UDGE JOHN M. RAGAN, member of the supreme court commission, is a native of Illinois and was born on Christmas day, 1851. He was educated in that state, and after leaving the common schools, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1876. He practiced two years before coming west, located at the bustling little city of Hastings in 1878, and has since continued his residence there. He devoted himself constantly to the practice of law, and soon became known as one of the most successful members of the state bar. He had a varied and substantial clientage, and exercised great influence in the affairs of central and western Nebraska. He was appointed by the supreme court as a member of the commission, and has served as an able jurist, displaying fine discrimination on intricate legal points, and wisdom of decision on weighty matters of law.

1893 the legislature passed an act creating a supreme court commission, consisting of three members, no two of whom should be selected from one political party. Hon. Robert Ryan, of Lincoln, was selected as the republican member, and has held that position ever since. Judge Ryan in his youthful days received a good general education, took a course of law and after graduation was admitted to the bar of the supreme court in Iowa. He afterwards came to Nebraska and located in Lincoln, where he practiced his profession for many years, conducting a large business and attaining high rank as a member of the state bar. When the legislature of 1895 passed the act extending the time of the existence of the commission, Judge Ryan was promptly reappointed for the ensuing term. Commissioner Ryan is a careful student, a conscientious worker, and an able judge.

AVID A. CAMPBELL, reporter and clerk of the supreme court, and state librarian, was born at Miller's Station, Harrison county, Ohio, October 5, 1857.

He received a good education in the public schools of his native state, and added to his intellectual acquirements by a course in Hopedale College. In 1877 he emigrated to Kansas, remaining there but one year. He located in Nebraska at Plattsmouth, and in 1885 was elected treasurer of Cass county, gave the people a first-class admin-

istration, and was re-elected in 1887. He was appointed to his present position by the supreme court of the state in 1890 for a term of four years, and at the expiration of his commission was re-appointed in 1895. Mr. Campbell has made a careful study of the needs of the state library, and has introduced many valuable improvements in that splendid institution. It was long before his administration the pride of the state, and has greatly increased in public appreciation since he took charge. As a public servant Mr. Campbell is courteous, pleasant, and accommodating, and it may be said that he combines the essential qualifications for the duties of his office in a specially high degree.