb. 28, 1847, to Miss Julia A., daughter of Oliver and Clarissa F. Hill, who was born in that county Jan. 10, 1824. Her parents were natives respectively of Vermont and New York State, and the father a cabinet-maker by trade. They spent their last years in New York. Of this marriage there was born one child only, Julia A., who is now the wife of John McGonogel, and resides in Onondaga County. N. Y; they have two children. Mrs. Julia A. Andrews departed this life at her home in New York, in 1848.
   Our subject and his present wife, who in her girlhood was Miss Mary A. Rush, were united in marriage in Keokuk County, Iowa, May 9, 1869; Mrs. Mary Andrews was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., Jan. 10, 1844, and is the daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Auttman) Rush, who were also natives of that county. They moved to Iowa in 1858, where the father followed farming, and where he is still living, being now seventy years of age. The mother died Aug. 28, 1888. of this union of