of honest integrity and upright conduct in the everyday affairs of life. The cares and burdens of the toilsome years of their pioneer life render the cozy home that they have built all on these Nebraska prairies doubly precious and comfortable to them as a shelter in their declining years. Mr. Otis is public-spirited, and readily seconds any scheme for the improvement of the precinct that he has helped to develop. He takes an intelligent interest in the affairs of his country, especially in regard to politics, wherein his sympathies are strongly with the Republican party, in whose favor he invariably casts his vote.

OSEPH GLASSON. Among the successful farmers of Lincoln Precinct is the gentleman whose life's story is here briefly set forth. He is of English birth and parentage, and was born in Cornwall, England, where his parents still reside, on the 24th of September, 1849. He is the second son of James and Nannie Glasson, and was carefully brought up by them; until he was sixteen years of age he was kept at school and received a good common-school education. After leaving school he gave his attention to farming, and continued thus engaged for some time. He did not leave his native country until he reached man's estate, and was at that time a fairly experienced and quite practical farmer and stock-raiser. This he has continued to make the chosen occupation of his life.
   The subject of our sketch came to this country in the summer of 1872, on board the Allen Line steamer "Peruvian," landing after some eleven days' passage on the 1st of August at the city of Quebec, Canada, whence he came direct to this State, engaging in business as a butcher at Tecumseh, continuing thus for about three months, when he started in business for himself. After almost three years and that of comparative success, he engaged in milling and cattle feeding. He helped erect the first steam mill in Tecumseh in 1876, and ran under the name of the Centennial Mill. The firm name was Hill, Graff & Glasson. He continued his connection with the firm until 1878, when he sold his interest. This fine mill was destroyed by fire in the summer of 1888, until which time it had been in constant operation.
   In the month of June, 1877, Mr. Glasson took a vacation of three months in order to return to England and visit the old home. Upon his return he settled upon his present farm, which comprises 560 acres, situated on sections 18 and 19, and which is evidence of his ability and consequent success. He is engaged chiefly in general farming, and has devoted himself somewhat to stock-raising.
   The wedding of our subject and Nancy J. Hays, of Nebraska, was observed on the 24th of September, 1878. There have been three children born to them: Emma S., deceased; William J. and Charles. Both Mr. and Mrs. Glasson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, taking the deepest interest in matters connected therewith. He is one of the Stewards of the congregation. Politically, he is a stanch Prohibitionist, taking an active part with those like minded. In the summer of 1888, accompanied by his wife and children, our subject took passage on the steamship "City of New York." for England, landing at Liverpool on the 27th of August, visiting various points of interest and their old home, returning after about ten weeks, arriving at home on the 20th of October, after a most happy and delightful trip. From these things it will be seen that our subject is one of the prosperous citizens of the precinct, and this is due mainly to his own effort and ability. The family is one of the most respected in the precinct, and their home is a representative one.

ON. ALFRED A. CARMAN, ex-member of the Nebraska Legislature, has distinguished himself as one of the most useful and energetic men of Johnson County. He has been prominent in encouraging the establishment of schools, has taken a warm interest in political affairs, and has exerted a sensible influence upon the people around him, while at the same time indicating himself as a public-spirited and liberal citizen, always willing to aid in the enterprises calculated for the best good of the people. He owns and oc-

cupies a good farm of 165 acres in Spring Creek Precinct, on section 30, where he has a well-regulated homestead and is surrounded by all the comforts of life. He at one time was the owner of 347 acres of land, the greater portion of which he has divided among his children.
   Tompkins County, N. Y., was the early tramping ground of our subject, and where he was born Feb. 25, 1823. His parents, Israel and Charity (Currey) Carman, were natives of the Empire State, and the father traced his ancestry to England, while the mother is supposed to have been of French descent. The first representative of the Carman family it is believed set foot on American soil in the seventeenth century, and a number of them afterward participated in the struggle for American liberty. After this was over they settled in New England, whence they drifted to New York and other States further westward, and some of them participated, together with the Curreys, in the War of 1812.
   To Israel and Charity Carman there were born eight children, all of whom lived to mature years, and of whom the following named survive: Charles F., of Fremont County, Iowa; Edwin H., in Washington Territory; Israel B., in Washington County, Kan., and Alfred A., our subject. The deceased were James, Lockwood and Emmor.* In December, 1832, the parents with their children, leaving the Empire State, migrated to Sangamon County, Ill., where the father operated upon the new prairie soil until the March of 1840. He then changed his residence to Mason County, where he was among the earliest pioneers, and where his death took place in September, 1849. The widowed mother continued to reside upon the homestead until 1868, then crossed the Mississippi and took up her abode with her children in this county. Her death occurred at her home in Spring Creek Precinct, Jan. 11 1874. The elder Carman was a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, widely and favorably known as a useful and upright citizen, and successful in his operations as a farmer, leaving to his family a comfortable estate. Politically, in early manhood he was a member of the old Whig party, and remained such all his life.
   Our subject emigrated with his parents front his native State to Illinois in 1832, where he received limited school advantages, but being fond of reading and study availed himself of every opportunity to acquire useful information. He remembers distinctly many of the incidents of pioneer life in the Prairie State, and lived there with his parents until his marriage. The most important event in his career occurred Oct. 5, 1843, the maiden of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Wheelock. This lady was born in Seneca County, N. Y., June 9, 1824, and by her union with our subject became the mother of five children, two only of whom are living and both sons, Israel and Enoch, who are residents of this county. The other children died at a tender age. Mrs. Elizabeth Carman departed this life at her home in Mason County, Ill., April 28, 1853.
   Mr. Carman in the fall of 1856 contracted a second matrimonial alliance, with Miss Margaret Cooper, a native of Scotland, who bore him one child, and who only survived her marriage little over a year, her death taking place Sept. 9, 1857. Our subject was married a third time in March, 1858, to Miss Euphemia Campbell, who bore him one daughter, and died July 29, 1860. The child is likewise deceased.
   The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married Feb. 25, 1862, was in her girlhood Miss Nancy Needham, who was born in England, Oct. 16, 1836. This lady is the daughter of Joseph and Machel (Howarth) Needham, and the sister of Mrs. J. C. Campbell of this precinct, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. When a child of three years her parents emigrated to America and settled in Jacksonville, Ill., where they resided for a period of about twelve years. Thence they removed to the farm in Cass County, that State, where the death of the mother took place in September, 1877. The father is still living at the old homestead in Cass County, and now has attained the advanced age of eighty-five years. He makes his home with his youngest son, and as the result of a well-spent life is surrounded by all needful comforts, including hosts of friends.
   To the parents of Mrs. Carman there were born ten children, of whom it is supposed seven are living. The eldest son, William. is a resident of Atchison County, Kan.; of Elizabeth, Mrs. Campbell, mention has already been made; Hannah is the

wife of Thomas McAllister, of Morgan County, Ill.: Nancy, Mrs. C., was the next in order of birth; Mary is the Wife of James Hill, of Tecumseh, Neb.; Maria, Mrs. William Davidson, resides in Dickinson County, Kan., and Joseph is in Cass County, Ill. James and Sarah died when about twenty three and nineteen years old, and of John it is not known whether he is living or not.
   To Hon. Alfred A. and Nancy Carman there have been born three children; James and William, who are farming for themselves in this county, and Maria, at home with her parents. Our subject left Illinois in the fall of 1865, his destination being the Territory of Nebraska, and made the journey hither equipped with four span of horses and three wagons, one team being held in reserve against times of need. He brought with him his family, consisting of his wife and three children, his farming utensils and his household goods, and riding into the county with these evidences of thrift and enterprise, it is hardly necessary to say was joyfully welcomed by the people. The journey consumed sixteen days, and they camped wherever night overtook them, cooking by the wayside and sleeping in their wagons. They settled upon the land which they now occupy, and which Mr. Carman secured by a homestead claim on the 14th of August of that year on a previous visit to this section. Their first dwelling was a dug-out house erected by himself for the reception of the family, and the first business of Mr. C. was to prepare for winter and make those dear to him as comfortable as possible. Their neighbors were few and far between, and they will never forget their experience of that first winter in Nebraska, out of which, however, they came with flying colors and prepared to battle with the soil as spring approached.
   Our subject, in common with the people around him, labored early and late in the development of the farm and gradually added to his estate until his sons were grown. He now sees them comfortably settled about him, and in looking upon the past and his early struggles has little reason to complain of the manner in which he his been rewarded for his toil. Mr. Carman, politically, is a stanch Republican and has been a member of the School Board in his district for a period of twenty years. His course has been uniformly that of a man interested in the welfare of the people about him, and after filling many other positions of trust and responsibility he was chosen by his party in this county to represent them in the Lower House of the Nebraska Legislature, serving from the fall of 1880 until 1882, with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned.

[The CARMAN article above was typed for NEGenWeb Project by Ray W. Justus <rwjustus@cox.net>, 1331 West Folley Street, Chandler, AZ 85224-7511. Thank you, Ray.
* He adds this note: The eighth child was a daughter, Hannah (Mrs. Isaac Martin) who was also deceased.

EORGE W. HARMON, a retired farmer, stock dealer and feeder, resides in a fine residence on Third street, Tecumseh. In addition to this he is the owner of other valuable city property, and of a splendid farm of 480 acres near the city, all of which is under fence, and well improved, with good buildings. Our subject is the son of Nathan Harmon, who was a native of Knox County, Tenn., and a gunsmith by trade. He married Miss Rebecca Myers, of Greene County, Tenn., and the couple had seven children, of whom five grew to maturity. Nathan Harmon died about the year 1837, aged about forty-five. His willow survived him many years, dying in 1875, in Missouri, where she was then living with her son George W., our subject. The latter was born in Monroe County, Tenn., on the 4th of April, 1818. He attended school only two days; while yet a boy he began to learn the gunsmith trade under the instruction of his father. In 1827 the family removed to Bond County, Ill., and were among the earliest settlers there. The business grew to be quite extensive, as at that time almost everyone kept one or more guns in constant use. They did quite as much for the Indians as for the settlers. From a history of Holt and Atchison Counties, Mo., published in 1882, we make the following extracts relative to our subject's life in that State.
   "On the 19th of October, 1840, Mr. Harmon removed to Missouri, and settled upon the land which now comprises his beautiful farm, upon which he lived for many years, and which he yet owns. He, like his only neighbor of early days in Atchison County, Mr. Millsape, brought his young wife with him to the frontier, and his daughter Rebecca, now Mrs. Benson Bailey, of Brownville, was the sec-

ond child born in Atchison County,. the son of Mr. Millsape being the first. Mr. Harmon built a log cabin and also log workshop, where he worked for the Indians and settlers of the surrounding country for a long period, doing all their gun work and blacksmithing, they in return doing all his plowing and otherwise improving his land. The nearest mill was at Council Bluffs, sixty miles away, the trip to and fro under most favorable circumstances taking eight days. Previous to using the mill they had for two years made their hominy by pounding corn in a mortar. He then purchased a large coffee mill, and attached it to a tree, and from that time it was in constant use. Among the pioneer experiences of Mr. Harmon that came about by simple circumstances, it is related by that gentleman that for seven years he was obliged to wear one pair of pants, and so often were they patched that the original cloth could not be distinguished, and so greased and stiffened had they become that they would stand alone. About that time he got some deerskin of the Indians, and made a suit, and moccasins and a cap of coonskin. By reason of this cap and suit he was known for many miles around.
   "Among the first adventures of our subject was the purchasing of beeves for the Quartermaster of the United States Army, stantioned (sic) at a fort where Nebraska City now stands, and, in a purchase amounting to $300, he cleared for his services $200. This is where his life work commenced, and pointed out to him a road to success. Since that time cattle dealing and feeding have been his chosen calling. He has fed from 2,000 to 5,000 head annually, and is among the most practical, progressive and prosperous of any similarly engaged. His farm in Missouri was among the most productive and best arranged for such purposes, while he has also erected a very fine brick residence, the third that was put up in the county. All his improvements are after a generous plan, both as regards design, utility and convenience.
   "In 1870, with his two sons-in-law, Messrs. McGee and Bailey, of Brownville, the subject of our sketch bought the ferry-boat 'Mary J. Arnold,' and for nine years continued to run it, in connection with the transfer and bus line from Brownville to Phelps City. In 1880 Mr. H., bought out his partners in the business, and for one month everything went on as before; but at that time the boat was snagged, and he lost $7,000. His former partners again took hold, and fitted up a temporary flatboat, which was used until the present fine structure was finished. Since that time the business has been conducted by the three partners as before.
   "In 1881 Mr. Harmon rented his farm and moved to Tecumseh, Neb., not far from which he owned and improved a farm of 480 acres. There he built a large and commodious dwelling, and is having his farm improved on a very extensive scale, intending it for his only son, George Benson. He has also purchased one of the finest lots to be had in Tecumseh, and erected thereon a residence that will compare favorably with any in the city.
   "Mr. Harmon has been twice married. First to Sarah Roberts, of Montgomery County, Ill., in August of 1837. This lady died in the year 1847, leaving four children, viz.: Betsey Ann, Martha; Rebecca, now Mrs. Bailey, and Mary Angeline, now Mrs. J. L. McGee. In the month of August, 1848, he was married to Miss Mary Ann Hughes, who has presented him with two children, Sarah and George Benson. The first Fourth of July celebration in Atchison County was held at the foot of the bluffs near Mr. Millsape's, our subject and that gentleman being the chief persons in the community. This occurred in 1841. Corn bread baked in a 'pone' and wild honey formed the menu for this distinguished gathering. Every person in the county, and some from beyond the border, besides a large number of Indians, were present. Mr. Harmon was the orator of the day, and also Chief Marshal, and he has always continued to occupy a prominent place in the community.
   "In the Masonic fraternity the subject of our sketch is well known as a true and faithful member of the order. He is a supporter, in political matters, of the Republican party, and for many years has been a friend to the Christian Church, and an ardent member and worker therein. There are not many who have lived in this county who have not at some time or other heard with pleasure from the lips of our subject interesting, recitals of memories of other days, which, if it were possible to give

them in this sketch, it would take the form of a ponderous volume in itself. His reputation among all who know him as regards, honesty, enterprise, character, and in fact everything that goes to make the true man, is beyond all question."
   Since becoming a resident of Tecumseh Mr. Harmon has been a prominent figure in its public life. He has been a member of the City Council, elected by the Prohibition element, and in other ways has identified himself with the community in which he has made his permanent home. In his domestic relations he is happy. His present wife, who was Miss Mary Ann Hughes, was born in Adams County, Ohio, July 1, 1829, and lived there until she was twenty years old, when she went with her parents to Missouri, where she became acquainted with and married our subject. Her father, John Hughes, was a farmer, and in Ohio was married to Sarah Beard, and they became parents of ten children, who lived to years of maturity. The father entered the Union Army on the outbreak of the Rebellion, and died in 1861, leaving his widow and eight small children. She proved equal to the task, and reared and kept her family together until they secured homes of their own.
   Of Mr. Harmon's children his son, George Benson, was married, in 1886, to Miss Minnie Schlossser, of Tecumseh, has one child, Benjamin P., and is now living on his father's farm near the city. Mary A. is the wife of James McGee, and they have three children--Minnie C., James L. and Dwight H. Sarah is wedded to William L. Thompson, lives in Tecumseh, and has one child, E. Murray
   Mr. Harmon, since taking up his residence in Johnson County, has become well known to its citizens as a public-spirited, upright and trustworthy loan, who is a valued acquisition to its society.

LEXANDER MARRS. Among the early tillers of the soil of Spring Creek Precinct came the subject of this sketch, locating in the fall of 1865 on 160 acres of land, which he secured by a homestead claim, and of which he is still the owner, although he has added largely to its area, being now the possessor of 430 broad acres. Nebraska was still a Territory, and the land upon which Mr. Marrs settled was in its primitive condition, not a furrow having been turned, and there being upon it neither fences nor buildings. He realized in a measure the task before him, but set about it with his characteristic energy, laboring early and late for a series of years, and finally beginning to realize the reward of his toil. He is now a man of wealth and standing in a community of intelligent people, and among whom he was one of the first settlers of this region.
   Mr. Marrs was born west of the Mississippi, in Newton County, Mo., April 17, 1840, and is the son of Hugh and Maria (Rice) Marrs, who were natives of Tennessee. The family is supposed to be of German ancestry. The parental household of our subject included six children, all of whom grew to mature years, and three of whom are still living, namely: Emeline, the wife, of R. E. Ford, of Newton County, Mo.; Alexander, of this sketch, and Larkin H., who continues also a resident of Missouri. The father died when Alexander was a boy about three years of age, and the mother, surviving her husband a period of over forty years, lived until Dec. 6, 1885, remaining a widow, and continuing to reside on the old homestead.
   Mr. Marrs was reared to manhood in his native county, receiving a limited education, but becoming thoroughly familiar with the various employments of the farm, which training was valuable to him in his struggle upon the soil of Nebraska. As soon as old enough he became the assistant of his mother in the management of the farm and the care of the family, and remained under the home roof until his marriage. This important event in his life took place Feb. 10, 1860, the maiden of his choice being Miss Susan Rice, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Carns) Rice, who are now residents of Newton County, Mo.
   Mr. and Mrs. Marrs began their wedded life in Missouri, where they lived until the fall of 1864, and then, owing to the strong Union sentiments of Mr. Marrs which he openly expressed in a community made up largely of the rebel element, he was, virtually obliged to leave his native State.

Having a family on his hands he considered that they demanded his first duty, although he enlisted in the fall of 1861 in the Union service, and went into camp with his regiment at Springfield, Mo. The Colonel, however, released him, with several others, and he was enabled to return to his home and his family without seeing any active service.
   Mr. Marrs upon leaving Missouri took up his abode in Davis County, Iowa, whence he removed a year later to this county. He came here without means, with two families to look after, his own and that of his wife, and thus had even more difficulties to contend with than the ordinary pioneer. He has, however, surmounted them all, and it would seem has been amply repaid for the toils and struggles of his earlier manhood. He is a man of standing in his community, liberal and public-spirited, giving his encouragement to the establishment and maintenance of schools, and upholding all other enterprises calculated for the elevation of the people. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and no man rejoiced more heartily at the success of the Union arms during the trying times of over twenty years ago. Mr. M. identified himself with the Masonic fraternity in about 1872, and he belongs to the lodge at Talmage, in Otoe County.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Marrs there were born two children only; William, Dec. 14, 1870, and Margaret, June 17, 1874. Both are living at home.

EANDER P. MAVITY. Among the worthy and esteemed citizens of Lincoln Precinct, favorably known throughout the district as a man and farmer, is the subject of our sketch, who resides on section 1, township 5 north, range 11 east, where his property, well situated and admirably cultivated, comprising eighty acres, is located. He is a native of Clay County, Ind., was born on the 22d of January, 1836, and is the son of John and Martha Mavity. His parents were born and brought up in the States of Tennessee and Kentucky respectively. After their marriage they settled in Clay County, Ind. They were the parents of nine children, of whom the following are now living: Leonard I., of Spring Creek Precinct; Joseph A., of the same precinct; Caroline, wife of David Miller, of Bureau County, Ill.; Martha, now Mrs. George Show, of Chicago, Ill. The deceased are: Wesley, Marcus, Maria, and it is supposed, also James, he having gone West after the close of the war with a Government train, and not been heard from but once and that about two years after he left.
   The parents of our subject were early pioneers of Bureau County, Ill. There the mother died in the year 1850, aged about forty-five. His father is still upon his farm. Our subject was born after the home in that county was established. His education was obtained in its district school and provided him with sufficient foundation for subsequent efforts. From his youth he was accustomed to pioneer farm life and was admirably fitted to continue the row of pioneers in other new territory--such as that to which they afterward removed.
   In answer to the call for soldiers to defend the stars and stripes, our subject enlisted in Company B, 57th Illinois Infantry, in the month of September, 1861. This became part of the army under the gallant Sherman. They were present and did good service at the seige (sic) of Ft. Donelson, the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca, Altoona Pass, siege of Savannah, Bentonville and numerous others. While in the ranks he evidenced the fact that there was that in him that made him a good soldier, brave, fearless, indomitable and yet conscientious. He received an honorable discharge on the 7th of July, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., after which he returned home.
   Illinois continued to he the residence of the subject of our sketch until the year 1870, when he removed to Dallas County, Iowa, and there continued farming until he came to Johnson County, Neb., in December of 1881, settling upon his present farm. The property is chiefly utilized for the purpose of general farming although he raises some stock, chiefly cattle, horses and swine.
   On the 10th of April, 1866, the hands of our subject and Lucy A. Fox were joined in marriage. This estimable lady is a native of Brown County, Ohio, and the daughter of Hezekiah and Roxalany Fox. Both parents are now deceased. Her parents removed to Bureau County, Ill., when she was sixteen years of age, and it remained their home

until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Mavity are the parents of two children: William E., born Dec. 10, 1867, and an infant deceased.
   Mr. and Mrs. Mavity are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and there and in the community at large are justly held in high regard. Politically, our subject is Democratic and votes the straight ticket, excepting in local matters. There he always supports the candidate whom his judgment leads him to believe will most truly serve the people. The character, honor and integrity of Mr. Mavity are beyond question.

ILEY SANDUSKY, one of the capable farmers of Center Precinct, this county, was born on the 20th of May, 1830, in the State of Kentucky. In November of the same year his parents, Jacob and Melinda (Hayes) Sandusky, removed to Morgan County, Ill., where his father took land and continued working the same for about eighteen years, when once more they made a change, removing to Greene County, where they made their home until the 18th of June, 1868, when they came to this county, and located about three miles northwest of Tecumseh. Here the father died on the 21st of October, 1884, at the advanced age of eighty years; the mother died on the 15th of January, 1887, aged eighty-one years.
   The subject of this sketch was the eldest child of seven born to the above, all of them living and married, three members of the family being in this county. The father entered 160 acres when he first located, and subsequently was enabled to purchase an equal number adjoining. This he improved and brought to a high state of cultivation. The home farm is still in the hands of our subject, his brother Alexander and Nancy McNeil, who had arranged it so that it could be a home for the mother after the death of the father.
   The farm of our subject is situated upon section 15, and comprises 160 acres. This he has entered and owned from the year 1865. A great deal of time and intelligent effort have been expended as on a thoroughly practical farmer knows how, and he has made a fine place of it. His house and farm buildings are good and well kept. As for the farm proper, it is carefully cultivated, and is very fertile and productive. The house that stood on the same site prior to the erection of the present building eight years ago, was a good, comfortable farmhouse, but was destroyed by fire.
   The marriage of our subject was arranged for, and was celebrated on the 6th of November, 1851, the lady of his selection being Miss Sarah A. Shaw, of Greene County, Ill., but she was not spared to him long. After a short illness she departed this life on the 15th of March, 1856, leaving one child, Thomas A. On the 14th of April, 1859, our subject again stood before the alter, and was then united with Mary M. Nettles. They became the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom are living. Their names are as follows: Sarah, George, William, Alexander, Wiley, Calvin and Charles (twins), Margaret, Lidia and Ethel. The deceased members of the family are Jacob, Nancy and Benjamin.
   Mr. and Mrs. Sandusky were members in good standing of the Missionary Baptist Church in Illinois, but have not united themselves with any church organization in this place, seeing there is no congregation of that body here. Our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and hails from Manchester Lodge, in Manchester, Ill. He has been called upon to fill some offices, but has only filled that of Assessor of the township, which he held for two terms. His political proclivities were with the Democratic party until about five years ago, since which time he has identified himself with the Union Labor party, and votes its ticket. He is a man who is respected in the community, and whose word is esteemed as that of an honorable and true man and citizen.

RANK ROTHELL, the Assistant Cashier of the bank at Crab Orchard, although one of the young men of the town has won for himself a place in the community that is most complimentary. This gentleman was born in Mahaska County, Iowa, near Oskaloosa, on the 8th of September, 1864. He is the son of Charles G. Rothell, of Maple Grove Precinct, this county, who bought a farm in this county in the spring of 1879.