and occupies. He has now a fine farm with graded stock, and all the machinery necessary for the prosecution of agriculture after the most approved methods. As a citizen he is straightforward and upright, and held in high esteem.

OHN H. DIBLE, one of the representative pioneers of this county, and who located in Spring Creek Precinct in the fall of 1865, while Nebraska was a Territory, still resides on the land which he homesteaded at that time when not a furrow had been turned, and upon which there had been no attempt whatever at improvement. He began in earnest the task before him of building up a homestead, and has now one of the finest farms in this region, which stands as a monument to his persevering industry. He operated as a single man for a period of six years, resolved to lay the foundation of a home before he invited a wife to share his struggles, and was then married, Feb. 25, 1872, to Miss Bettie Haden. This estimable lady has since been his helpmate, and their union has been blessed by six children, namely: Julia, Wilbur, Kate, Michael, Fanny and Esther. The eldest is fifteen years of age and the youngest two.
   Mr. Dible is the offspring of an excellent family, being the son of John and Catherine (Heckman) Dible, both of whom were of German ancestry, and spent the greater part of their lives in Pennsylvania, where their decease took place. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are living, namely: Margaret, wife of William George, of Armstrong County, Pa.; Melinda, Mrs. John Loudin, also of that county; Zephaniah, a resident of Kansas; John H., our subject; and Isabelle, Mrs. Robert Allison, of Marion County, Iowa.
   Mr. Dible was born in Armstrong County, Pa., Nov. 5, 1839, and there spent his youth and early manhood, receiving a common-school education and being thoroughly trained in all the employments of farm life. He remained a member of the parental household until a young man twenty-three years old, but in the spring of 1862 started out for himself. Making his way to De Kalb County, Ill., he occupied himself there at farming several months, and on the 1st of August of that year, the Civil War being in progress, enlisted as a Union soldier in Company G, 95th Illinois Infantry. His regiment, under the command of Gen. Grant, was present at the siege of Vicksburg, and later, under Gen. Banks, participated in the Red River expedition and was a special guard on board the fleet of transports which operated from the mouth of Red River. Later their division was again assigned to the command of Gen. Banks in Louisiana, where Mr. Dible, with his comrades, fought at Yellow Bayou, being also at the capture at Ft. Derusa. Later he was under the command of Gen. Sturgis, at the time of his defeat at Guntown, Miss. He was also one of the number who followed the rebel General, Price, on his last raid in Missouri. Subsequently the regiment was sent to reinforce Gen. Thomas at Nashville, and Mr. Dible participated in the two days' fight at that point, which resulted in the defeat of Flood's army. At Spanish Fort he was under fire a period of thirteen days, and in all participated in sixteen general engagements, besides numerous skirmishes. He continued in the army until after the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, and received his honorable discharge at St. Louis in August, 1865.
   Returning now to his old haunts in Illinois, our subject remained there long enough to visit his friends and acquaintances, and a few months later made his way across the Mississippi to this county, of which he has since been a resident. Politically, he is a Union Labor man, and socially, belongs to the G. A. R., Post No. 104, at Talmage, in Otoe County. He also affiliates with the Masons.

ALMER BLAKE, a well-known resident of Helena Precinct, and a leading land-owner, came to Nebraska during the days of its early settlement, locating in this county when his neighbors were few and far between, and when his estimable wife, who had accompanied him here, did not see the face of a white woman for a period of three months. Indians were plentiful

and wild animals in abundance roamed over the country, which had been little disturbed by the inroads of the white settler. The scenes and incidents witnessed by this honored pioneer have passed before his eyes much like a panorama, and the years which to him seem comparatively brief have been filled with changes, most of them for the better, both in connection with his own personal history, and certainly that of the now important commonwealth of Nebraska.
   Of New England birth and ancestry, our subject first opened his eyes to the light in the little town of Brookfield, Vt., June 1, 1835. His parents, Joseph and Rebecca (Williams) Blake, were natives of Manchester, N. H., and the records indicate that the paternal ancestors did good service in the Revolutionary War. To Joseph and Rebecca Blake there were born ten children, of whom the following survive: William, Amos, Seth M., Edward W., Joseph M., and Palmer, our subject. Two children died in infancy. Those living are residents mostly of Connecticut and New York. The father was a farmer by occupation, and spent his last years in Vermont, dying about 1865, and the mother about 1860.
   Palmer Blake lived in the Green Mountain State until the eighteenth year of his age, acquiring a good common-school education and becoming thoroughly acquainted with agricultural pursuits as carried on in New England. He was a bright and ambitious boy, and determined to see something of the world before he was old. He accordingly now left the parental roof, and the summer of 1854 found him sojourning in the embryo city of Rock Island, Ill., where for one and one-half years he was employed as clerk in a commission house. In 1856, pushing still further westward, he crossed the Mississippi into Decatur County, Iowa, where he met his fate in the person of Miss Frances A. Smith, to whom he was married Oct. 23, 1856.
   Mrs. Blake was born in Seneca County, Ohio, June 29, 1837, and is the daughter of Gaylord G. and Ada (Covey) Smith, who were natives of New York. The father spent his last years in Iowa. The mother is still living. To our subject and his excellent wife there were born twelve children, seven living: Seth E., a resident of Helena Precinct, this county; Nina B., who is teaching school in the vicinity of her home; Fannie B., the wife of Alvah Whitney, of Spring Creek Precinct; Laura H., the wife of H. Livingston, of Helena Precinct; Birdie J., Joseph and Eva M., at home with their parents.
   In the spring of 1857 Mr. Blake and his wife made their way to Nebraska Territory overland from Iowa, with two yoke of oxen and a wagon. After a ten days' journey, during which they camped out at night wherever darkness overtook them, and cooked by the wayside, they landed in Helena Precinct, this county, and located first on section 12. Taking up 160 acres of land they lived and labored there until the spring of 1869, then changed their residence to their present farm. This likewise was obtained by Mr. Blake as a homesteader, and is also 160 acres in extent. It was in its wild and primitive condition, and it has taken years of labor. besides involving an outlay of thousands of dollars, to bring it to its present condition. Mr. and Mrs. Blake endured many trials and privations during the early years of their settlement in this county, but from the very first they exercised the spirit of perseverance and resolution which admits no such word as fail.
   After obtaining a foothold upon his first purchase, and gathering around his family the conveniences most essential to their health and comfort, Mr. Blake began to enlarge his possessions, investing a portion of his capital in additional land, and is now the owner of 600 acres. The home farm includes 280 acres, and the balance of his land lies mostly on section 32. He commenced in life at the foot of the ladder, dependent upon his own resources, and is thus essentially a self-made man, the architect of his own fortune. None have rejoiced more in the development and prosperity of Nebraska, and no one man has contributed in a larger degree than Mr. Blake to bring it to its present condition.
   Our subject as one of the earliest settlers of Johnson County, and a man of more than ordinary capabilities, was at an early date called to fill its various positions of trust and responsibility. He has served as Justice of the Peace two terms, and Postmaster at Helena for four years, and has been for a number of years a member of the School

Board in his district. He cast his first Presidential vote for Lincoln, and has been uniformly a supporter of Republican principles. He is a prominent member of the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County. Of sterling worth and integrity, he is accorded that tacit respect earned by the pioneers of Nebraska, and is a man whose word is considered as good as his bond.

LLEN C. BAKER. The Baker homestead, which is pleasantly located in Lincoln Precinct, on the eastern line of this county. occupies 320 acres of land on section 29, and is noticeable on account of one of the finest residences in the precinct, and which, with its surroundings, shade and fruit trees, and a barn with all the necessary outbuildings, forms the modern idea of the complete country home. Mr. Baker is a very industrious and energetic man, and in addition to general farming is largely interested in stock-raising. Besides the home farm he has a half-interest in a quarter-section of land in company with his brother-in-law, Mr. Frank M. Taylor.
   Mr. Baker, originally a New Englander, was born Feb. 8, 1840, in Hawley Township, Franklin Co., Mass., and is the son of Harvey and Ann E. (Carter) Baker, who were also natives of the Bay State, and were of English descent. Their ancestry crossed the Atlantic at an early period in the history of America, settling in New England, some of them in time to take part in the struggle which secured to the Colonists their independence. Allen C. supposes himself to be one of about the seventh generation, and was the seventh son in his father's family, which consisted of nine children, six of whom are still living. The eldest daughter, Margaret, is the wife of C. H. Mayhew; and Angeline, the wife of W. L. Day; both of these are residents of Franklin County, Mass. Martha, Mrs. George Snow, is a resident of Boston; and Eliza, Mrs. John Wells, also lives in Franklin County.
   Mr. Baker was reared to man's estate in his native county, where he received a good education, and this, together with the lifelong habit of reading, has made him a man of more than ordinary intelligence. He keeps himself well posted upon the current events, and is one with whom it is both pleasurable and profitable to converse. He followed farming as an occupation from his youth, .and began early in life to make arrangements for the establishment of a home of his own. When these had sufficiently advanced he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret D. Taylor, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride in Franklin County, Mass., in 1868.
   Mrs. Baker was born in the State of Michigan in 1847, and is the daughter of Milnor W. and Margaret T. (Taylor) Taylor, both of whom were natives of Massachussetts, and her father a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Baker left New England in the spring of 1879, coming directly to this county, and settling where they now live.
   Mr. Baker became quite prominent in the affairs of his native county, where he joined the Republican party and was elected a County Commissioner, discharging the duties of his position in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to all concerned. Since coming to the West, however, he has declined the responsibilities of office, atthough frequently solicited to take part in matters of public concern. He and his excellent wife are both members of the Congregational Church, and occupy a good position, socially, among the intelligent and cultivated people of their community.

AMES E. CARLYLE, whose well-kept and well-cultivated farm is situated on the northwest quarter of section 20, Maple Grove Precinct, is the son of Jonathan Carlyle, who was born Dec. 22, 1814, in Scotland. He continued to live in his native county until he came to Nebraska, on the 12th of June, 1887. During his early life he was a cotton weaver, but afterward followed gardening until 1884. His wife, the mother of our subject, was Mary Smith, who was also born in Scotland. The date of her nativity was Nov. 19, 1814, and she came to America with her husband in 1887. Their family comprised eight children, of whom four were sons; three only now living. These are: John Smith Carlyle, one

of Chicago's prosperous grocers; Mary, the wife of Samuel Ewebank, of Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire, England; and James E., of Maple Grove, whose biography is here traced. Mr. and Mrs. Carlyle, Sr., have come to spend the remainder of their lives with our subject in his American home.
   Mr. James E. Carlyle was born in Annan, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. on the 7th of September, 1856. He lived at home for twenty-seven years, and attended school in his native place for about eighteen months. When thirteen years of age he commenced cotton weaving in the steam mills of his native town, and continued to follow the same for about four years. From that he went into business as a nurseryman, following the same for about ten years. At the end of that period he determined to emigrate to the New World, and assure himself of the truth of the advantages offered there for bettering one's position in life. Accordingly he set sail for this country on the 12th of January, 1883, and landed about ten days later in New York City. From there he went direct to Chicago, where he remained until the 4th of June, being engaged during that time in the grocery business with his brother, at No. 328 W. Madison street, in that city.
   In June, 1886. our subject came to Johnson County, and settled in Maple Grove Precinct, and took charge of the stock farm of his brother, who owns one quarter-section and is making a specialty of Hereford cattle for breeding purposes, at the same time supplying quite a large number for shipment to Kansas City. They have a very fine breed of pure Herefords, some of them imported stock. Besides those of pure blood there are many of very high grade and quite valuable animals.
   Mr. Carlyle is still unmarried, and is now preparing to engage extensively in stock-raising, even more so than ever before. His brother, of Chicago, who is deeply interested in the business, was born on the 12th of March, 1842, in Annan. After leaving school he learned the grocery business, and followed the trade in Scotland until August, 1872, when he went to Chicago and commenced business for himself, which he has ever since continued. He has also carried on his stock farm with all its varied interests and responsibilities. At Red Cloud, Webster County, he had a half-section and used it chiefly for the breeding and feeding of Hereford grade cattle for the market, but has sold it.
   Mr. J. E. Carlyle is one of the prominent business men of the city of which he is a resident, and having commenced at the very foot of the ladder it is more to his credit that he has, unassisted and alone made his way to his present position in the world of trade and society generally.

OHN M. ELLIOTT, whose general mercantile house in Crab Orchard is quite well and favorably known, and largely patronized, is a native of Knox County, Ky. His whole life bears the marks of the State characteristics, and he is possessed of all the wide-awake, enterprising push of the Kentuckian, while the large-hearted and liberal, genial affability of that people is not wanting. The date of his nativity was the 27th of June, 1858. His father, Lewis Elliott, now deceased, was a native of the same State. This gentleman was the son of the Rev. Daniel Elliott, who was a Methodist minister of reputation. He left Virginia, his native State, in early days, and made his home in the Blue Grass State.
   John Elliott, the subject of our sketch left home when in his fourteenth year, and went to Monitor, Appanoose Co., Iowa. He attended school in the latter place for two years, and then went to Marshall County in the same State, where he worked for three years as a farm hand, during which time he still had opportunity to attend school during part of the winter. He came to this county in the spring of 1879, and farmed at Vesta until 1885, when he came to Crab Orchard, and established the present business under the firm name of DeCamp & Elliott. His partner afterward sold his interest to our subject, since which time he has been sole proprietor. He carries a stock of not less than $3,000, and does an annual business of about $9,000.
   Miss Mary Mace and our subject were united in marriage Sept. 24, 1879. This lady is the daughter of David and Susannah Mace, of North Carolina. She was born in the latter State on the 14th of March, 1850. It was her misfortune to lose

her father by death before the war. She has presented her husband with three children, of whom Eustace J. and Myo D. alone survive. For two years she was an invalid and a great sufferer, but is now completely restored to health, and able once more to take her accustomed place in the family circle, to the pleasure and delight of her family.
   Our subject began life at the lowest round of the ladder, having no friend to help or advise him, and to his honor be it said he has in every case made the disadvantages and discouragements but steps to renewed success. He is in sympathy with the Democratic party, and both feels and expresses himself forcibly upon the question of tariff reform.

WEN P. RICHARDSON, of Western Precinct, may usually be found about his premises, which occupy a portion of section 36. His farm is noticeable for its good crops, its live stock and its comfortable buildings. Mr. R. is an Illinois man, having been born in Knox County, that State, Nov. 17, 1845. His father, Pliny Richardson, a native of Kentucky, died about 1875, aged sixty years.
   Our subject received a good education in the district schools of his neighborhood and High School tuition at Knoxville, Ill. He remained under the parental roof until reaching his majority, then started out to see the country west of the Mississippi. Going to Idaho Territory he traveled from there through Montana, Oregon and California, spending the winter of 1869 in San Francisco. He skirmished considerably with the Indians at different times in Idaho. He was there employed in herding cattle, and upon one occasion the Indians stole the ponies of himself and comrades. Mr. Richardson and three others pursued and attacked about forty savages, in the meantime hiding themselves from the missiles of their foes among the rocks of which they built breastworks, and there fought two nights and days. At the expiration of this time the remainder of their company, sixteen in number, came to their relief. They made away with twenty-seven of the redskins. On the other side three of the white men fell to rise no more. Mr. Richardson and his comrades recovered their twenty ponies in addition to taking twenty from the Indians.
   In December, 1869, our subject returned to Illinois, where he carried on farming until February, 1880. He then settled in this county and carried on agriculture in the western part of Western Precinct until the fall of 1884, when he secured the land which he now owns and occupies. In the meantime he was married, July 18, 1870, in Knox County, Ill., to Miss Anna Powell. This lady was burn July 15, 1849, in Fayette County, Ind., and is the daughter of George and Kigga (Copse) Powell, the latter of whom is deceased; the father survives and is living in Illinois. Of her union with our subject there were born nine children, six of whom are living. namely: Pliny, Aley M., Leonard, Clyde, Lloyd and Nina. The eldest is eighteen years of age, and the youngest fourteen months. They are living at home. Mrs. Elizabeth (Pierce) Richardson, the mother of our subject, is still living, and makes her home in Knox County, being now in the eighty-first year of her age, She has recently (October, 1888) been on a visit to her son, being sprightly and active and in the enjoyment of good health. The parental family consisted of eight children, seven living.
   Mr. Richardson cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, and uniformly continues his support of Republican principles. He is numbered among the reliable citizens of his precinct, a man careful in his business, transactions, honest and upright, and well thought of by his neighbors.

AMES STOLTENBERG. The subject of this sketch came to Lincoln Precinct with his family in the spring of 1871, and settled on the farm which he now owns and occupies, purchasing eighty acres of raw prairie, which he has transformed into one of the finest farms in this precinct. Besides this property he has a quarter section of good land in Nemaha County. He is classed among the representative German citizens of his county who have assisted largely in its growth and development, bringing to it those

qualities of sturdy industry and perseverance which have assisted so materially in the development of its soil and the general prosperity of its people. Mr. S., in addition to general farming, is largely interested in stock-raising, having the typical fat horses and cattle which are always associated with the German agriculturist.
   A native of the Duchy of Holstein, our subject was born Oct. 25, 1842, and is the son of Henry and Bertha (Schoel) Stoltenberg, who were of pure German ancestry, and natives of the same Province as their son. The father died when James was a little lad of seven years, but the mother lived until about 1880, she spending her last days in Iowa. She came to America with her daughter about 1866. The parental family included three children, of whom James, our subject, was the eldest. Bertha died in Iowa when about forty-two years old; Lena is the wife of James Kahler, of Benton County, Iowa.
   In common with the children of Germany our subject was placed in school at an early age, and received a thorough education in his native tongue. After leaving school he was occupied with farming pursuits until twenty-two years of age, near the place of his birth. He was not satisfied, however, with his prospects for the future, and determined to seek his fortunes on the other side of the Atlantic. Bidding adieu to his friends and associates, he engaged passage on a steamer bound from Hamburg to New York City, landing upon American soil after an ocean voyage of fifteen days. He proceeded at once to Rock Island County, Ill., and for four years thereafter was engaged sit a farm laborer in that locality. There also he met his fate in the person of Miss Catherine Hanburg, to whom he was married Oct. 12, 1866. This lady was born in Germany, in Holstein, Dec. 91 1844, and comes of a good family, being the daughter of Marx and Dorothea (Blank) Hanburg, and a sister of Eggert Hanburg, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Stoltenberg commenced their wedded life together in Rock Island County, Ill., whence they crossed the Mississippi, as we have already stated. Of their union there have been born four children, namely: Ferdinand G., Oct. 23, 1867; Elizabeth, Aug. 24, 1869; John, May 21, 1873, and Emil, Oct. 7, 1877. John died when three and one-half years old.
   Our subject and his estimable wife were reared in the doctrines of the German Lutheran Church, to which they still loyally adhere, attending divine services in Washington Precinct, Nemaha County.
   Mr. S., politically, advocates the principles of the Democratic party, and in all respects has built up for himself the record of ail honest man and a good citizen.

UGUST BEETHE. There is no more pleasing spectacle than that of a young man starting out early in life, with a well-balanced mind and good habits, and establishing himself as a useful member of his community--one who wins from the first the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. The subject of this sketch is a fine illustration of what a resolute will may accomplish, combined with great natural talents and capabilities. Although but thirty years of age, he is already spoken of as one of the representative men of his township. He is the owner of a fine farm, fully developed and improved, with handsome and substantial buildings, pleasantly located on the southeast portion of section 27, Todd Creek Precinct. In addition to general agriculture he makes a specialty of stock-raising, keeping graded cattle, horses and swine. His cattle are of the Short-horn breed, the head of his herd being a full-blooded animal, and his horses, mostly draft animals, are thoroughbred. His swine are the Poland-China. The residence is a fine large structure, and the barn and other out-buildings fully in keeping with the tastes and requirements of the progressive agriculturist.
   Mr. Beethe first set foot upon the soil of Nebraska in the fall of 1869, when he was a lad of eleven years. he was born in DuPage County, Ill., Aug. 23, 1868, and lived there with his parents until they all crossed the Mississippi. The journey from the Prairie State was made overland with teams to Tecumseh, the travelers crossing the river at Nebraska City. The father, after looking

over the country, finally selected his location and purchased 280 acres in Todd Creek Precinct, which he brought to a productive condition, and upon which he effected good improvements, and later added to his landed estate, and subsequently divided even more than this among his sons.
   Our subject completed his education in the pioneer schools of Todd Creek, becoming familiar with both the German and English tongues. Naturally bright and ambitious to learn, he improved his opportunities and became more than ordinarily well informed. He assisted his father in the development of the new land, and remained a member of the parental household until the spring of 1879. He then took possession of his own land, which at that time was an unbroken prairie, and upon which he has labored with incessant industry it is easy to believe, for it now closely resembles the well-developed farm of several years' standing. He has several acres of forest trees, a fruit orchard in good bearing condition, and in the summer of 1882 completed his residence.
   In his stock operations Mr. Beethe has been especially successful. He provides carefully for the shelter and feeding of his animals, and in consequence enjoys from this industry a handsome income. His fields are divided with neat hedge fencing. His domestic affairs are presided over by a very amiable and estimable lady, who became the wife of our subject on the 7th of December, 1884. She was formerly Miss Anna Duden, of Nemaha County, to which her mother emigrated from Germany in 1883, her father having come the previous fall. Mrs. Beethe was born in East Friesland, Germany, Oct. 2, 1867. She was sixteen years of age when her parents settled in the vicinity of Humboldt, Nemaha County, where she completed her education and lived until her marriage.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Beethe there have been born three children--Rosa and Hanna (twins) and Bertha. Our subject and his wife are members in good standing of the Lutheran Church, and attend regularly upon the services held in the building which they assisted largely in erecting, and which is near their home. It is a neat and tasteful structure, and a credit to any neighborhood. Mr. Beethe contributes liberally to those enterprises having in view the moral and religious welfare of the community. In company with his brother Carl H., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume, he is at present putting up a building for the Germania School, half a mile south, and as contractors and builders the brothers have gained a reputation fully equal to that which they possess as agriculturists and business men.
   The parents of our subject, Carl and Wilhelmine (Bueltemeier) Beethe, were natives of Germany. The mother is deceased, but the father is a resident of this precinct. Their family consisted of twelve children, ten of which are living.
   The wife of our subject is the daughter of Henry Duden, who, with his wife, was also a native of East Friesland, Germany, from which he emigrated in the fall of 1882 to America, and was joined by his family the following year. The latter included the wife, four sons and one daughter. Mr. D. came to this county, and with his estimable wife is still living, having their home near the Lutheran Church in Todd Creek Precinct, occupying forty acres of land owned by our subject. Their sons are residents of Germany and Nebraska.
   Mr. Beethe, politically, is a stanch Republican, and has been prominent in local politics. He frequently represents his precinct in the County Conventions, has officiated as a Juryman, and filled various other offices of trust and responsibility. He and his excellent wife enjoy the friendship of the best people of their community, and their home is it most pleasant resort, whose hospitable doors are ever open, and whose surroundings indicate refined and cultivated tastes and ample means.

SRAEL GEHR is one of the representative farmers of Western Precinct. His property is situated upon section 8. The family of which he is a member is of German extraction. Joseph Gehr, the grandfather of our subject, was born in that country and came to the United States about 1840. He was able to trace his ancestry back to one of the noble Huguenot families, which fled from France to Switzerland in 1685, during the cruel persecution of that people by the French Catholic