the Shenandoah Valley, Va., Feb. 16, 1817. This union resulted in the birth of ten children, eight of whom are supposed to be living. They are as follows: Mary J., the wife of Samuel Miner, of Lincoln Precinct, this county; Sarah A., Mrs. T. H. Matthews, of Spring Creek Precinct: Josephine, Mrs. H. M. Edie, of Macomb, Ill.; William H., our subject; Hiram Franklin lives in Stuttgart, Ark., and married Miss Sarah J. Hipsley; Thomas B., who died when about one and a half years old; Florence E., Mrs. J. C. Stockes, of Nemaha City, Neb.; Charles C., who married Miss Sarah J. Ball, and is in Stuttgart, Ark.; Edward, who married Miss Phebe Russell, and lives in Fairfield, Clay County, this State, and Douglas, who died in infancy.
   The parents of our subject were residents of Fulton County, Ill., for many years. and the father died there at the homestead, Dec. 20, 1881. He was a stanch Democrat, politically, and a man of considerable influence among the members of his party in that region. The temperance cause found in him a most ardent supporter. He was a man prompt to meet his obligations, and one whose word was considered as good as his bond. In his death Fulton County lost one of her best citizens. The wife and mother is living, making her home with her son William H., and spending her declining years amid the comforts which she has justly earned by a lifetime of devotion to duty. She has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church many years, and is a lady possessing all the Christian virtues. The elder Holmes was successful in his farming and business transactions, and left to his family a comfortable estate.
   William H. Holmes was reared to manhood in his native county, receiving a practical education in its common schools, and becoming familiar with farming as carried on in the pioneer days, by methods which it is hardly necessary to state were far inferior to those of the present day, with its wonderful inventions and modern machinery. He was the eldest son of the family, and the first son married, this interesting event taking place in the evening of Dec. 25, 1867. His bride, Miss Olive E. Battles, was born July 19, 1842, in Medina County, Ohio, and was a daughter of George W. and Freelove (Tyler) Battles, the father a resident of California; the mother died in Fulton County, Ill., about 1860. Of this union there was born one child, a son, Edward B., Jan. 31, 1870. Mrs. Olive Holmes died in Fulton County, Ill., Sept. 20, 1871.
   Our subject contracted a second marriage, Oct. 14, 1873, with Miss Sarah J. Stoops, who was born in Fulton County, Ill., Sept. 6, 1853. Her parents, William and Keziah (Clark) Stoops, were natives of Ohio, and early settlers of Fulton County, Ill. The mother spent her last years in that county, and died in 1860; the father resides in the latter county, The children of this marriage are recorded as follows: William T. was born Oct. 5, 1874; Gertrude F., Jan. 15, 1876; Olive K., July 24, 1878; Stella R., Nov. 24, 1884, and Grace A., March 11, 1887.
   Mr. Holmes continued a resident of his native county until the fall of 1882, engaged in farming and stock-raising, then disposing of his interests in that region came to Nebraska, and settled on his present farm, which embraces 320 acres of prime land. Under his careful management the soil has proved very productive, and the buildings, neat and substantial, fulfill the modern idea of the complete country home. Mr. Holmes in the fall of 1887 was elected Assessor of Helena Precinct, and reelected in November, 1888. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat. Mrs. Holmes is connected with the Christian Church, and both occupy a high position among the social circles of their community.
   Mr. Holmes in 1874 identified himself with the Masonic fraternity, and officiated one year as Senior Warden in Lodge No. 17, at Tecumseh. He is also a member of the Johnson County Agricultural Association, and has signalized himself as a man in favor of all the measures instituted for the improvement of the county and the elevation of its people.
   Mrs. Keziah (Clark) Stoops, the mother of Mrs. Holmes, was also a native of Ohio, and was taken to Illinois by her parents when about two years old. She was there reared and married, and was the second wife of William Stoops, his first having been Hannah Lindsey. The third was Margaret Hanna. Mr. Stoops was the father of a large family of children, seven of whom survive, namely: Amy, Mrs. Samuel Knock, of Fulton County, Ill.; Mary E., Mrs. William Guthrie, also of Fulton County; Mrs.

Holmes, the wife of our subject; Berton, who married Miss Arnie Russell, and lives in Fulton County, Ill.; Perry H., who married Miss Belle Boothy and is a practicing physician and surgeon, of Union, Iowa; Addie and Richard O., in Fulton County.
   Edward P., the eldest son of our subject, a bright and intelligent boy, was graduated from the Tecumseh High School in May, 1888, and proposes to become a farmer and stock-raiser.

AMES S. H. HAMILTON. The man who can look back upon a long and well-spent life deserves more than a passing mention. The subject of this biography, now past seventy-six years of age, ranks among the most honored pioneers of Nebraska, and came to Johnson County to settle in the spring of 1868. He had a few months previously homesteaded 124 acres of land on section 19, Spring Creek Precinct, ninety-three acres of which he still owns, having given the balance to his daughter.
   Of New England birth and parentage, Mr. Hamilton was born May 30, 1812, in Hampden County, Mass., under the modest roof of his parents, James and Hulda (Bishop) Hamilton, who were living near the town of Granville. James Hamilton was also a native of the Bay State, but the mother was born in Connecticut. The father traced his ancestry to Ireland, and Grandfather James Hamilton was born on the ocean during the journey of his parents to America, and prior to the Revolutionary War. The Bishops were of English descent, and came to this country during the Colonial days, settling also in New England.
   The mother of our subject was twice married. Of her first marriage, with Samuel Watrous, there were born two children, both of whom are deceased. To James and Hulda Hamilton there were born seven children, of whom our subject is the only survivor. Six lived to mature years.
   Our subject was reared to man's estate in his native county, receiving in common with the youth of that period a limited education, but he has been a reader all his life and is well posted upon topics of general interest. When seventeen years old he began serving an apprenticeship as a spectacle maker, and followed this trade for a period of fifteen years. He was married Dec. 26, 1831, to a maiden of his own county, Miss Caroline Colton, who was born Sept. 3, 1811, and was the daughter of Ebenezer and Phebe Colton, who were also of New England birth and parentage, and of English ancestry. David Barton, a maternal uncle of Mrs. Hamilton, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and yielded up his life in the army from illness. Mrs. Hamilton was one of twelve children, ten of whom are known to be deceased; her brother John is supposed to be living, and a resident of Philadelphia, Pa.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton there were born five children, three of whom are living, namely: Frances C., the wife of Wesley Dundas, of Nemaha County; Lucy A., Mrs. John E. Hall, of Spring Creek Precinct, this county, and Emeretta G., the wife of Ahira O. Scoville, of Spring Creek Precinct. About 1847 Mr. Hamilton, desirous of a change of location and occupation, left New England for the West, and took up his abode in Homer, Mich., where he followed the trade of carpenter and joiner about one year. Later he worked at the same trade in different parts of Michigan, but in the fall of 1866, crossing the Mississippi, landed in Richardson County, this State, and from there about two years later came to Johnson County for permanent settlement. During his residence of twenty years, among the people of Spring Creek Precinct, he has acquitted himself as an honest man and a good citizen, and has around him hosts of friends. He built up his farm from the wild prairie, taking shelter first with his family with his son-in-law. His possessions are the result of his own industry, aided by that of his excellent and sensible wife. Many were the hardships and difficulties they endured during the first years of their residence in Nebraska, but they had come to stay, and would listen to no such word as "fail." Now, sitting under their own vine and fig tree, and cheered by the affection of their children and friends, they are reaping the reward of the hardships of other years.
   Mr. Hamilton cast his first Presidential vote for Clay, and voted with the Whig party, then with the

Republican until 1888, when his warm interest in the temperance movement caused him to ally himself with the Prohibitionists. Both he and his estimable wife have been members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a period of thirty years. Mr. Hamilton has always distinguished himself as a liberal-minded and public-spirited citizen, encouraging the enterprises best calculated to advance the interests of the people around him. This aged pair have traveled the journey of life together fifty-seven years, and have become so necessary to each other that it would seem like sundering a limb from a body were they separated.
   Mr. Hamilton gave two sons to the service of his country during the late war, who fell victims in the pride and strength of their early manhood. Both were members of the 3d Michigan Infantry, and the eldest, Virgil M., was wounded at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, and died ten days later at Fredericksburg; his remains now fill a soldier's grave in the Baptist Churchyard at the same place. Emmett A. was wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, hut recovered sufficiently to participate in the second battle of Bull Run, where it is supposed he was killed, as he was never afterward heard from.

EORGE W. AUKER. The homestead which this gentleman built up from an uncultivated tract of land in Maple Grove Precinct occupies the southeast quarter of the west half of section 20. He came to this county in the spring of 1868, and took up a homestead claim in the month of May, acquiring at first 120 acres. Upon this he has since lived, and has effected the extensive improvements which to-day attract the admiring gaze of the passerby. The whole area is under cultivation, and several thousand trees have been planted for the purpose of shade and fruit. The latter especially Mr. A. has kept in view, having an orchard of seventy-five bearing apple trees, 700 peach trees and fifty cherry. His buildings are substantial and comfortable. The farm is stocked with a goodly assortment of domestic animals, and the premises and its surroundings present a picture of rural life which is pleasant to contemplate.
   Our subject is the son of a Pennsylvania farmer, George W. Auker, Sr., who married Miss Sarah Strait, of Perry County. They settled in Perry County, Ohio, and there spent the remainder of their days, the father passing away in 1841, in middle life, and the mother eighteen years later, in 1859. Their family included nine children, of whom our subject was the seventh in order of birth. He first opened his eyes to the light at the old homestead in Perry County, Ohio, May 6, 1833. He continued a member of the parental household until a youth of fifteen years, then commenced working on a farm in the neighborhood. He was thus occupied three years, when he entered upon an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade and cabinet making in Straitville. A year later he established in business for himself; subsequently he made his home on the farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits until his marriage, in 1860.
   The maiden name of Mrs. Auker was Lavina Strait, and her parents were Richard and Rachel (Jennings) Strait, the father a native of England, and the mother of Pennsylvania. Their family consisted of ten children, of whom Mrs. Auker was the ninth in order of birth. Her native place was Darke County, Ohio, where she first opened her eyes to the light June 15, 1837. Four of her brothers and two sisters are now living, and are residents of Ohio and Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. A. continued to live in Darke County for a time after their marriage, and Mr. A. employed himself at cabinet work.
   In the spring of 1864 our subject with his family left the Buckeye State and set out for Sangamon County, Ill. Three years later, in 1867, they returned to Darke County, Ohio, but in 1868 our subject, who had not recovered from his Western fever, gathered together once more his family and his personal effects and started across the Mississippi River. Coming to this county he homesteaded the land included in his present farm. Since that time he has given his attention closely to agriculture with the results which we behold all around him to-day.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Auker there were born eight

children, six of whom are living, namely: Calvin G., a resident of Norton County, Kan.; Martha E., Cora May, George W., Olly L. and Hattie, at home with their parents. Mr. A., politically, is a stanch Republican, and aside from looking after some of the school matters in his district, has carefully refrained from becoming an office-holder. Although his fellow-townsmen would gladly have conferred upon him official honors, he has invariably declined. He identified himself with the K. of L. in Maple Grove Precinct in 1888, and is one of the worthiest members of the order.

ILLIAM BENSON, a worthy citizen of Helena Precinct, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits, is classed among the pioneers of Johnson County. Our subject and his wife had a bitter experience of pioneer life the first few years after their settlement here, but they nobly endured the many hardships and sufferings that fell to their lot and the sacrifices that they were compelled to make, and by wise economy and constant and well-directed labor, have become quite prosperous, and now have a comfortable home and a good farm.
   Our subject was born in New York, Dec. 25, 1836, to William and Rhoda (Myers) Benson. When he was eight years old his parents removed to Michigan, where the remaining years of his boyhood and the early years of his manhood was passed, and in that State his father and mother spent their last days. In 1862 our subject went to Illinois, and on the 12th of January, 1865, he was wedded in that State to Miss Viola, daughter of Robert and Lucretia Richard. Her mother died in Carter County, Ky., when Mrs. Benson was a mere child. In the month of October following his marriage, Mr. Benson and his wife came to Nebraska to seek a home on the plains such as the limits of their purse would allow, as under the wise provisions of the Government they could take up land in accordance with the rules of the Homestead Act, which they did in the fall of 1866, after having lived a year in Nebraska City. They selected Johnson County as most desirable for a location, and took up 160 acres on section 8, a part of which is included in their present place, Mr. Benson having disposed of eighty acres at a good price. The country round about was then in a wild, sparsely settled condition, as with the exception of a family a half mile north of their place and another a mile east of them, they had no near neighbors, and the market easiest of access was at Nebraska City. where Mr. Benson sold his grain to buy household necessities. After settling here they had no money. their only hope of success lying in their strong hands and willing hearts, and then commenced for them the struggle, which was simply terrible, with drouths, grasshopper raids and the attendant famine. In 1868 the grasshopper raid caused this latter calamity, and in 1874 there was another raid of those destroying insects, accompanied by droutb, and also in 1875 a visitation of grasshoppers did much damage to the growing crops. But amid all these discouragements our subject and his wife did not falter or lose faith in the country, and by and by better times came, and since that they have prospered well. The farm is chiefly under cultivation, is well tilled, and yields abundant harvests in return for the care and time that Mr. Benson spends on it.
   Our subject is a man of sober, thrifty habits, of sound integrity, and one whose word is as good as a bond, and in all the relations of life. He is always found to be kind, thoughtful, helpful, and he and his excellent wife are highly esteemed in this community, of which they have been residents for more than twenty years, and in whose upbuilding they have taken their part.

ALTER H. HILL. The gentleman whose biography is here sketched is one of the enterprising, though young, business men of Smartville, in Center Precinct. He enjoys the good opinion and regard of his neighbors, and, without doubt, has before him a future radiant with promise. He was born in Will County, Ill., on the 10th of November, 1861, and with his parents went to Livingston County in 1867, where a home was made near Pontiac. The parents of our subject were Daniel F. and Adrea (Snyder) Hill,

who were natives respectively of New York and Canada. Mrs. Hill is a native of Canada, and was born in 1836. She received the foundation of her education there, and went to Chicago with her mother when sixteen years old. She was graduated from the schools of Chicago, and taught in different points in Illinois until near the time of her marriage. In 1872 she removed with her husband to Iroquois County, Ill.
   In 1879 our subject went to Chicago, and was engaged in the establishment of Mashall Field & Co. as a salesman until March, 1883, when he came to Nebraska with his parents, who still live about two miles east of Smartville, where they own 160 acres of land. In October, 1884, Mr. Hill returned to Naperville, Ill., and was there married, on the 9th of that month, taking as. his wife Miss Hettie Steward, returning with her at once to the Nebraska home. He had been prosperously engaged in mercantile business with Mr. L. E. Ost, and continued with him for two years. At the end of that period he went into the grain business, and has since that time given all his attention thereto.
   In Illinois Mrs. Hill was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but has not united with any church organization here, as there is none such as she would choose. Our subject is a stanch member of the Republican party, and in active worker in the ranks. He has been appointed a member of the Central Committee, and is very energetic in connection therewith, taking a deep interest in everything that pertains to the government of the country and the elucidation of the different questions of moment before the country.

OBERT DEW, of Lincoln Precinct, is pleasantly located on section 20, where he makes a specialty of stock-raising, and where he has been located since the spring of 1866. At that time, coming from Mason County, Ill., he homesteaded 160 acres of land, and began to build up from the uncultivated prairie a home for himself, and those dependent upon him. He was prospered in his labors, which for a number of years were prosecuted early and late, through sunshine, and through storm, amid the difficulties of a distant market, and frequently indifferent crops. In looking upon his fine estate to-day it would seem that he has little reason for complaint, as he is now the owner of 470 acres of land in Johnson County, all of which is in a productive condition, and from which he enjoys a handsome income.
   Mr. Dew was born in Morgan County, Ill., Jan. 4, 1837, and is the son of William and Catherine (Clotfelter) Dew, who were natives of Tennessee and supposed to be of Irish ancestry. The paternal grandfather served in the War of 1812, and as near as can be gathered was a native of Tennesee (sic), where he spent his entire life.
   William Dew when leaving his native State settled in Central Illinois during the period of its early history, where he became the father of a large family, of whom the following survive, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of Ishmael Hickey, of Spring Creek Precinct, this county; Nancy, the wife of Charles Carman, of Fremont County, Iowa; Mary, also a Mrs. Carman, of Atchison County, Mo.; Robert, our subject; Jacob, of Tecumseh; and Hester A., Mrs. Sylvester Cogshall, of Dakota. While our subject was an infant his parents changed their residence from Morgan to Mason County, Ill., where the father carried on farming until his death, which occurred in 1853. The mother survived her husband a period of twenty-nine years, remaining a widow, and spent her last days at the home of her son in this State, her death taking place about 1882.
   Mr. Dew was reared to manhood in Mason County, Ill., where he received a limited education, his studies being conducted in the pioneer schools with the limited facilities of that time. He has, however, been a reader all his life, and by the perusal of instructive books and the periodicals of the day, has kept himself well informed upon matters of general interest. He has known no other occupation than farm life, and with this has been content. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in July, 1861, in Company K, 17th Illinois Infantry, and participated in many of the important battles of the war, being at Shiloh under Gen. Grant, and engaged in various other conflicts with the enemy. About one and one-half years after his enlistment

he was captured by the rebels in Tennessee, but was immediately paroled and sent to Jefferson Barracks, at St. Louis, Mo., where he remained about ten months. He was then duly exchanged, and immediately rejoined his regiment at Vicksburg, remaining with it until the expiration of his term of enlistment, and receiving his honorable discharge in July, 1864. He at once returned to his home in Mason County, Ill., and in December following was married to Miss Elizabeth Bain, of Mason County, and by whom he has become the father of eight children. Of these but five are living, namely: Hettie, at home; Nettie, the wife of William Miner, of Chase County, this State; Ada, at home; Jennie and Minnie. The deceased are John L., Carrie M. and Dellie.
   In the spring of 1866 Mr. Dew, accompanied by his family, left Illinois for Nebraska, and settled amid the pioneer elements of Johnson County, where he was soon recognized as a. valued addition to the community. He is a stanch Republican, politically, and takes an active interest in local affairs, being the warm friend of education, and serving as Moderator in his school district. Socially, he belongs to the I. O. O. F., at Tecumseh.

AMES SHAY. The subject of this sketch is numbered among the most intelligent farmers of Todd Creek Precinct, where he is engaged in general agriculture and stockraising, and owns a finely cultivated farm of eighty acres lying on sections 4 and 9. He is a man held in high esteem by his neighbors, courteous and honorable, enterprising and public-spirited, and in all respects a valuable member of the community. Our subject began life in Knox County, Ill., on the 26th of January, 1839, and there spent his first twenty-three years, receiving a practical education in the common schools and becoming familiar with farming pursuits. At these he was employed until 1866, when, on account of failing health, he was obliged to seek something requiring less exercise of muscle. Repairing now to Macon County he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, continuing with them a period of fifteen years, until the fall of 1882, and officiating much of the time as local engineer.
   Mr. Shay, now having partially regained his health, crossed the Father of Waters into Nebraska, and located upon an improved farm, which he had purchased in 1874, and of which he still retains possession. He has effected many improvements, setting out forest and fruit trees, placing the best fencing, and in all respects bringing the farm up to the standard of the times. Not the least among its embellishments is the handsome residence, which, with its surroundings, fulfills the modern idea of the complete home.
   One of the most important and interesting events in the life of our subject took place on the 5th of March, 1861, when he was united in marriage with Miss Rosetta Dolph. This lady is a native of the same county in Illinois as her husband, and was born July 6, 1844. Her parents, Alison and Harriet (Darling) Dolph, were natives of New York State, and the father a farmer and mechanic combined. He emigrated to Illinois when middle aged, and spent his last days in Knox County, dying about 1852. The wife and mother is deceased. She was married a second time, and is the Harriet Snyder spoken of below. To Mr. and Mrs. Shay there were born five children, only four of whom are living, namely: Anson D., Ada A., Myrtle M. and Carlton F. Chester A. died when about two and a half years old.
   Mr. and Mrs. Shay are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Tecumseh to the support of which they contribute liberally, as to all other objects having in view the moral and religious welfare of the community. Mr. Shay while in Illinois was a Sunday-school Superintendent for many years, has also officiated as Class-Leader, and been sent as a delegate to the various church conferences. He was at one time a local preacher, having been duly licensed, and has always, when time and opportunity afforded, kept carefully in view the importance of the Master's work. He has also been quite prominent in other local affairs, holding the various school offices and assisting to the best of his ability the cause of education.
   Julius Shay, the father of our subject, was born

in Sussex County, N. J., in 1813, and when a youth of eighteen years accompanied his parents to Ohio, where he learned harness-making and saddlery. He was occupied at this for many years, but finally leaving the Buckeye State, purchased a farm in Knox County, Ill., where he is still living and carrying on agriculture. He married, in early manhood, Miss Elizabeth Amanda Stephens, and to them were born six children, all living. The father identified himself with the Protestant Methodist Church early in life, and is a good man in the broadest sense of the term. He served as Class-Leader and Steward, and gave a liberal support to the church of his choice. The wife and mother died at the homestead in Knox County, in 1854. David Shay, the paternal grandfather, also a native of New Jersey, died of measles contracted in the army while serving as a soldier in the War of 1812. He left a widow with several small children.
   Harriet Snyder, Mrs. Shay's mother, assisted at the table when Gen. LaFayette was banqueted in New York City, about 1826, while on a visit to the country for which he had done such valiant service in the Revolutionary War.

OHN C. CAMPBELL The Campbells of Scotland have long been celebrated in song and story, and of the following of that great family the subject of this sketch is a descendant, and was born in the city of Edinburgh, Sept. 1, 1832. He is now one of the most highly respected residents of Spring Creek Precinct. His farm on section 30 is indicative on every hand of the industry and intelligence characteristic of the proprietor.
   Our subject when a youth of eighteen years accompanied his parents, Blair and Isabelle Campbell, to America, taking passage on a sailing-vessel at Glasgow, and landing at New York City after an ocean voyage of six weeks and three days. From the metropolis they proceeded to Cass County, Ill., where the father began working at his trade of shoemaker, first by the day. His innate honesty and integrity gained him friends and customers, and in due time he established a shoe shop in the village of Virginia, where he spent the remainder of his life and lived to be ninety years of age. He died at the home of his daughter, in Chicago, July 8, 1886, having survived his estimable wife twelve years, her death taking place in the fall of 1874.
   The parents of our subject were both members of the Christian Church, and, though not obtaining wealth or luxury for their children, trained them in those habits which proved of more service to them than riches. The home hearth is remembered by them as the dearest spot on earth, and where cluster the most precious associations. The household circle included eleven children, of whom but five are living, namely: Isabelle, Mrs. David McLaughlin, of Muskegon, Mich.; Margaret, Mrs. Rogers, a widow, and a resident of Chicago; James, living in Dakota: John, our subject, and June, the wife of George Ellis, living near Red Oak, Iowa, The deceased are Euphemia, Mary, Archibald and three who died in infancy. Archibald enlisted as a soldier in the late Civil War, and was drowned in the Mississippi River from the steamer "Jane Watson" while on his way to his regiment at Now Orleans, together with about thirty other soldiers, whose lives were thus lost, owing to incompetency and whisky.
   John C. Campbell continued a member of the parental household until his marriage, which took place Nov. 6, 1856, his bride being Miss Elizabeth Needham. Mrs. Campbell was born in England, and came to America with her parents, who were of English birth and ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell came to this county in 1865, and Mr. C. at once homesteaded 160 acres of land in Spring Creek Precinct, of which he has since been a resident. The story of the first few years which he spent here differs little from that of his brother pioneers, and he proved equal to the task before him, battling successfully with the elements of a new soil, and gaining for himself and his family a home and competency.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell there have been born six children, namely: Mary Effie, who early evinced great musical talent, and is now a successful teacher of the art; Ellen K., a teacher in the schools of Tecumseh; Maggie, a teacher of music; Lucy, who