chard, and otherwise increased the value and beauty of his property. Upon this farm, however, he did not live, making his home in Tecumseh, and in addition to the supervision of his farming operations, was engaged four years in the livery business. Later he took up merchandising, in which he was engaged three years. He sold this farm in the fall of 1880, and purchased his present homestead the year following.
   This latter property had undergone considerable improvements, but Mr. Buffum has greatly added to its value by the erection of a large and handsome residence, which, with its surroundings, constitutes one of the most attractive pictures in the landscape of this region. Here he has about eight acres of full grown forest trees, a fine apple orchard and trees of the smaller fruits. His live stock includes about seventy-five head of choice Short-horn cattle, but he is working his way toward the breeding of road horses, having some fine and valuable specimens of Hambletonians. In the care and feeding of his stock Mr. Buffum has gathered around him all the conveniences, having ample stabling, watering troughs, etc.
   In addition to his extensive farming interests Judge Buffum has always been a prominent man in public affairs, filling many positions of trust and responsibility. He was elected to the office of County Judge in the fall of 1873, and subsequently was elected County Treasurer, serving his full term with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Democratic in politics, the fact that he holds his office in a Republican stronghold is indicative of the estimation in which he is held by the people of the county. Almost from the time of his Coming here he has been an incumbent of the local offices, a member of the School Board, etc.
   One of the most important events in the life of our subject was his marriage with Miss Sarah A. Mills, which was celebrated at the home of the bride in Knox County, Ill., Feb. 28, 1856. Of this union there have been born seven children, five of whom are living, namely: Esther Estelle, Clara Belle, Martha Lodema, Lou and Josephine. With the exception of the eldest daughter they are all at home with their parents. Esther E. is the wife of Mr. J. E. Davis, of Grafton, Neb., and the mother of one child, a daughter, Carrie L. The children of our subject have been given a thorough education, and are bright and intelligent, doing honor to their ancestry and parental training.
   Mrs. Sarah A. (Mills) Buffum was born near Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 17, 1838, and lived there until reaching womanhood. She then removed to Illinois with her parents. The latter were John and Tempa (Hatch) Mills, and the father was a native of Vermont, and a farmer by occupation. He spent his last years in Knox County, Ill., dying in 1858, at the advanced age of sixty-three years. The mother had passed away when her daughter Sarah A. was but a child, in Madison County, Ohio.
   Stephen Smith Buffum, the father of our subject, was born in Vermont, Oct. 22, 1802. He left the Green Mountain State early in life, migrating to New York, and when about fifteen or sixteen years old sought the Far West. Ashtabula County, Ohio, at that time came under this description, and young Buffum, taking up a tract of land which was covered with timber, felled the trees and built up for himself a good homestead. He married Miss Esther Mann, of Ashtabula County, and they became the parents of six sons and two daughters, seven of whom lived to mature years. In 1836 he left Ohio, and settled among the pioneers of Knox County, Ill., being the third family in Salem Township. There again he proceeded as before, eliminating a homestead from the wilderness, although he had prairie land to work upon instead of timber. His first purchase was 160 acres, to which he subsequently added a like amount, becoming owner of half a section. Here he lived and labored until quite well advanced in years, then, in 1860, sold out and removed to Yates City, where he engaged first in the grain trade and later in general merchandising. He was a hale, hearty and intelligent old gentleman, and died in February, 1871, at the age of about sixty-nine years.
   Mrs. Esther (Mann) Buffum died in October, 1845, and the father of our subject was then married to Miss Diantha L. Atwood, who is now in Yates City, Ill. He was prominent in local affairs in Illinois, holding the offices of Supervisor and

Justice of the Peace for many years, and in the Masonic fraternity was a Knight Templar, high in the order. Religiously, he was a Universalist in belief during the later years of his life, although when in Ohio he attended the Episcopal Church, walking six miles to and from the house of worship.
   The grandfather of our subject, also Stephen Buffum by name, was a native of Vermont, and settled in Fulton County, Ill., fully as early if not earlier than 1830. He was married in Vermont, and reared a large family. He was one of the earliest pioneers of that region, and acquired a good property. He spent his last days among his children, and had a sufficient income to maintain him comfortably. His death took place between 1850 and 1860, after he had reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. He served with one of his sons in the Black Hawk War.

AMES T. JONES. A goodly proportion of the live stock which finds its way to the market at Tecumseh is the product of this county, and Lincoln Precinct is amply represented in this industry. To this the subject of this sketch has turned his attention considerably for the last eight years, finding it perhaps more satisfactory than mixed agriculture, although he has a fine tract of land which yields bountifully the products of Southern Nebraska. This is pleasantly located on section 19, and comprises 240 acres which, however, does not embrace his entire real estate, as he has a whole section in Nemaha County.
   Mr. Jones may most properly be classed among the self-made men of Johnson County, as he was thrown upon his own resources early in life, and his accumulations have been the result of his industry and perseverance, aided by one of the most excellent of wives. To this lady Mr. Jones gives due recognition, and acknowledges that she has been his most efficient helpmate in the accumulation of their property. Mr. Jones was born in Washington County, Pa., July 24, 1846, and is the son of William and Margaret K. (West) Jones, who were natives of the same. His ancestors on both sides of the house were originally from Maryland, whence they emigrated to Pennsylvania during its early settlement. The parental family included four children, of whom but three are living, namely: Emma J., the wife of David McDonough, of Henry, Ill.; Mary D., the wife of Robert McDonough, of the same place, and our subject. Maria A. died when about two years of age.
   The parents of our subject when James T. was a lad of seven years emigrated from the Keystone State to Peoria County, Ill., and six months later to Marshall County, settling in Saratoga Township in the fall of 1854, during its pioneer days, and where they spent the remainder of their lives. James T. was reared to manhood in Marshall County, where he became familiar with the details of pioneer farm life and received a practical education in the schools of that day. Upon reaching manhood he was married, Nov. 6, 1867, to Miss Mary E. Divelbiss, who was a native of Peoria County, and born April 3, 1849. Her parents, Samuel and Rachel (Thomas) Divelbiss, were natives of Pennsylvania, and the father is deceased. The mother is still living. making her home with a daughter in Marshall County, Ill. Their family consisted of eleven children, eight of whom are living, namely: Henry, a resident of Kansas; George, of Iowa; Catherine, Mrs. Ferris, of Iowa; Jane, Mrs. Sanford Shaff, of Iowa; Harrison, of Nemaha Precinct, this county; Harvey, of Kansas; Maggie, Mrs. Gilbert Van Fleet, of Marshall Comity, Ill.; and Mrs. Jones, of our sketch.
   Our subject and his wife commenced the journey of life together in Marshall County, Ill., and are the parents of six children. Their eldest son, William S., was horn April 21, 1869; Grace M., born May 10, 1871, died April 11, 1872; Charles L. was born Sept. 4, 1874; Robert H., born March 4, 1877, died March 16, 1878; Daisy R. was born Dec. 25, 1881, and James H., Sept. 16, 1886. Mr. Jones and his family came to this county in the spring of 1880, and settled upon the land which they now own and occupy. Our subject and his estimable wife are active in all good works, and lend their aid and influence as opportunity affords in furthering those influences calculated for the general welfare of their community. Mr. Jones is President of the Johnson County Agricultural Society, and