Church and Government. The family of Joseph Gehr was one of the first families in Lancaster County, Pa. He himself served as a Captain throughout the War of the Revolution, and helped to draw up the Constitution of the Keystone State. His son John, the father of our subject, was born on the Pennsylvania homestead, and as a young man served in a militia company, of which he held the Captaincy for twenty years. This gentleman died in Crawford County, Pa., in the year 1852.
   The subject of our sketch was born on the 2d of August, 1814, in Crawford County, Pa., and was reared upon the home farm, so that he has from earliest years been more or less acquainted with agricultural life. His education was such as was to be obtained in the common schools of that time, and though perhaps not so extensive in the range of subjects as now, was thorough in the branches taught and practical.
   The marriage of Israel Gehr was celebrated on the 16th of May, 1839. He was then united in wedlock with Ann, the estimable daughter of William Smiley. There have been seven children born to them, four of whom are living. The family record gives the names of the members of this family as follows: James W., Sarah, Ella, Effie; Sanford L. S., who died at the age of twenty-four years; Henrietta L., who was married to J. W. Beatty, and after several years of happy wedded life died, leaving three children, whose names are Harland, Emma and Lily A.; the other daughter, Mary A., died at the age of fifteen years. Sarah Gehr was united in marriage with Alfred Robinson, of Nelson, Nuckolls County, this State; she is the mother of two children, viz: Ethel Pearl and Jay. Ella is the wife of the Rev. Stokeley Roberts, of Beatrice, a Presiding Elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church; they are the parents of four children--Walter W., Guy, Herbert and Violet.
   The settlement of Mr. Gehr in this county dates from 1870. He first bought land near Sterling, moved upon it and began to improve a farm, where he made his home until the spring of 1882, when he settled upon his present farm. He is the owner of 223 acres of good agricultural land. The farm occupied by him at present lies adjoining the village of Crab Orchard; his improvements indicate the good taste and management of the owner. Our subject has retired from active labor and is living at ease, and is now enjoying some of the fruits of the labor of former years.
   The subject of our sketch occupied the seat of Justice of the Peace for one term, and did so in a manner most satisfactory. Both he and his wife are much respected members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in the community at large are held in high regard.

L. ARCHER, a well-known and highly respected citizen of Sterling, is classed among the wealthy farmers and extensive land-owners of Johnson County. His large farm, comprising 600 acres of land of unsurpassed fertility and productiveness, is finely located, and with its neat, commodious buildings, fine orchard, considered to be one of the best in the county, its grove of forest trees, and many other attractions, is, indeed, a valuable estate, and one of which the family may well be proud.
   Mr. Archer is a New Englander by birth, born amid the beautiful hills of Vermont, June 24, 1818. He was reared and educated in his native State, and there married Oct. 27, 1839. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and was actively engaged in that occupation until 1884, since which time he has led a more retired life in his home in the city, although still looking after his extensive agricultural interests. He continued to live in the Green Mountain State until 1848, when he removed with his family to Livingston County, Ill., where he resided for many years, prosperously engaged in agriculture. In 1875 he came to Nebraska with his family, and located on his present farm, having bought 1,400 acres of land here in the year 1867. He has now reduced the area of his farm to 600 acres by generously providing homes for his children, of whom there are five surviving of the thirteen born to him, all of whom are married and settled in life. When he came here his farm was an unbroken prairie, but by hard work he now has it all in cultivation and pasture, and has an excellent orchard of about 500 trees, mostly apple trees

of the best varieties, and he also has a grove of wild plums near the house. He planted twenty acres of timber, but most of the trees have died. He has, however, a beautiful grove of box elders, and it is said that he has planted more trees than any other man in the county, having planted 30,000 in all of various kinds, thus giving practical evidence of his belief in at arboriculture. If all of our agriculturists would do as well in proportion it would have an important hearing upon the questions discussed by scientists, who are carefully studying the means of preserving the forests. Mr. Archer's farm is amply provided with suitable buildings; he has a good farmhouse, barn, corn cribs (one of which is capable of holding 4,000 bushels), an ice house, and other buildings too numerous to mention. In 1884 Mr. Archer rented his farm and moved into the city of Sterling, where he bought a fine property and has a commodious and comfortable home.
   Mr. Archer is a man whose judgment and business ability are of a high order. and he stands well in this community, where he has made many warm friends as a man and as a citizen. He and his family are among the leading members of the Baptist Church. Politically, Mr. Archer is a straight Republican, and uses his influence to promote the best interests of his party. He takes a genuine interest in the welfare of this city, and is the encourager of all enterprises tending to its moral, intellectual or financial progress. He has also assisted in the administration of its public affairs, having been elected to the City Board in 1886, and serving very efficiently, and to the acceptance of his colleagues during his term of office.

ON. CHARLES C. ELLIS, Postmaster of Sterling, is one of its foremost citizens, and was for some years prominently identified with its business circles. He is a New Englander by birth, breeding and descent, having been born in Monmouth, Kennebec Co., Me., June 4, 1842. His parents, Benjamin S. and Mary A. (Storms) Ellis, were natives of Massachusetts. His father died in Maine, in 1886, at the age of seventy-seven. His mother is still living in that State, and is now seventy-one years old. Of her family of three children our subject is next to the eldest.
   Our subject grew to manhood and was educated in his native State, living there quietly until the second year of the war, when he, then but twenty years of age, shouldered his gun and knapsack and marched forth to assist in the defense of his country on Southern battle-fields, enlisting, in August, 1862, in Company K, 7th Maine Infantry. He served three years or until after the close of the war, and took part in a number of heavy engagements, among which were Antietam, Fredericksburg, the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania. In June, 1864, he was captured near Ream's Station, in North Carolina, by the 1st North Carolina Cavalry, and taken to Libby Prison. After staying there, about two months he was transferred to Andersonville, whence he was subsequently sent to Florence, N. C., where he remained a prisoner about six months. He was released in November, 1864, and went home on a furlough for two months. He rejoined his command in January, 1865, and remained in the South amid the active scenes of battle until after the close of the war, being mustered out in June, 1865. He returned to his friends without a wound, but his health impaired by exposure on the field of battle and in rebel prisons. After his return to his old home when he left the army, he went to Central America. He staid awhile in that semi-tropical country, an interested witness of the many strange scenes presented to the eye of a stranger reared in the North, but in 1868 he retraced his steps to Maine. He lived there and in Massachusetts until 1869, when he came as far west as Council Bluffs, Iowa, and in that city, in June, 1870, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah S. (Gray) Tacker. In 1872 he came to Nebraska and located in this county on a farm nine miles from Sterling, having decided to try agriculture on the rich soil in this State. He was thus engaged for some years with capital success, but he finally turned his attention to mercantile pursuits in this city, first opening a grocery store, and subsequently adding a stock of general merchandise. He built up quite a large and profitable trade, and carried on the business until he closed it

to accept his present office. he soon became a conspicuous figure in the councils of the Democratic party, of which he has been a supporter since he attained his majority, and in 1886 he was elected to the State Legislature to represent this county. His course as a legislator marked him as a candid, clearheaded, thoughtful man, who worked for the highest interests of his adopted county and State, regardless of party issues. After serving in the Legislature sixteen months, Mr. Ellis resigned his seat, in order to accept the postmastership of Sterling, May 23, 1887, and he is now filling that position to the universal satisfaction of the public. His geniality, courtesy and ready tact make him very popular, and he has hosts of friends. He is a member of Sill Post No. 99, G. A. R., at Sterling, and, with his wife, occupies an assured position among the representative people of one of the most cultured and enterprising cities of Johnson County.

ILLIAM DROOK. Among the prominent and wealthy citizens of Johnson County must be mentioned the gentleman whose history it is endeavored clearly but succinctly to relate in this sketch, who has retired from active engagements in farming, and is enjoying the harvest of former years. The beautiful residence of our subject stands at the end of Sixth street in the city of Tecumseh, is in keeping with his position in society, and speaks eloquently of the fact that success in life has been his. The position of his residence is such its to command an extensive and excellent view of the city and its surroundings for many miles. The grounds connected with his residence are most admirably laid out and kept, whether we turn from lawn to flower-beds, from these to the bowers and shady groves, or wander through the conservatory, everything is well-kept and admirably arranged, and comprises one of the nicest suburban residences in the district.
   Mr. Drook was born near Liberty, in Union County, Ind., Feb. 12, 1830, and continued to make his home in that place until he was about thirty-five years of age. The days of childhood and youth were spent much in the same manner as those of his companions, and were an alternate round of play and school tasks, interspersed with some of the lighter duties connected with the home. As soon as he was old enough he went to farming, and has followed that occupation all his life. Upon moving from Liberty he went to Grant County and purchased a farm, where he enjoyed much success. Meeting with an advantageous offer he concluded to sell the property, and removed to Todd Creek Precinct, Johnson County, and upon the 16th of March, 1870, purchased 280 acres, which he immediately began to improve.
   The chief occupation of our subject has been along the line of general farming, of which his knowledge is thorough, and being a man who by disposition will never do a thing by halves, he is reaping where perhaps others would have failed. Although not devoting his special attention to stock farming he owns some fine stock, and having a special liking for good horses has been careful to obtain some of the finest specimens possible. He keeps the finest driving-team of browns to be seen in quite a large distance. Their weight is about 1,000 pounds, and however often they may be seen will always attract attention and excite remark as being far above the average of even fine driving horses.
   The subject of this sketch staid upon this farm until the spring of 1887, then removed to his present home. All that he is or has become is the result of his own efforts, excepting as he received a good education, and was throughout the years of their wedded life aided and sustained by the inspiring and enthusing companionship of the lady who was to every responsibility so nobly true and faithful.
   The lady to whom Mr. Drook linked his life was Miss J. Jerusha Snyder. Their nuptials were celebrated on the 11th of December, 1855. Of this union five children have been born, of whom, however, but one survives. His wife and two grown children died here, the others in Grant County, Ind. The child living is his son Parker, who has received from his father a good education, and is now at home with him. Our subject was again married, to Miss Ann Steinberger, of Iowa, their union being celebrated in Johnson, Neb., in July, 1881.

   The grandfather of our subject was born on the 7th of June, 1787, in Virginia, and continued to reside in his native State until his marriage with Miss Salvine Farsher. After their marriage the young couple moved to and settled in Indiana, and there continued to make their home. He departed this life in 1870, at the age of eighty-three years, and was survived by his wife until the year 1881. All his life he followed the occupation of farming, and was thoroughly practical in every department of his calling. His religious home was in the German Baptist or Dunkard Church. The home circle of this family included eleven children, all of whom are now living except the youngest.
   The subject of our sketch is a worthy representative of this interesting family, and in the community is accorded general esteem. He is not prominent in political circles, never having found much opportunity while engrossed with his farm labors for such engagements. He is, however, a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and has always been, and is numbered among the most substantial, wealthy, and much valued citizens of Tecumseh.

ILLIAM H. TALCOTT, a pioneer farmer of Johnson County, located in Nemaha Precinct as early as 1872, and is now the owner of 142 acres of good land lying on the southeast quarter of section 5. He has been a resident of Nemaha Precinct since 1872, when he settled on the virgin prairie, commenced breaking the sod, building the necessary structures and setting out an orchard and a grove of forest trees. The fields are laid off with wire or hedge fencing, and the soil has been brought to a high state of cultivation. Besides general farming Mr. Talcott has been considerably interested in stock-raising.
   In October, 1883, Mr. Talcott sold out and took up his residence in Johnson Village, where he built a hotel, which he operated fifteen months, then sold out and purchased the farm where he now lives, this becoming his property on the 25th of February, 1885. Here, as before, he has been continually making improvements, conspicuous among which is a grove of forest trees covering three acres of ground, an orchard in good hearing condition and smaller fruits in abundance.
   Mr. Talcott has been a very industrious man, and has freely given of his services to those objects having in view the welfare of the people around him. He believes in the establishment and maintenance of schools, and since his residence in Johnson County has officiated as Director a greater portion of the time. He votes with the Republican party, but has no aspiration for political honors. Both he and his excellent wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Tecumseh, and warmly interested in Sunday-school work.
   Our subject first opened his eyes to the light in the city of Rock Island, Ill., March 11, 1844, when it was an unimportant town. He received his early education in Winnebago and Henry Counties, to the latter of which his father removed and carried on farming, besides operating a ferry across the Rock River. William H. when large enough had charge of the boat, and later was engaged as a traveling salesman. On the 5th of December, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Edwards, at the home of the bride in Johnson County, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Talcott commenced the journey of life together in a snug home in Henry County, Ill., and they are now the parents of a charming group of children, five in number, two sons and three daughters, namely: Charles A., Maude, Harry, Grace and Lottie. They are all at home with their parents, and being carefully trained and educated. Maude was graduated from the Tecumseh High School in the class of '87, and is now employed as a teacher. Charles will graduate from the class of '89.
   Mrs. Martha (Edwards) Talcott was born in Lewis County, N. Y., Jan. 8,1845, and is the daughter of William S. and Pamelia (Gould) Edwards. Her father was a farmer by occupation, and upon leaving the Empire State emigrated to Illinois. He only lived there one year, however; then, crossing the Mississippi, settled in the vicinity of Oxford, fifteen miles west of Iowa City, where he carried on farming a period of twelve years. Then, retiring from active labor, he disposed of his property, moved into the village of Oxford, and there lived

until his death, which occurred Oct. 8, 1886. The mother had preceded her husband to the better land in August, 1881. Their family included five children, three sons and two daughters, four of whom are living and residents of Iowa.
   The mother of Mrs. Talcott was a very excellent lady, beloved by all who knew her, and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She had a kind and tender heart for those in affliction, and was very efficient in sickness, being an excellent nurse, and always ready to volunteer her services to those in need. She is most tenderly remembered by her children as the model wife and mother, and one whose example was well worthy of their imitation. Their father during his younger years was not a member of any religious organization, but, through the patient example and goodness of his life companion, finally joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a member at the time of his death.
   The father of our subject, Asel Hubbard Talcott was born in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., March 15, 1804, and lived there until after his marriage. The wife and mother in her girlhood was Miss Jane Thayer. From the Empire State they removed to a farm in the vicinity of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and thence, in 1839, to Rock Island County, Ill. Asel Talcott was one of the earliest pioneers of the western part of Illinois. He made the journey by boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi. Before removing his family, however, he had visited the State, making the trip on horseback, during which he met a great many Indians. The wife and mother only lived two or three years after the removal of the family to Illinois. Mr. Talcott was then married to Mrs. Minerva Newton, and they became the parents of three children: William H., our subject, and his two sisters, Lucy and Mary. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Minerva Shaw. She was born at Stockholm, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., March 18, 1815, and removed with her parents to Michigan, where she was married to Mr. Newton. Later they removed to Illinois, where the death of Mr. N. took place, and where she was married to Mr. Talcott. Her death took place at the home of her younger daughter, in Spring Hill, Ill., April 7, 1885. Asel Talcott departed this life Feb. 9, 1876, at his home in Illinois. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which the father was one of the chief pillars and a Deacon.
   The paternal grandfather of on subject was John Talcott, a native of New York State, where he spent his entire life, he carried on farming and dealt in fine horses. He married a Miss Hubbard, of Connecticut, and they became the parents of five children, all of whom lived to mature years.

ACOB BLAKELEY, of Todd Creek Precinct, settled on the farm where he now lives during the pioneer days of Johnson County, and while laboring to build up his homestead watched with lively interest. the growth and prosperity of this section of country. He has been no unimportant factor in developing the agricultural interests of his adopted county, having transformed a portion of its wild prairie land into one of the finest homesteads within its borders. His farm is 320 acres in extent, and occupies the northern half of section 8. The land possesses many natural advantages, being welt watered and extremely fertile, and most pleasantly located. Its improvements are first-class, and it has been brought to its present condition only by the most incessant industry, wise management, and a liberal outlay of money.
   Mr. Blakeley paid $5 per acre for his present farm, at a time when much of the land around him could be purchased at $3. He is in possession of the whole original purchase, with the exception of one acre on the southeast corner, which he donated for a school-house, and another acre on the southwest corner, which he also donated for the Grand Prairie Cemetery. He has eighty acres of mostly tame and native pasture, besides groves of forest trees of his own planting. The land was raw prairie at the time of his taking possession, upon which a furrow had never been turned, and there was nothing to indicate that the foot of a white man had ever passed over it. The improvements now include a handsome and commodious residence, which was erected in 1882, and stands in

the midst of shrubbery and ornamental trees. Adjacent is an apple orchard of four acres, to which the proprietor is adding at intervals by the planting of additional trees, and the smaller fruits are enjoyed in their seasons. The farm in short is complete in every department, and fulfills the popular idea of the modern country estate.
   The subject of this sketch was born in Burlington County, N. J., Nov. 24, 1832, and when a child two years of age was taken by his parents to Sangamon County, Ill., they settling upon a tract of land near the then embryo town of Springfield. The land, however, lay in Mason County adjoining, and the father secured it at the regular Government price of $1.25 per acre. His first purchase was a quarter-section, to which he added until he had a farm of 400 acres, and brought the whole to a fine state of cultivation. Upon this farm young Jacob was reared to manhood, obtaining his education in the pioneer schools, and becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits. He lived there until making his way across the Mississippi in the fall of 1868.
   The early life of our subject passed in a comparatively uneventful manner, and when ready to establish a home of his own he was united in marriage, April 18, 1853, to Miss Cinderella Vallandigham. This lady, a native of Indiana, became the mother of five children, and departed this life at her home in Todd Creek Precinct, May 1, 1884, when about fifty-two years old. Her illness was comparatively brief, she suffering from dropsy of the heart. Her children are all living. Franklin P., the eldest, was born Aug. 2, 1859, and is farming on his own land in Buffalo County, this State; he also conducts a livery business at Armada. He married Miss Ida Lester, of this county, and they have two children--Justus and Ollie. The second son, Sherman L., was born June 16, 1865, and is carrying on a farm of 160 acres in Dawson County, Neb.; he married a Miss Radcliff, of Illinois, and they have two children--Fairy and Eveline. Luther L. Blakeley was born Jan. 8, 1867, and has just homesteaded a quarter-section of land in Hayes County, although not having yet taken possession; Nathan H. was born Nov. 24, 1869; Walter A., Nov. 21, 1871, and both are at home with their father. The mother was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church, and a lady possessed of many estimable qualities.
   Mr. Blakeley, on the 26th of August, 1885, contracted a second marriage, with Miss Margaret J. Swartz, who was born in Clarion County, Pa., Jan. 13, 1840. She lived there with her parents until 1855, then came with them to, Nebraska, and completed her education in the Peru Normal School. Later she engaged in teaching, being a pioneer in her profession in this county. Her parents, Fredrick and Margaret (Labaugh) Swartz, were natives respectively of Denmark and Pennsylvania, and spent their last years in Nebraska and Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer by occupation, and the parental household included ten children, eight of whom are living and residents mostly of Nebraska.
   James Blakeley, the father of our subject, was born in New Jersey, May 19, 1807, and married Miss Hannah Scott, March 22, 1828. They lived in New Jersey until 1834, then removed first to Ohio and later to Illinois, settling in the latter State in that part of Sangamon County which is now Mason County. There the father developed a fine large farm, where he spent the remainder of his days, his death taking place about 1871. The mother, who was born Feb. 18, 1806, survived her husband about ten years. The latter was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he served as Class Leader many years, and to the support of which he contributed in a liberal manner. He was a quiet and unassuming man, seldom meddling with politics, although keeping himself well posted upon matters of general interest. The parental family included nine children, seven of whom are living, making their homes mostly in Illinois and Nebraska.
   Jacob Blakeley has been active in the encouragement of every laudable enterprise in his community, and has contributed of his time, means and influence for the furtherance of its general welfare. He has been for many long years a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, and assisted in the erection of the church edifice, which stands exactly opposite his home. He was its first Deacon and Trustee, and for a number of years officiated as Sunday-school Superintendent, withdrawing from its

duties and responsibilities about two years ago, and resting two years, when he was again persuaded to assume the harness. Like his father he has little taste for politics, although discharging the duties of the various township and school offices, and being careful to perform his duties at the polls. He has been a member of the School Board nearly every year since coming to this State. He is an active Sunday-school worker, and believes in the careful religious education of the young. In 1888 he was chosen President of the Johnson County Sunday-School Union, an association which is flourishing, and holds its stated meeting.
   Mr. Blakeley, in addition to general farming, has of late years given his attention largely to stock-raising, and has for the prosecution of this industry all the conveniences of this later day. His career has been that of an upright, conscientious Christian gentleman, one who has secured the confidence and esteem of his community in more than an ordinary degree. He forms one of the landmarks of Johnson County, one of those men to whom it is indebted for the position it occupies today among the prosperous communities of the Great West.

AMES N. HOWARD. Among the prominent and much valued citizens of the Great West may be found many of the heroic patriots who survived the strife of battle, the scourge of camps and the barbarisms of the war prisons. In the following lines is briefly sketched the biography of one of the veterans of the Civil War. He is one of the prosperous farmers of Western Precinct, his property being situated upon section 4. He was ushered into the world on the 18th of December, 1839, in Henderson County, Ill. His Father, Robert Howard, since deceased, was a native of Jackson County, Ohio, but emigrated to Henderson County, Ill., soon after it was opened for settlement, and was numbered among its early pioneers.
   The subject of our sketch was reared to manhood upon the farm of his father; educational advantages were small, and opportunities for mental training were limited and circumscribed. In the spring of 1854 he went to Butler County, Iowa, which was at that time still in a very wild state, and occupied almost solely by Indians, who, although they had received some severe lessons concerning the power of the pale faces, occasionally allowed their wild passions to run riot for the time being, totally disregarding the lessons of the past.
   In the late war Mr. Howard was among those who enlisted early in the struggle. He became a member of Company E, 32d Illinois Infantry, which was attached to the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 16th Army Corps. and served for a period of three years. He was present and actively engaged in the battles at Ft. Derusa, La., and Pleasant Hill, at which battle he was captured and kept in durance vile at Tyler, Tex., for thirteen months, realizing all the perils and horrors of that place, the name of which is burned into the brain of so many Union veterans. At the end of that period he made his escape by the favor of one of the guards, who, although having been forced into the rebel service, was, at heart, true to the old flag. He discreetly turned his back at the opportune moment, which allowed Mr. Howard and some companions the long looked for opportunity and escape. They leaped the wall close to the friendly sentinel, and secreted themselves under cover of a thick bush. This occurred at about 3 o'clock in the morning. The escape begun so auspiciously ended almost is favorably, and two of the three still live to tell the tale, viz., our subject and T. A. Packard, of Ottawa County, Kan. The other companion, S. Jewett, continued until his death, in 1886, a resident and prosperous citizen of Wright County, Iowa. This gentleman was the only one of the three who met with an accident at the time of the escape, for he was afterward recaptured, tried, and condemned to be shot, but the Captain, who had a very fine thoroughbred horse, which he greatly desired to have taken to Ft. Smith, allowed Mr. Jewett to ride it there and deliver it to his wife. After that his escape was happily accomplished.
   At the close of the war our subject returned home, and on the 4th of July, 1865, became the husband of Sarah, daughter of Elijah Bisbee; in August of the same year they came to this county