father of our subject, married Miss Elizabeth Collins, of an old New England family, and they in due time migrated to New York State, locating on a farm in Madison County. Grandfather Tefft in middle life changed his residence from New York State to Illinois, settling near the present site of Elgin as early as 1835, at a time when that town gave little indication of its present importance, where they spent their last days, and passed away when nearly fourscore years of age. Grandmother Tefft came of Orthodox Quaker stock, and adhered closely to the religious faith in which she had beenreared.
    Amos Tefft, the father of our subject, was the third in order of birth of a family of seven sons and five daughters. Two of the sons became prominent and successful physicians, and most of them being men of more than ordinary intelligence, turned their attention to the professions. Amos Tefft was born in Madison County, N. Y., Aug. 29, 1815, and spent his childhood and youth at his father's farm, receiving his education in the common school. He was yet a single man when his family removed to Kane County, Ill. He was married in the Prairie State to Miss Margaret Calvert. This lady was born on the other side of the Atlantic, in the well-known city of Greenock, Scotland, and was of pure Scotch ancestry. Her father, Thomas Calvert, emigrated to the United States and settled in the vicinity of Ithaca, N. Y., but later removed to Illinois, locating in Elgin, where he and his estimable wife spent the remainder of their days, both passing away when about seventy-seven years old.
   In the spring of 1850 Amos Tefft, with a company of other men, left Elgin, Ill., and set out across the plains for the gold fields of California. They made the journey overland, and a few weeks later landed in Hangtown, where they began the search for the yellow ore with varied success, sojourning in that region about one year. The return trip was made via the Isthmus to New York City, and thence to Illinois. Although it did not result in a fortune to Mr. T., he traveled over a country which he had never seen before, and obtained much useful information in regard to the regions lying west of the Mississippi. In passing through Nebraska Territory he was greatly pleased with the face of the country, and from that time never gave up the idea of making it his home.
   The father of our subject is still living, and has arrived at the advanced age of seventy-three years. He is still the bright and kindly man which he has always been during the years of a long and useful life. He identified himself entirely with the interests of his adopted State, and after filling other positions of trust was, in 1862, elected by the Republicans of Cass County to represent them in the Territorial Legislature. He has been a sound Republican since the organization of the party, and cast his vote for old Tippecanoe in the election of 1840. It is hardly necessary to say that he supported the grandson, Benjamin Harrison, with equal enthusiasm in the late election (1888). Mrs. Margaret Tefft, the wife and mother, accompanied her family to Nebraska, and with true devotedness did her full share in the building up of a home. Her death took place in Avoca Village, at the age of sixty-seven years. She was a descendant of old Presbyterian stock, and united with the Congregational Church in early life, remaining under its wing until the end. Orlando, our subject, is the only survivor of the two children of the parental family, his brother Randolph having died in infancy.
   The subject of this sketch was reared in his native town of Elgin, Ill., and received a good practical education, completing his studies in the academy at that place. He has always been a reader, and like his father before him keeps himself well posted upon matters of general interest. After a residence of a few years in Avoca Precinct, during which he assisted his parents in the building of the homestead, he was married, July 4, 1867, to Miss E. H. Kirkpatrick. This lady was born Jan. 3, 1850, in Wapello County, Iowa, and was quite young when her parents came to Nebraska. Thereafter she returned to the Hawkeye State and completed her studies in the college at Tabor. She made her home with her parents until her marriage. Her father, S. M. Kirkpatrick, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, is one of the most prominent men in this county, and a resident of Liberty Precinct.

   To Mr. and Mrs. Tefft there have been born two children, one of whom, Roland, died in infancy; Clarence E. is pursuing his studies in the State University at Lincoln, being now a promising lad of seventeen years. Mr. Tefft, politically, is a stanch Republican, and both he and his excellent wife are members in good standing of the Congregational Church. Socially, Mr. T. belongs to the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 29, of Avoca. He takes a genuine interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of Cass County, is a man of decided views, and one whose opinions are generally respected.

EORGE W. NORTON, Mayor of Weeping Water, has been closely identified with its most important interests for a period of eight years, and is consequently well qualified to discharge the duties of his responsible position. A native of the Empire State, he was born in the vicinity of Richfield Springs, Otsego County, Nov. 29, 1831, and there spent the opening years of his life, removing thence with his parents when a lad nine years of age. They at that time took up their residence on a farm in Springville Township, Erie County, where they lived until 1844, and where George W. entered upon the rudiments of a practical education.
   Young Norton began his business career as an apprentice to the cabinet-maker's trade, and continued a resident of his native State until the fall of 1852. Then desiring to see something of the Great West, he migrated to Northern Illinois. and for a period of six years was a resident of Chicago. Two years of this time he conducted a grocery at the corner of Clark and Adams streets, in a building widely dissimilar from the handsome blocks which now occupy that site and of which the post-office is a conspicuous feature. The city fathers were at that time raising the grade, and Mr. Norton finally abandoned the grocery trade and resumed his work as a cabinet-maker.
   In Chicago our subject made the acquaintance of Miss Abbie Sawyer, to whom he was married Oct. 16, 1856. Providence blessed this union with a family of six children, two sons and four daughters, five of whom are living; Jennie M. is the wife of E. E. Day, of Weeping Water, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and they have two children; Luella I. married Walter Cole, a merchant of Weeping Water; Elizabeth A., Edwin K. and Robert R., are at home with their parents. They are a bright and intelligent group, and have been given the educational advantages in keeping with their station in life.
   Mr. Norton upon leaving Chicago in 1858 went to LaFayette, Ind., and was employed by the New Albany Railroad Company, to superintend the building of their roundhouse and other structures along the line of their road. This occupied most of his time until 1862. In the meantime, the Civil War being in progress, he entered the ranks of the State Militia, and finally became a member of Wilson's Cavalry at Chicago, where, with his comrades, he encamped and drilled a year, in the meantime furnishing their own horses and equipments. They desired to enter the regular service, but not being needed, disbanded and returned home.
   We next find Mr. Norton a member of Company D in the 3d Wisconsin Infantry, which was assigned to the Department of the West, being first a portion of the 12th Army Corps and afterward with the 20th. Mr. Norton had the satisfaction of participating in the Atlanta campaign under Gen. Sherman, and met the enemy in the battles of Dalton, Resaca, Peachtree Creek, and the siege of Atlanta. At this latter place he was wounded, July 22, and sent to Kingston, Ga., where he was confined in the hospital until November. He then joined his regiment at Atlanta and marched to the sea. Upon entering the ranks of the regular army he was made First Sergeant. At Savannah he was promoted to Second Lietenant (sic). On the 14th of March, 1865, near Averasboro, N. C., he was again wounded, and obliged to ride six days before he could be relieved, and when reaching Goldsboro, N. C., was in such bad shape that it was impossible to give him proper treatment. He still carries the ball in his limb.
   From Goldsboro our subject, with his regiment, was taken to New York by boat, where he was confined in the hospital until the close of the war, when

he was mustered out and received his honorable discharge, after two years of hard service. In the meantime his family had been left in Marquette County, Wis., and after a brief sojourn there Mr. Norton made arrangements to settle at Atlantic, Iowa, and engaged in the grain business. He put up an elevator and a mill, and was one of the first settlers in the town, being ahead of the railroad. This enterprise of Mr. Norton proved at first very remunerative. Later both mill and elevator were destroyed by fire, and he thus lost the greater part of his property. He, however. did not "desert the ship," but remained at Atlantic, and was one of the leading men in the various enterprises which resulted in the building up of a flourishing and important city. He officiated on the School Boards, and was a member continuously of the City Council and finally elected Mayor, serving two terms. He assisted in the erection of the school buildings and the establishment of the Congregational Church, being one of the seven who assisted in the organization of the society and the erection of the church edifice, at a cost of $2,500.
   Mr. Norton remained a resident of the city of his fostering care and of which he was practically the founder, until 1880. His attention then became attracted to this county and especially South Bend Precinct, where he established himself in the grain business, and the following year came to Weeping Water. His fine business capacities were at once recognized, and he was welcomed to the community its a man very likely to be of value to its best interests. Upon the organization of the town as a city he was elected its first Mayor. He has always voted the Republican ticket, becoming a member of the party upon its organization, and casting his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont, its first nominee, in 1856. He is treasurer of the Building Committee of the new Congregational Church and is connected with various other enterprises having for their object the general progress of the town. He is prominent in the G. A. R., being a member of the Lafayette Post No. 61, at Weeping Water, and still maintains the patriotic principles which have actuated him since his early manhood.
   Mrs. Norton was born in Portland, Me., Nov. 6, 1838, and came West with her parents in 1834, when a maiden of sixteen years, they locating in Waupon, Wis., where she was married subsequently to our subject. Her parents were Josiah B. and Elizabeth S. (Barnes) Sawyer, who were natives of Maine, and the father a farmer by occupation. They lived in Wisconsin about two years, then removed to Atlantic, Iowa. They are still living, and make their home with their daughter, Mrs. Norton.
   Burroughs Norton, the father of our subject, was born in Worcester, Mass., in June, 1800, and removed with his parents when a little lad of eight years to Richfield Springs, N. Y., where soon afterward he was left an orphan by the death of both parents, He became the apprentice of a tanner and currier, a trade which he learned in all its details, and subsequently established in business for himself at Richfield Springs. He married Miss Margaret Weber, and they became the parents of sixteen children, eleven of whom lived to mature years.
   About 1842 the Norton family changed their residence to Erie County, N. Y., whence they removed about 1852 to Marquette County, Wis. The death of the mother took place at Kewanee, Ill., in 1864. The father later removed to St. Joseph, Mo., and now makes his home with his youngest daughter at that place. He was a very active and industrious man during his prime and a strong Abolitionist. Being a man of fine capabilities he was at one time quite prominent in public affairs, and was sent as a delegate to the National Convention at the city of Buffalo, which nominated John Van Boren for President on the Free-Soil ticket in 1844. He is a member of the Congregational Church, and although quite well advanced in years, enjoys good health and is quite active.

OHN M. NEELY, M. D. Too few men in the medical profession have a proper sense of the responsibilities connected therewith; too few realize the magnitude of the trusts committed to their care. When therefore there comes into a community a man of thorough intelligence as connected with his calling, one who has made a deep and patient study of his art, he obtains that recognition of his services which can only be

gained by fidelity to duty and knowledge of the important things connected therewith. These thoughts are suggested in reviewing the career of the subject of this sketch. A man of thorough education and an extensive experience as army surgeon in the late war, Dr. Neely occupies a position in the front ranks of the medical profession in Southeastern Nebraska.
   Our subject in the autumn of 1884 came to Bushbury, this county, and after practicing there two years changed his residence to Wabash, soon after it had been laid out as a town. He has thus practically grown up with the village and become fully identified with the various interests pertaining to its growth and prosperity. The only son of Dr. Joseph and Lydia (Montgomery) Neely, he was born at Newburg, Warrick Co., Ind., Feb. 20, 1836, the home of his parents at that time being near the banks of the Ohio River. When an infant of six weeks old, his parents changed their location to Cynthiana, Posey County, that State, where the father thereafter practiced his profession for a period of twenty years. The family, besides our subject, included six daughters, one of whom is living, and making her home in Mississippi.
   Young Neely began his education in the district school, and at an early age had decided to adopt the practice of medicine as his life calling. When a youth of sixteen years he entered the Baptist College at Franklin, Ind., of which he was a student one year, then he attended the academy at Newburg one and one-half years, completing the academic course. He entered upon the study of medicine at the age of nineteen, under the instruction of his father, who enjoyed a very extensive practice and was eminently successful. After three years of close attention to the best medical works published, he entered the Eclectic College of Medicine at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he was graduated with honors in February, 1858.
   Young Dr. Neely began the practice of his profession in his native town, but a little over two years later removed, Jan. 1, 1862, to Owensville, Ind., becoming one of the many physicians and surgeons giving their attention to the sick and wounded Union soldiers after the battle of Pittsburg Landing, receiving his commission from Gov. Morton. Dr. Neely was assigned to the 7th Illinois Cavalry, and attended upon his patents during their sojourn at the hospital in the field. In September, 1863, he received the regular commission of Assistant Surgeon of the 120th Indiana Infantry, and was soon promoted to Surgeon, Sept. 1, 1864. In January, 1865. after the battle of Nashville, he was sent to North Carolina, where he became Medical Director of the general hospital at Raleigh, and was retained in the Government service until January, 1866. During this period he gathered valuable knowledge from a varied experience, which has done him good service for more than twenty years.
   In April, 1866, Dr. Neely returned to Owensville, Ind., and on the 17th day of that month was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Smith. This lady was born near Vincennes, Ind., Nov. 6, 1844, and was finely educated, following the profession of a teacher three or four years before her marriage. Dr. Neely, at Owensville, entered upon a very large and lucrative practice, receiving the bulk of the patronage in his county, where his conscientious attention to duty served to gather around him hosts of friends. With the natural desire of mankind, however, for change, he finally decided to cast his lot with the people of the farther West, and accordingly pitched his tent in the young and growing State of Nebraska. He met with a severe affliction in the death of his wife, in October, 1882, when she was but thirty-eight years old. There had been born to them six interesting children, namely: Mary, who died in infancy; Joseph, John M., Charles, William S. and Otis. Joseph is an expert telegraph operator, and makes his home in Wabash. The other children are with their father. The parents of Dr. Neely were natives of Kentucky, and are now deceased. He comes of honorable ancestry, and his paternal great grandfather distinguished himself as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, invested with the rank of Major. His uncle, Gen. John I. Neely, was an aid-de-camp, under Gen. Harrison, in the War of 1812. Springing thus from a patriotic source and in sympathy with the Union and freedom, it is hardly necessary to say that our subject is one of the stanchest supporters of the Republican party. Socially, he be-

longs to Kenesaw Post, G. A. R., at Elmwood. He has been a close student and an extensive reader, and in the ranks of his profession has aimed to excel. The fact that his practice is constantly increasing, being a third more the past year (1888) than heretofore, gives sufficient indication of his standing among the people of this county.

RANCIS R. GUTHMANN, a capitalist of Plattsmouth, is numbered among the wealthy and substantial citizens of Cass County. He has now practically retired from business, although he still supervises his extensive interests. He has contributed largely to the upbuilding of the city, and has a great deal of property here, including a handsome residence, the best hotel of the place, and two smaller ones, besides stores and other buildings.
   Mr. Guthmann was born in the village of Waldhausen, near Buchen, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany. July 2, 1841. His parents. Francis and Anna Maria (Gramlich) Guthmann, were natives of the same place, as were also their parents. The paternal grandfather of our subject owned a farm there and was a lifelong resident of that place. His father, Francis Guthmann, was reared to agriculture, which he pursued in his native land until his death, Nov. 6, 1875. His wife, Anna Maria, was born in a village near her husband's birthplace, and spent her last years in the home where all of her married life was passed. She died Dec. 11, 1860. There were fourteen children born to her and her husband, and ten of them grew to maturity. Caroline married Peter Rauen; Helen married Valentine Egenberger; Charles, who served in the 3d Missouri Regiment under Gen. Sigel for four years, and afterward settled in Lancaster County, Neb., died at the home of our subject in 1882; Maria L. married Benjamin Hempel; William, who served in the German Army, died in Plattsmouth in 1884; our subject was the next in order of birth; then Maria Catherine, who married J. V. Weckbach, of whom see sketch on another page of this book; John F. M. died in his native village; Fred and Oswald, are the youngest members of the family. All of these are living in Nebraska, and all in Cass County, with the exception of Fred, who is a resident of Seward County.
   Francis R. received an excellent education in the Fatherland, attending school pretty steadily in his boyhood until he was fourteen years of age. He then assisted his father in the labors of the farm until the month of December, 1856, when he and one of his sisters set sail from London, and landed in New York Feb. 9, 1857. Another brother and sister had preceded them, and they joined them in Davenport, Iowa, where they had settled. Our subject had come to America with but little means, and he immediately set about procuring work that he might better his financial condition. The first year of his stay in this country he was employed at the saddler's trade. In 1859 he started with a party bound for Pike's Peak in search of gold. Going from Davenport with teams, they traversed the wild prairies of Iowa, and crossing the Missouri River at Plattsmouth, then an insignificant hamlet, they pushed on across the plains through the Territory of Nebraska to near Ft. Kearney, where they were stayed in their course by meeting many weary and disappointed emigrants returning from Pike's Peak with very discouraging reports, so the party concluded to abandon their purpose. Our subject's brother decided to take up a claim in Nebraska, and selected a tract of land in Lancaster County, about ten miles east of the present site of Lincoln, which was then a wild, open prairie, owned by the Government, and for sale at $1.25 an acre. Indians still lingered in that part of the country, and deer, elks and wolves roamed at will over the plains. Our subject was then too young to make a claim to some land, so he returned to civilization. He spent two months in St. Louis, and then went to St. Joseph and worked in a bakery. After thoroughly mastering that trade. He engaged in pantry work in the Pacific House in that city, remaining there until 1863. He then crossed the plains to Denver, and there engaged as pastry cook in the Planters' Hotel, then the leading hotel in Denver. Ten months later he left that place, in February, 1864, and, with others, started with six wagons for that part of Idaho now included in the Territory of Montana. While traveling in the mountains the party encountered severe storms and nearly perished.

In one place they were five days making seven miles, and one night the wolves killed and devoured one of the mules. On the 15th of May the party arrived at Virginia City. and there learned that it had been reported that they had all perished in the mountains. Mr. Guthmann opened a bake shop and boardinghouse in that city, but his residence in that part of the country was of short duration, as in the fall of 1864 he came to Plattsmouth to invest his money in city property, and made arrangements to erect a store building. In 1865 be returned to the mountains and established a bakery and boarding-house in Blackfoot City, Deer Lodge Co., Mont., conducting both with good financial success until 1868, when he again came to Plattsmouth. He engaged in the bakery business here, and the following year added packing pork. In 1870 he opened a billiard hall, and in 1871 a grocery store. giving his personal attention to these varied enterprises until 1874, all the while carrying on his bakery. He then sold the grocery store, but continued to manage the billiard hall until 1881. Since that time he has not been engaged in any actual business, but devotes himself to the supervision of his multiplicity of interests, from which he derives an ample income. Mr. Guthmann is a man of great enterprise; he has a clear head for business, and displays much fact and shrewdness in his various undertakings. He has done much toward building up Plattsmouth, having erected two dwelling-houses and three stores, besides other buildings. The brick house which he occupies with his family is one of the finest in the city, and was erected in 1886. Mr. Guthmann is a stockholder in the Citizens Bank. also in the Bank of Cass County, and also in the Plattsmouth Canning Factory, of which he is President. He has taken an honorable part in public affairs, having been a member of the City Council. He has always been identified with the Democrats in his political affiliations.
   Mr. Guthmann was united in marriage to Anna M. Pankratz, Jan. 10, 1878, and to them have been born four children -- Nellie, Charles F. M., Henry A. J. and Minnie T. They have also an adopted daughter, Annie. Mrs. Guthmann was born in Manitowoc County, Wis., Nov. 24,1860, and is a daughter of Joseph and Katrina (Burner) Pankratz, natives of Bavaria. They were reared and married in that country, and resided there until 1853. In that year they crossed the water to the United States, and located in Manitowoc County, Wis., being early settlers of that part of the country. Mr. Pankratz bought a tract of timber land, and first erected a round log house to shelter his family, and then commenced to clear a farm from the wilderness. Later he erected a substantial, two-story, hewed log house, and other necessary farm buildings, and resided there until his death in 1863. His widow is still living on the old homestead. There were eight children in their family. as follows: Anton who died at the old home in 1888; Mary, who married Joseph Lemberger, is now deceased; Katrina, who married John Steiner, and lives in Manitowoc County, Wis.; Theresa, who married Henry Fetzer, and lives in Lancaster County, Neb.; Frances, who married Fabian Heitzmann, and lives in Gage County, Neb.; Joseph, who lives in Manitowoc County; Mrs. Guthmann; Maggie, who married John Smith, and lives in Manitowoc County, Wis.
   The life of Mr. Guthmann has been an active one, full of enterprise and stirring incident, and through all he preserved the cool headedness and good judgment which enabled him to acquire the fortune he is now enjoying. On an adjoining page appears an excellent portrait of this well-known resident.

MSDEL SHELDON. a practical and well-to-do farmer of Avoca Precinct, owns a good homestead property on section 1 and has within the precinct, all told, 480 acres. The land is fertile and valuable, and in addition to this Mr. Sheldon has 279 acres in Berlin Precinct, Otoe County, The whole is well developed and supplied with good improvements. The homestead buildings are more than ordinarily tasteful and substantial, and the Sheldon family occupies no unimportant position among the intelligent people in good circumstances along the Southern line of the county.
   Mr. Sheldon has been a resident of Avoca only since 1884, removing to this place from Berlin Pre-