from Pennsylvania, and settled in Fulton County, Ill., in the fall of 1843, he being among its earliest pioneers. They are still living, the father now having attained his fourscore years, and the mother being seventy-seven. They make their home with their daughter, Mrs. Trickey, and are surrounded by hosts of warm friends whom they have gathered around them during their long resilience in Fulton County, and where they have acquitted themselves as praise-worthy citizens. Both are members of the Presbyterian Church, and the father, politically, is a stanch Republican.
   Our subject was reared to manhood amid the pioneer scenes of Fulton County, Ill., acquiring his education in its primitive schools, which were far inferior to those of the present day. He has, however, been a lifelong reader of books and newspapers, and has always kept himself well posted upon the important topics of the day. He was reared to farm life, which he has followed contentedly most of the little since starting out for himself.
   Mr. Matthews remained a member of the parental household until September, 1858. When really to establish a home of his own he took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Sarah A. Holmes, to whom he was married in Fulton County, Ill., Sept. 30, 1858. Mrs. Matthews was born in Fulton County, Ill., Nov. 25, 1840, and is the daughter of Thomas and Rachel A. (Derry) Holmes, who were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, and the former of whom died in 1882, in Fulton County. The mother is with her son William in this county. The family included eight children, who are now in Arkansas, Nebraska and Illinois.
   Mr. and Mrs. Matthews commenced the journey of life together in Fulton County, Ill., and Mr. M. engaged in farming until the spring of 1875. Then, in partnership with Mr. Hughes, of Fulton County, He engaged in the lumber business at Table Grove, Ill., they operating together about two years, under the firm title of Matthews & Derham. Our subject then purchased the interest of his partner in the business, and operated alone two years. Then selling out he engaged in the grocery trade at Table Grove, forming again a partnership with Mr. Hughes, and finally buying him out as before. Mr. Matthews conducted this business one year, but not meeting with the success he desired withdrew, and resolved to resume agricultural pursuits.
   Our subject has met with good success on the soil of Nebraska, of which he has the highest opinion. His farm embraces 160 acres of good land with a substantial residence, a good barn, fruit and shade trees, and all the other things necessary for the comfort of himself and his family. The latter are as follows; Albert G.; Ella, Mrs. John A. Foley, in Decatur County, Kan.; and John in Spring Creek Precinct, this county; Thomas E., Lucy and Annie remain with their parents; Harry is deceased
   Mr. Matthews, politically, supports the principles of the Democratic party, and while a resident of Illinois was quite prominent in local affairs, officiating as School Director, and filling other positions of trust and responsibility. Both he and his estimable wife take an active interest in the projects calculated for the general welfare of their community, and are thus contributing their share toward the building up of one of the most prosperous precincts in Johnson County.

OHN E. BARRET, of Sterling Precinct, is numbered among its solid and reliable men, and those whose industry and perseverance in building up a fine homestead have been crowned with success. He was born in Cass County, Ill., in 1849, and when a youth of sixteen years started out for himself. First making his way across the Mississippi he sojourned in Nemaha County, Neb., while the latter was still a Territory, for a few months, then returned to Illinois, and from there migrated to Kansas, traveled around considerably until the fall of 1869, and then, although only twenty years of age, became interested in the cattle business with Col. John Williams, who was at that time President of the First National Bank of Springfield, Ill. His headquarters now were in Marina County, Kan., for a period of two years. He then returned again to his native State, sojourning there two years in Cass County.
   In the fall of 1874 we find Mr. Barret a resident

of this county located in its southeastern corner where he was engaged in farming until the spring of 1881. Then having been satisfied that he could live comfortably in Nebraska possibly for the remainder of his days, he secured 160 acres of land on section 11, and commenced the labors which have been fruitful of such rich results. For a man who started in life with but very little money it cannot be denied that Mr. Barret has done well. In 1886 he purchased a half-section of land in Pawnee County, which he still retains.
   Nine years ago, on the 2d of October, 1879, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Alice Kershaw, who was born in 1854, and is the daughter of John and Alice (Lee) Kershaw, natives of England. The father is now deceased: the mother resides in this county. Mrs. Barret is now the mother of two interesting children: Nellie, born Jan. 1, 1881, and Woodson, Feb. 11, 1882. The abode of this little family is one of the most attractive in the precinct where they reside, and is the frequent resort of the many friends they have made through the exercise of a cheerful and generous hospitality. Mr. Barret in addition to general farming still maintains his interest in fine stock, and is making a specialty of Short-horn cattle, besides Hambletonian and Percheron horses. His swine, of which he keeps quite a number, are of the favorite Poland-China breed. Our subject is a man of fine natural abilities and good mental capacities, which received excellent culture in the Western University at Bloomington, Ill., where he completed his education. He keeps himself well informed upon current events, and although no politician gives his conscientious support to the principles of the Democratic party. Among the views of representative places of Johnson County presented in this volume may be found that belonging to Mr. Barret.

ZEKIEL A. BROWN, of Todd Creek Precinct, deserves more than a passing notice, as he is one of those men who have been no unimportant factors in bringing Johnson County to its present condition. He owns and occupies a good farm of 160 acres on section 6, where he settled in the fall of 1869, soon after landing, about October 6th of that year, in the young State of Nebraska. For this property he had traded a farm in Illinois, and although it was nothing but an uncultivated prairie, he had faith in the future of Nebraska, and set about the development of a homestead, with high hopes for the future. Although a man seldom realizes his anticipations, Mr. Brown will probably acknowledge that his were little greater than the reality. The labor of years has been amply rewarded, our subject finding himself now in the possession of a fine property, with the prospect of ease and comfort in his old age.
   There are few more desirable homesteads in Todd Creek Precinct than the property of Mr. Brown. The farm is enclosed with a beautiful hedge fence. Near the house especially this is kept closely trimmed and smooth, and supported here and there with a handsome evergreen or shrub. The dwelling, although not elegant perhaps, is convenient and comfortable in every respect, and there stands at the rear one of the finest barns in the precinct, built in modern style and furnished with every convenience for the care especially of fine horses. It is neatly painted in white, with green blinds, and is a structure affording vastly more comfort to the animals which it shelters than that afforded to hundreds of less fortunate human beings. Not far from the residence is ten acres of forest, planted by the hand of the proprietor. Mr. Brown also set out an apple orchard, and has trees of the smaller fruits, which yield abundantly in their season. He, however, gives his principal attention to live stock, making a specialty of draft horses, and also keeps sheep, cattle and swine.
   Mr. Brown is recognized in his community as a man of more than ordinary ability, but carefully avoids the responsibilities of office, refraining from meddling with politics, otherwise than casting his vote with fill, Republican party. He, however, has discharged the duties of the various school and precinct offices, because able to perform their duties perhaps better than a stranger.
   Mr. Brown, although having accomplished almost a life's labor, is still in his prime, having been born July 15, 1837. His birthplace and early home were in Jefferson County, Ohio, where he received