raising, his animals including Short-horn cattle, Percheron horses and Poland-China swine. From these he realizes a handsome income.
   Mr. Hoagland has fulfilled in an admirable manner all the duties of an honest man and a good citizen, with one exception, and that is that he has never been married. He is, however, one of the jolliest old bachelors of Otoe County, and in the enjoyment of his single blessedness is surrounded by hosts of friends. His married sister, Mrs. Easley, presides over his domestic concerns, and her two sons, Frederick and George, live with them and serve to make the home circle bright and cheerful. They are smart and intelligent lads and attend the district school. The farm, with its well-fed animals and all the comforts of the modern rural home, presents a very attractive picture.

OHN WOLF. There are few homesteads in Otoe County more attractive or valuable than that of the subject of this sketch, a self-made man in the truest sense of the word.
   He came to Nebraska in 1867, comparatively without means, and from first principles has built up a fine property. Settling upon a tract of wild prairie land, he began the cultivation of the soil and the improvement of his property, and is now enjoying the rich reward of his labors, being surrounded with all the comforts of life and many of its luxuries. To his sensible and intelligent wife much credit is also due for the manner in which she has performed her part toward the building up of the homestead, the training of their children, and her studious care in watching over the welfare of their family. In their surroundings we have a picture of the modern home, blessed by comfort and plenty, and those endearing ties which make of the fireside the most sacred place on earth.
   The property of Mr. Wolf embraces 320 acres of highly cultivated land on sections 14 and 23, Berlin Precinct. To commence at the beginning of a most interesting career we learn that he is of German birth and parentage, a native of Mecklenburg, where he first opened his eyes to the light July 17, 1843. This Province was also the native place of his parents, Charles and Charlotte (Streu) Wolf, and of his grandfathers. Jacob Wolf and John Streu. The latter fought in the wars against Napoleon. Grandfather Wolf followed farming all his life, and to this pursuit reared his son Charles, and both, with the mother of our subject, spent their entire lives in their native Germany. The parents of Mr. Wolf died each at the age of forty-eight years, the mother died in 1852, and the father in 1862. Their six children were named respectively; Maria, who continues in her native Germany; Sophia, who died when twenty-four years old; Lena, residing in Michigan; John, our subject; George, deceased, and Christian.
   Mr. Wolf was given a thorough education in his native tongue, pursuing his studies from the early age of six years until a lad of fourteen. When leaving the school he began "paddling his own canoe," working at farming mostly until 1867. He then made up his mind to seek his fortune on the other side of the Atlantic. Bidding adieu to the friends of his childhood, he made his way to the city of Hamburg and engaged passage on the ocean steamer "Almania," which landed him, seventeen days later, in the city of New York. Thence he came directly to the new State of Nebraska, locating first in Cass County for a brief time, and later worked on a railroad in Iowa and Missouri, spending the winter in Nebraska. He was thereafter employed alternately, on a farm and on a railroad, and finally settled upon a tract of rented land in Berlin Precinct, which he operated two years. He purchased his present place of eighty acres in the spring of 1870. It was a tract of raw prairie, and in its transformation to the present beautiful farm there have been employed years of labor and thousands of dollars. Mr. Wolf has erected a good set of frame buildings, having to haul his material from Nebraska City. He has set out groves and an orchard of 200 apple trees, besides the finer shade and smaller fruit trees. His land is finely located, and amply watered by Sand Creek. In 1875 he purchased 168 acres adjoining the first, and two years later another eighty acres. It has all been brought to a productive condition, and of late years is mostly devoted to live stock,

Mr. Wolf feeding large numbers of cattle and swine, shipping annually of each a carload. He also has some fine horses, keeping usually about eight head. The homestead proper lies on section 14, and his other land is on section 23.
   The marriage of John Wolf and Miss Minnie Tesnow was celebrated at the home of the bride in Berlin Precinct, Sept. 16, 1868. Mrs. Wolf is a native of the same Province in Germany as her husband, and was born March 22, 1844. She came to America with her parents in 1867, and to Nebraska in the same year as her husband. Of their union there have been born six children, only three of whom are living, namely: Louis, Adolph and Emma. Their eldest-born, Frederick, was killed by lightning in the field in 1880, when twelve years old; John and Emma died when infants.
   Mr. Wolf, after becoming a naturalized citizen, identified himself with the Republican party, of which he is a firm adherent, and is frequently sent as a delegate to the County Conventions. He is an active member of the Lutheran Church, and gives liberally of his means for the support of the church and in the erection of its buildings. No man takes a warmer interest in furthering the public enterprises which shall tend to the moral and religious welfare of his community. The home of Mr. Wolf and his family is a remarkably pleasant resort, where friend and stranger alike are met with that courtesy indicative of good breeding and genuine hospitality.

HARLES F. HUNTER. In the career of this gentleman we have that of one who has traveled extensively in the Great West, and seen much of life on the frontier. He is now the owner of a snug farm on section 8 in Delaware Precinct, and takes special interest in the raising of stock, cattle and swine. In this branch of agriculture he is very successful, having the good judgment required in the selection of stock and their care and treatment.
   Our subject was born in Delaware County, Pa., Jan. 3, 1828, and is the son of William and Jennie (Davis) Hunter, the former of whom was a native of the same county as his son, and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. He was farmer by occupation, and departed this life, at his home in Pennsylvania in 1855. The mother died about 1839. The parental household included ten children, five of whom are deceased.
   William Hunter, Sr., the paternal grandfather of our subject, was the son of another William Hunter, who was of Scotch ancestry but born in England, and emigrated to the United States, settling in Pennsylvania probably during the Colonial days. On the mother's side the grandfather of our subject was Mordecai Davis, of Welsh ancestry. He spent his last years in Pennsylvania.
   Mr. Hunter acquired the rudiments of his education in his native county, and in the spring of 1851, when a young man of twenty-three years, leaving the Keystone State, made his way to Zanesville, Ohio. In the fall of that year, 1851, he returned home where he remained five years, but in the spring of 1856 turned his face once more toward the farther West. This time he crossed the Father of Waters, and settling in the embryo town of Burlington, Iowa, established a candle factory, which he operated a year, then changed his residence to Iowa City.
   In the fall of 1858 Mr. Hunter came to the Territory of Nebraska, and occupied himself at freighting to Utah until the spring of 1860. He then started out for the Territory of Utah with a team of six yoke of oxen, his destination being Ft. Crittenden. For a year thereafter he was in the employ of the Government, and afterward followed teaming over the Western States and Territories in the interests of a stage company. He went through to Ft. Hall in Washington Territory, then returning to Salt Lake City accepted the position of messenger for a stage company at a salary of $75 per month.
   The fall of 1864 found our subject in Nebraska City, where he employed himself until December, 1866. Thence he went to Davenport, Iowa, when he concluded to settle and engage in the employ the Government. With this in view he returned to Pennnsylvania the winter following and in spring of 1867 took his family to Davenport. They lived there until the spring of 1873, and then

Mr. Hunter changed his residence to Tama County, Iowa, where he occupied himself in farming and raising stock until April, 1879.
   Mr. Hunter now returned to Nebraska City, and concluded to make this county his future home. He purchased eighty acres of land, and began the development of the farm which is now the object of admiration by the passing traveler. He has neat and substantial buildings, and superintends his agricultural operations with that good judgment which has met with its legitimate reward in the building up of a most valuable and attractive homestead. He keeps about ten head of cattle, and a herd of forty swine, and from the proceeds of these enjoys a handsome income annnually (sic).
   The marriage of Charles F. Hunter and Miss Elizabeth P. Nuzum was celebrated at the home of the bride in Delaware County, Pa.. Feb. 21, 1867. Mrs. Hunter is the daughter of William and Sarah (Epright) Nuzum, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and are now deceased. She was born in October, 1829. Of her union with our subject there is one child, a son, William N., who was born Nov. 22, 1867, and is a young man gifted by nature with more than ordinary capabilities. He has received a good education, and possesses in a marked degree the business talents of his father, whom he assists in the carrying on of the farm and in his stock operations. The family is widely and favorably known throughout this region, where they enjoy the society of hosts of friends. Mr. Hunter votes the straight Democratic ticket, but has no desire for the responsibilities of office.

REDERICK H. BRAUER, Coronor of Otoe County, and also engaged as an undertaker in Nebraska City, is one of its most enterprising young business men, and one who at once attracts attention on account of the superior qualities of his mind and character. He is more than ordinarily intelligent, is well educated, refined and intellectual, and, surrounded by hosts of friends, evidently has before him a bright and promising career, united with these qualities is sound common sense, by which he is enabled to take a practical view of life, and adapt himself to its more serious business. He has been an industrious student and an extensive reader, and there are few then of his age who possess a finer fund of general information.
   Mr. Brauer came to Nebraska City in April of 1870, when a lad twelve years of age, directly from his native Germany. He was born near the town of Jeber, on the borders of the North Sea in the Duchy of Oldenburg, and is the son of Frederick H., Sr., and Anna Brauer, the former of whom died when a young man, leaving one child, Frederick H. The father was a stone-cutter by trade, and left his little family with moderate means. Our subject was then a little lad five or six years old. The mother continued at her old home a few years after the death of her husband, but in the spring of 1870 set sail for America. and, after landing in the city of Baltimore, proceeded directly to Nebraska, arriving in this county on the 3d of April. Two years later she contracted a second marriage, with Mr. Henry Burmeister, by whom she became the mother of one child, a daughter, Mary, who is now at home. The mother is still living in this city.
   Mr. Brauer applied himself closely to his books in the schools of Nebraska City, improving every opportunity to acquire useful information, and when leaving school by no means abandoned his education, this being carried on by the perusal of instructive books and the leading periodicals of the day. At the same time it was necessary that he should engage in some useful employment, and he began learning the business of undertaker and cabinet-maker with Mr. August Krieger, with whom he remained a period of three years. Subsequently he entered the employ of S. J. Faries, now a resident of the city of Omaha, with whom he continued seven years, and then formed a partnership with J. W. Butt, at Nebraska City. They, under the firm name of Butt & Brauer, were established on Central avenue the first year, then purchased the business of Mr. Faries, and operated together another year, when Mr. Brauer sold his interest to his partner, and established in business alone, in August of 1885. About this time he was elected County Coronor, the duties of which office he has since discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to

all concerned, and which he has held by re-election since that time.
   Our subject identified himself with the Masonic fraternity in 1884, being a member of Western Star Lodge No. 2, and Alpha Consistory No. 50. He is also a Knight of Pythias, in which he is Past Chancellor, and belongs to the A. O. U. W. He is also connected with the Building and Loan Association of Nebraska City, and keeps himself well posted in regard to business matters, and those enterprises generally tending to the advancement of the city's interests. He cast his first Presidential vote for Garfield, and is a stanch supporter of Republican principles. Still unmarried, he makes his home with his mother.

ERMAN H. BARTLlNG. It goes without saying that the population of the United States is being recruited, and has been from the beginning by settlers from homes beyond the seas. That there are some more desirable citizens than others is an equally patent fact, and yet another equally incontrovertible truth is, that of all from any country, district or province, those from the Fatherland, taken as a class, are more to be commended because of their unostentatious, painstaking, practical and praiseworthy industry and unceasing loyalty. There are, perhaps, not to be found throughout the length and breadth of the German Empire a more noble people than those of Westphalia, a Province where sobriety, morality, diligent toil, mutual confidence and regard seem to mark the citizen and peasant alike; whether among its hills or traversing its plains, or walking its cities, one is assured of meeting with courtesy, affability and kindness.
   Nebraska City has several representatives of the people mentioned in the foregoing paragraph, and of these by no means the least worthy is the gentleman a sketch of whose life is herein presented in brief form. He was born in Halle, Westphalia, Sept. 16, 1848. His father, C. H. Bartling, was a native of the same place, and followed agriculture as his chosen occupation in life. The maiden name of his wife, the mother of our subject, was Elizabeth Poetting. She became the mother of seven children, all of whom grew to mature years, but only three of them are in America. They are: the subject of the present sketch, Clamer F. A. and William H.
   Our subject attended the school steadily until he was about fourteen years of age, and when not thus engaged, and after reaching that age, he assisted his father upon the farm, and in such work became quite proficient, and was thus employed with his father until the year 1865. In November of that year he set sail from Bremen, landed at New York the following month, and almost immediately pushed on to St. Louis, where he spent one week, and then went to Washington County. There he speedily found employment upon a farm, for which he was remunerated at the rate of $200 per annum, and remained there for about three and a half years. At the end of that period he came to Nebraska City, and was employed as clerk in the general store of F. M. Rottman until the fall of 1871. Upon leaving Mr. Rottman our subject formed a partnership with H. Homeyer, and open a general store. Four years later he bought that gentleman's interest in the business, and since that time has conducted it alone. The handsome and commodious building, his present headquarters was erected in 1876, and in its designment special thought and care were given to especially adapt it for his business. It stands upon the corner of Main and Eleventh streets, and occupies a ground measurement site of 24x120 feet, is constructed of the best Nebraska City brick, and presents an usually fine appearance, occupying as it does a very commanding position.
   On the 21st of July, 1874, our subject was unit in marriage with Miss Fredericka W. Gaede. This lady is the daughter of Dietrich Gaede who, with his wife, was a native of Saxony, Germany, and the fourth of five children born to them. This union has proved most auspicious and happy its outcome, and not the least element in this happiness is the presence in the home of the six children who have been given to them, whose names are as follows: Nellie, Henry, Willie, Eddie, Frank and Arthur.
   In addition to his extensive business interests

connected with his store, our subject is a large stockholder in the Merchants' National Bank, of which he is one of the Directors; a member of the Board of Trade; also a stockholder in the canning factory and Nebraska City Manufacturing Company, and member of the firm of Duff, Bartling & Co., grain buyers, whose connection is perhaps the most extensive in the district. He is President of the Nebraska City Street Railway Company, of which he is also a Director. Mr. Bartling has been called upon to serve as a member of the Council of the city. Both our subject and his wife are members of the German Evangelical Church, and are regarded therein as among its most worthy members. They take their place in the best circles of society of the city, and are held in the highest possible esteem by the community. It will have been noticed that in beginning life Mr. Bartling was almost at the lowest round of the ladder, but by energy, untiring industry, intelligence and good judgment, he has struggled, labored and toiled year after year, and, humanly speaking, whatever he is, whatever he has, and whatever influence or power he may possess in the community or business world, it is due to his own efforts, supplemented since his marriage by those of his gifted and accomplished wife and faithful companion.

ACOB J. HOCHSTETLER, one of the leading citizens of Nebraska City, is a flue representative of the pioneers of Nebraska who, through years of toil and self-sacrifice, have aided in building up the wild, sparsely settled prairie country that they found on first coming here into a great and glorious State, whose inexhaustible resources and uncounted wealth give it a high standing among its sister States in the West. He is extensively engaged in business here as an insurance, real-estate and loan agent.
   Mr. Hochstetler is a native of Holmes County, Ohio, coming of an old Pennsylvania family, his father and his grandfather both being natives of the Keystone State. The latter, who was a farmer, moved to Ohio, and spent his last days in Holmes County. Jacob Hochstetler, Sr., the father of our subject, was reared in Pennsylvania, and when a young man still unmarried he started out from the old home afoot to seek his fortune in the West, and in Ohio he found work at twenty-five cents a day. He was careful and prudent, and in time saved money enough to buy fifty-six acres of heavily timbered land in Holmes County. Then the pioneer task of felling the tall old trees of the primeval forest that covered his farm, uprooting stumps and breaking the soil began. In doing this he burned large logs that would now be valuable, and soon he had space enough cleared on which to build a log cabin, the same in which our subject was afterward born. He improved a good farm from the surrounding wilderness, and continued to dwell thereon until 1856, when he made another move, having sold his place, and Owen County, Ind., became his home for the rest of his days. He bought an improved farm, and until his death in 1861 was prosperously engaged in farming. He was a man whose steady habits and indubitable integrity won the respect and confidence of all who knew him. The maiden name of his wife was Frances Miller. She was a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of David Miller, who, with his wife, was also a native of Pennsylvania. The latter's maiden name was Michler. Mrs. Hochstetler died on the home farm in Owen County, Ind., leaving behind her the record of a life well spent. Six children were born to that worthy couple, as follows: Eli, who gave up his life for his country while serving in an Indiana regiment in the late Civil War; John J., who died in February, 1887, at Coles City, Ind.; Jacob J.; Elizabeth, who married Lewis Kerch, and lives in Coles City; Josiah J., who lives in Leadville, Col.; and Sarah, who died when ten years of age.
   Jacob Hochstetler was reared in the place of his birth, and gained his education in the district school. As soon as large enough he commenced to assist his father on the farm, and continued to be a member of the parental household until his twentieth year, when he commenced to learn the trade of carpenter and builder. He worked at that a year and a half, and then entered the mercantile business as a clerk in a general store in Bedford, Ohio, and later worked in the same capacity in Louisville, re-

ceiving $5 a month the first year, and the following year $144 for his year's work. In 1851 Mr. Ilochstetler formed a partnership with G. H Burgert, and they opened a general store in Bedford, Ohio. In 1852 they sold out, and after settling up his business our subject went to Indiana, and in 1853 opened a general store in Worthington, conducting it for one year, with a branch store in Stockton, Ind. In 1854 he moved to Stockton, and made his home there until 1856, when he sold out, settled up his affairs, and in the spring of 1857 was ready to begin life anew in another part of the country. He selected the Territory of Nebraska as his objective point, and going by private conveyance to Terre Haute, Ind., took the cars for St. Louis, and in that city embarked on a Missouri River steamer for Nebraska City, where he arrived on the 17th of April. It was snowing at the time, and the next day there was good sleighing, a rare thing at that season, but the preceding winter had been one of terrible severity, long to be remembered by the early settlers, The country was very sparsely settled at that period, there being only about 1,500 people here at the time, and the small towns were confined mostly to the streams. But a few miles west deer and other wild animals still roamed, and Indians were frequent visitors. On his arrival here Mr. Hochstetler assisted Mr. Burnham to open a stock of goods, and in June started out in search of a suitable location. Twenty-three miles west of the city he made a claim, engaged a man for the sum of $100 to build him a cabin, 12x15 feet, and hired another man, for a like sum of money, to break ten acres of his land. After residing on his claim a few months he returned to the city, and bought a claim one and one-half miles from the city in a southerly direction. He erected a hewed log house, in which he lived until December, and then moved back to Nebraska City, and opened a general store in that part of it known as Kearney. At the expiration of a year he sold out that business, built a dwelling house in Nebraska City, and opened a boot and shoe store on Central avenue. Later Mr. Hochstetler formed a partnership with his old partner, Mr. G. H. Burgett, and they managed two stores until 1861. In that year our subject was appointed Postmaster of Nebraska City, and selling his interest in the business, he assumed his duties as postmaster in May of that year, and for ten years, until July 1, 1871, was the incumbent of that office, and during that long term his efficiency and fidelity made his services invaluable in that responsible position, and he possessed the full confidence of the citizens of Nebraska City. After giving up the office of Postmaster he engaged in the real-estate business and the sale of farm implements, with J. E. McCoy as partner. In 1874 he bought an interest with J. W. Patrick in the agricultural implement manufacturing, and paid his attention to that solely for two years. At the expiration of that time the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Hochstetler assuming the indebtedness. and taking all the outstanding assets. During the next year he was engaged in settling that business, and was also engaged in selling produce and manufactured vinegar for two years. In 1878 Mr. Hochstetler turned his attention to an entirely different industry, that of raising stock in Western Nebraska and Eastern Colorado, grazing the cattle on the wild plains. While he found this quite profitable, he yet preferred a business life in the city, and in 1882 he disposed of his stock interests in order to take charge of the extensive insurance business of N. S. Harding, and is still conducting that in Nebraska City very successfully in connection with real-estate dealings and loans. He is a bright, capable business man, systematic in his methods, prompt in his habits, and always keeps up with the times.
   Mr. Hochstetler was married, in 1853, to Miss Lucinda Burgert, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of David and Ellen (Huet) Burgert. Of this marriage four children have been born, namely: Charles E., Frank B., Clarence, and Elsie (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Hochstetler are leading members of society in this city, and are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he joined in 1861, and he is a worker in the Sunday-school.
   In politics Mr. Hochstetler is a leader in the Republican party, and he is influential in public affairs, and has served two years as County Commissioner. Mr. Hochstgetler is a true gentleman, always courteous, kindly and dignified in his manners, and ever helpful and considerate in his relations with his fellowmen, in whose hearts he