takes an especial interest in the establishment and maintenance of schools; he has for years served as a Director in his district. Politically, he votes and labors in support of the principles of the Republican party.

HEODORE SMITH. The subject of this biography and his estimable wife represent 400 acres of land in Spring Creek Precinct and 160 acres in Cedar County, Neb., and are numbered among the most prominent people of Johnson County, not alone for their wealth and position, but on account of their sterling worth of character. Mr. Smith has been remarkably successful in his agricultural operations, which embrace an experience of nine years. During his early manhood he worked first at blacksmithing, and later conducted a carriage manufactory. He is by no means aged, however, having been born Sept. 20, 1844. His native place was in Northampton County, Pa., and his parents were Valentine and Sarah (Rasley) Smith, the father a native of Germany and the mother of the Keystone State.
   To the parents of our subject there were born five children, namely: Theodore of our sketch; Sarah, the wife of William Powell, of Henderson County, Ill.; Mary A., Mrs. John Fisher, of Atchison County, Kan.; Valentine, a resident of Helena Precinct, this county, and George, who is supposed to be a resident of Kansas. The father emigrated to America when a young man, and located in Northampton County, Pa., where he was married, and lived until after the birth of one child. Then, resolving to push further westward, he removed with his family to Fulton County, Ill., landing there in 1846, and being among its pioneer settlers. He carried on agriculture until some time in the fifties, then changed his residence to Henderson County, where his death took place about 1871, and that of his estimable wife about 1870.
   Our subject was a lad eight years of age when his parents settled in Henderson County, Ill., and remembers many of the incidents of pioneer life in that region. He remained the assistant of his father on the farm until nearing the eighteenth year of his age, then, desirous of trying his hand at something else, repaired to Terre Haute in that county, and began an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade under the instruction of Mr. Frank Jenkins. He served the appointed three years, then going to Henry, Marshall County, established a carriage manufactory, doing both a wholesale and retail business, and was thus engaged from 1864 until the fall of 1879. Selling out at that time he invested his capital in land.
   The marriage of our subject and Miss Etta McConnell was celebrated tit the home of the bride in Newport, Ind., Oct. 30, 1866. Of this union there were three children: Clarence E., born Sept. 20, 1867; William E., Feb. 21, 1872, and Roy, June 4, 1874. The wife and mother departed this life at their home in Henry, Ill., April 5, 1875.
   Our subject contracted a second matrimonial alliance, Sept. 17, 1876, in LaSalle County, Ill., with Mrs. Louisa Smith, widow of Benjamin F. Smith, of Marshall County. This lady is a native of Bradford County, Pa., and was born May 5, 1848. Her parents were William G. and Clarissa (Warfield) Barnes, and the mother died at Henry, Ill., Jan. 5, 1880. Mr. Barnes is still living, and a resident of Los Angeles County, Cal. Both parents were natives of New England, and it is supposed were both of English ancestry. They were among the early settlers of Marshall County, Ill., having moved there when their daughter Louisa was a little girl eight years of age. Mr. Barnes was a very intelligent and capable man, who accumulated a good property. He held the various local offices, and uniformly gave his support to the enterprises calculated for the general welfare of the people around him.
   Mrs. Smith was reared to womanhood in Marshall County, and was first married there Nov. 2, 1865. Of her union with Benjamin F. Smith there were born two children: Minnie L., who died when ten months old, and Willard B., now a promising youth of eighteen years, pursuing his studies in the Normal School at Holton, Kan. Benjamin F. Smith was a farmer and mechanic by occupation, and departed this life at his home in Marshall County, Ill., in 1872.
   Theodore Smith and his family came to this county in the spring of 1880, and settled on the

farm which they still occupy, and which comprises 320 acres of valuable land. The beautiful residence is the observed of all observers who pass through the northeastern part of this county, and with its fine surroundings fulfills the idea of the complete country home. Mr. Smith is a man of more than ordinary capabilities, and one who has been the architect of his own fortune, having from the beginning been compelled to depend upon his own resources, which, after all, is the best schooling a man call have. Mrs. Smith owns 240 acres in her own right, and this is located in Spring Creek Precinct and Cedar County, Neb. Both she and her husband occupy in enviable social position, and have made many friends since their comparatively brief residence in this county. Mr. Smith is a Republican politically, and socially, a member in good standing of the I. O. O. F. at Tecumseh.

ENRY ROGGE. Among the prosperous, practical and wide-awake farmers who sustain the agricultural interests of Sterling Precinct, the subject of this sketch occupies no mean position. He is a native of Oldenberg, born May 18, 1840, and he there lived in the home of his parents, Jacob and Margaret Rogge until he attained manhood. His father died in 1857, and his mother then bought a small farm to which she retired with her family, and our subject remained with her most of the time until 1866. He then determined to try life in the United States, and embarked on the "America," a sailing-vessel bound for this country, and after a tempestuous voyage of sixteen days, having encountered a heavy storm in mid-ocean which lasted four days, he landed in New York on the 25th day of April. He immediately proceeded to Henry County, Ohio, where he obtained work as a farm hand, and was thus employed for three years. At the expiration of that time he made his way to Nebraska, where he intended to become an independent farmer, taking advantage of the cheap lands and this wonderfully fertile soil. He selected Johnson County as his future home, and entered a claim under the Homestead Act to a 160-acre tract of land, where he now lives, comprising the southeast quarter of section 6, Sterling Precinct. He built a sod house, in which he kept "bachelor's hall" most of the time until 1872.
   In that year our subject took an important step toward establishing a more comfortable home by marrying, on the 25th of March, Miss Sophia Rogge. He had previously erected a small frame house, and in that he and his bride commenced their wedded life. Her parents, Henry and Caterina Rogge, are both dead, and the mother of our subject died in 1872. Nine children have blessed the union of our subject and his wife, namely: Willis, Edwin, Ola, Cora, Mary, Belle, Stella and Rowie, and one who died at the age of three weeks.
   When Mr. Rogge came here, although he was not among the first settlers, his was the pioneer task to develop a farm from the wild, unbroken prairie, and as he had but $200 he had to exercise the closest economy, and to manage with great frugality until his land would prove a source of income instead of outlay. But he was full of life and energy and not easily discouraged, so that he gradually became prosperous, and now none of his neighbors have a better tilled or more highly improved farm than he. It is supplied with a good house, barn and other necessary buildings, has a fine orchard and many forest trees, is well fenced, and every inch of soil is utilized. In these years of toil his wife has greatly aided him in the upbuilding of their home, both by cheerful assistance and ready counsel and encouragement. She is a woman of true Christian character, a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one whose kindly heart makes her the friend of the needy and suffering.
   Our subject is a well-informed man, and possesses a good fund of sound common sense and shrewd foresight, that make him invaluable as a citizen and as a neighbor. In his home relations he is a kind husband and wise father. He and his wife are determined that their children shall be well educated, and he thoughtfully provides them with good books. Mr. Rogge also takes an interest in general educational matters, and as a member of the School Board. For several years has used his influence to provide good schooling for the children in this

township. He is Road Commissioner this year, and is faithfully performing his work in that direction. Mr. Rogge takes an intelligent view of the political questions of the day, and sides with the Republican party.

HARLES WILKINSON. Among the enterprising and effective agriculturists of Maple Grove Precinct must be named the subject of this sketch, whose property is situated on section 24. His father was John Wilkinson, a native of England, who came to America about the year 1830. He made his first home in the New World in Peoria County, Ill. There he continued to reside for about fifteen years, and then moved to Walworth County, Wis., where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1885. His wife, the mother of our subject, was Harriet Egan, a native of Madison County, Ohio. This lady is now living in Knox County, Ill.
   The subject of this biography is the only son of the above, and was born on the 12th of March, 1847, in Fulton County, Ill. He lived at home until he was thirteen years of age, when he commenced to work upon a farm by the week. He continued thus employed until 1868, when he came to Tecumseh and took a homestead claim of 160 acres of raw prairie land, which he has transformed into his present valuable and highly cultivated farm. With the exception of seven years spent in Knox County, during which he rented his property, he has resided thereon continuously from the time of his entry.
   In October, 1875, the marriage of Mr. Wilkinson with Abbie Mills, a daughter of John and Lena (Thomas) Mills, was celebrated. Mr. and Mrs. Mills were natives of Ohio, but for many years had been residents of Knox County, Ill. Their daughter Abbie was born at Rome, Peoria Co., Ill., Sept. 11, 1854. Our subject and wife are the parents of two beautiful children, who, as they develop from childhood to youth, and come to more mature years, manifest capacity, intelligence and a disposition that mark them for honorable places in the community. Their names are Harriet L. and Guy W.
   At the conclusion of the seven years of his second residence in Knox County, Ill., our subject returned in 1879 to Johnson County and to his farm. This he has long since brought to a wellnigh perfect condition for agriculture. He is careful, thorough and practical, and devotes much thought to the further improvement and cultivation of the same.
   In political matters Mr. Wilkinson favors the Union Labor party as that most likely to meet and carry out the desires of the major portion of the community. He has held the office of Assessor for two years, and has also been a member of the School Board--the latter office in fact he has occupied almost continuously. He is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity, and is quite a good worker in the various departments where such is required. He is a worthy and valued citizen, but unassuming, and in nowise anxious to figure prominently in political circles. His chief delight is in his home and farm, and there he has always sustained the most worthy and happy temperament, so as to be a favorite and looked-for member of the household, and popular among those who work for him. His fine home and out-buildings are shown in a view elsewhere in this ALBUM.

ANIEL RICHARDSON. The house and farm of this gentleman attract attention from the stranger or visitor to the county, especially of those who may be in the vicinity of sections 16, 4 and 9, of Western Precinct, because of its position and topographical surroundings. The house and farm buildings are situated upon the summit of one of the highest hills in the district, and being substantially built and of fine appearance, have become quite a landmark, as they may be seen for many miles in either direction. Mr. Richardson was born in Knox County, Ill., on the 25th of February, 1841. His father, Pliny Richardson, now deceased, was a native of Breckinridge County, Ky. The maiden name of his wife, the mother of our subject, was Elizabeth Pierce.

She is now living in Knox County, and is eighty-one years of age.
   Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, Sr., made their home in Warren County, Ill., in the year 1856, and there our subject was brought up on the home farm. His education was received in the usual institutions of the district, and was of the ordinary practical character. His patriotism led him to enlist in Company A, 102d Illinois Infantry, for a term of three years. He was present in the conflicts of the Atlanta campaign, and fought in the battles of Resaca, Dallas, Peachtree Creek, and also those of the Carolina campaign and Sherman's march. He saw much service outside the larger battles, and has a very honorable war record. Upon leaving the army he located in Knox County, and was there engaged in agriculture until 1875, when he returned to Warren County, carrying on a farm there until 1886, when he came to this county, and purchased and settled upon the property where he now makes his home, on section 16 of the above precinct, operating 120 acres of fine arable land in general farming and stock-raising.
   Upon the 18th of November, 1869, was celebrated the marriage of the subject of this sketch with Sarah Ryner, who is the daughter of Spencer Ryner, of Warren County, Ill. There have been given to them six children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Trueman R., Sherman S., Alva L., Frank S. and Daniel B. The name of the deceased child was Oliver. The married life of our subject has been most happy, and in keeping with what, would be a natural result for one of such character and disposition, so congenially allied.
   Mr. Richardson was formerly a member of the United Brethren Church, but has not joined himself to any organization since coming to this State. Nevertheless both himself and wife take deep interest in religious matters, and also in local Sunday-school work, especially that carried on in the district school-house. They are liberal supporters of benevolent institutions and enterprises. Our subject is a true and loyal citizen, and an enthusiastic member of the G. A. R. He was always a strong Republican, and it so happens that some of his neighbors were with him in the army, and members of the same mess, who were of an opposite opinion, so much so as to often use the epithet of "Black Abolitionist" to him.
   Mrs. Richardson was born on the 25th of August, 1848, in Warren County, her father, who is a native of Pennsylvania, being one of the very early settlers in that county. The maiden name of her mother was Emily Butles, of Ohio. Both her parents are still living, and make their home in the town of Alexis, Warren County. Her brother, William Ryner, served with the Union forces in the late war, and has an honorable record in that connection.
   For a view of the home of our subject see another page in this volume.

AFAYETTE A. SHARRETT, an Ohio man of excellent antecedents, occupies a good position as a representative farmer and stock-raiser in Lincoln Precinct, where, since the summer of 1856, he has successfully cultivated a farm of eighty acres of land, which is in a highly productive condition, and supplied with convenient and substantial buildings. This is located on section 30, the center of as fine a farming community as is to be found in the county, and Mr. Sharrett has been no unimportant factor in building up its present reputation. He is a self-made man, of intelligence and good business capacities, and one who enjoys in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of his neighbors.
   Our subject was born in Greene County, Ohio, Aug. 16, 1853, and is the son of John B. and Elizabeth (Straly) Sharrett, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. When in the third year of his age he came with his parents to this county, where he was retired and educated, and of which he has since been a resident. He became early in life familiar with the various employments of the farm, and has been content to make agriculture his occupation, nothing delighting him more than to witness the development of the soil, the flourishing fields with their growing crops, and the gathering in of the golden harvests.
   Mr. Sharrett when not quite thirty years of age was married, Feb. 21, 1883, to Miss Susie Sampson,

who was born Jan. 27, 1861, in Iowa County, Iowa, and is a daughter of Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Cook) Sampson, who are residents of Lincoln Precinct, and a sketch of whom appears on another page in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Sharrett commenced the journey of life together at their present homestead, and are the parents of three children: Pearl M., born Dec. 13, 1883; Jessie M., June 25, 1885, who died Aug. 6, 1885; and Mabel L., born June 4, 1888.
   Our subject states that he has been ably assisted by his estimable wife in attaining to his present position, both socially and financially, and they are both members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have gathered around them many friends, who watch their progress with kindly interest, and who extend to them their warmest wishes for their future prosperity. Mr. Sharrett cast his first Presidential vote for R. H. Hayes, and politically, he uniformly votes the Republican ticket. He, like his honored father, lends his aid and influence as opportunity occurs to those projects having for their object the elevation of society and the best good of the people around him. On another page may be seen a view of his pleasant home and its surroundings.

ARRISON J. CURTIS, of section 22, township 6 north, range 11 east, of Helena Precinct, is one of the oldest pioneers of the county. He was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., on the 16th of August, 1839, and is the son of Henry and Eliza Curtis, who were natives of New York State and Vermont respectively. Originally three brothers emigrated from England to America; one settled in the South, another after a short sojourn returned to England, while the third located in New York State. Our subject is a direct descendant of the latter.
   To the parents of our subject were born six children, of whom three survive, viz.: Marietta, who is married to Samuel Turman, of Churchill County, Nev.; Henry A., of Cook, in this State, and Harrison J., who was about five years of age when his father died. About a year later he was taken into the family of Lewis R. King, of Huntsville, Schuyler Co., Ill., by whom he was brought up until he reached his eighteenth year. His presence in Illinois is accounted for by the fact that his parents left their New York home for the West about the year 1843, and located in Schuyler County, Ill., where, as previously mentioned, the father died within a year of removal.
   The education of our subject, so far as schooling was concerned, was necessarily somewhat limited, Illinois being provided at that time almost without exception simply with subscription schools, and the winter months alone were devoted to study, but in all that went to make up the practical part of his training in farming, etc., he was perfectly conversant from his youth, and it is not surprising that upon starting upon his own account, with all the interest and responsibility attaching thereto, he speedily made his way to the front in such pursuits.
   Devoted to his country and patriotic to a degree, our subject enlisted on the 12th of August, 1862, in Company C, 99th Illinois Infantry, which was mainly composed of young men of Pike County. The regiment was attached to the Western Army, and first did service in Missouri. Later our subject was transferred to the army before Vicksburg, and participated in the siege and battle at that place. He was detailed to act in the capacity of teamster, and carried provisions and ammunition, etc., for the troops, being what is called Quartermaster's teamster. Subsequently he participated in the siege of Jackson and later returned to Vicksburg, where he was in camp for a short time and then was transferred to New Orleans, where they lay in camp for a time and then were sent to Brazier City, La., where he was disabled by a kick from a mule, which was so severe that he was sent to New Orleans, where he remained in the hospital for over six weeks. He was then furloughed for sixty days and returned home, but at the expiration of that period being still unfit for service he received an extension of time, viz., thirty days, after which he returned to his regiment which was in Texas, going via New Orleans. He was now detailed to serve as dispatch carrier for

a short time, and was wounded by an explosion of a torpedo in March, 1864. This confined him to the hospital for some time, and resulted in his being unfit for service. He was therefore honorably discharged in June of that year in Louisiana. Upon returning to his Illinois home our subject, after his complete recovery, engaged in farming.
   The marriage of our subject with Mary E. Cannon was celebrated on the 14th of March, 1860. This lady was born on the 14th of September, 1840, at Pleasant Hill, in Pike County, and is the daughter of Bluford and Margaret (Kerr) Cannon. Her parents were respectively natives of Kentucky and Missouri. Upon her father's side she is of Scotch-Irish descent, and the original founders of the family this side the Atlantic settled in Maryland. They were the parents of several children, of whom the following are living: Patience, the wife of Henry A. Curtis, of Cook County, Ill.; John, who is in Missouri; Henry, in Holt County, Colo.; Benjamin F., of Logan County, Kan., and Mrs. Curtis. These are all children by the first marriage of her father. By his second alliance he became the husband of Sarah Triplet, and several other children were born, of whom three are living, viz.: Kate, who is married to LaFayette Jones; Cora, the wife of LeRoy Jones, and Smith; all reside in Smith County, Kan.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Curtis there have been given ten children, of whom they have lost four by death, viz.: William, Lily, Lutie and Samuel. The living children are as follows; Henry, who is married to Lydia Fleischer; Mollie, now Mrs. Nathan Douglas, of Cheyenne County, Kan.; Frank, Lucius, Wesley and Bessie. In 1866, accompanied by his wife and three children, our subject migrated from Illinois to this county. The journey was performed by means of a wagon and four mule teams, and some three weeks were consumed in the journey. Upon reaching their destination 160 acres of land was taken as a homestead claim on section 28 of Helena Precinct. It was situated about six miles north of Tecumseh, and the primitive condition of things at that time may be gathered from the fact that there was not a house between them and the village. This was their home until 1879, when they removed to their present farm and have resided there continuously from that time. He owns 160 acres and has every part of it well in hand. It is a fertile tract and yields good harvests. It is chiefly cultivated in the line of general farming. Throughout the years of, their companionship Mr. and Mrs. Curtis have mutually assisted each other in all the affairs of life, and their home has been one of the happiest in the district. They are both members in good standing of the Baptist Church and take a deep interest in religious matters. Our subject has for a number of years been Deacon of the church, and still serves in that connection. For a number of years he has been a member of the School Board and has done good service. In 1888 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and is more than fulfilling the hopes of his friends. Politically, he is a Democrat, and is an active member of the party. He is also identified with the Masonic fraternity and advanced to the degree of Master Mason. He is a man of character and personal worth, and is one of the esteemed and much valued citizens of the county..

0NTHONY M. APPELGET, one of the most promising young lawyers of Johnson County, during a successful practice of ten years has built up a profitable business, and holds a fine position in the ranks of the legal fraternity. During this period he has been associated with his father, the well-known Judge Appelget, a long-time and highly respected resident of Tecumseh.
   The subject of this sketch was born June 15, 1857, near the city of Princeton, N. J., where he lived until a lad of thirteen years. In the fall of 1870 he came with his parents to the West, they taking up their residence at once in Tecumseh. Anthony M., when of suitable age and acquirements, entered the law department of the Iowa State University, from which he emerged in the summer of 1878 with the degree of LL. B. On the 1st of July he began the practice of his profession, having been admitted to the bar of two States, and practices in all the courts, including the State and Supreme.
   Mr. Appelget, in July, 1878, became associated