a breaking, carrying the baby on her arm and in the excitement lost one of its shoes, strange to say Mr. Phillips found the shoe some time afterwards when breaking up the prairie.

     Mr. Phillips thrashed wheat early in 1872, and as a result sold the first load of wheat ever sold in Exeter, (Spring wheat was the usual crop then) It was purchased by Mr. Dolan, and it was the first load of wheat he ever bought.

     They had the usual calls from the Indians, but never suffered any loss as a result of their visits, like other settlers they lost their crops through the grasshoppers, and shared in the disadvantages of opening up a new Country, yet with it all they were happy.

     It is interesting to note that Mr. Phillips, on coming here had but one arm, having lost the right arm in the Battle of Gettysburg, on July 1st, 1863. When attending the great Reunion on that historic Battlefield in 1913, he met a Confederate Soldier who lost his left arm on the same day in the same battle, thus those two, who fifty years before had fought each other, met in peaceful union, commemorating the event by having their pictures taken standing side by side.

JONATHAN A. HORTON

     Jonathan A. Horton is a native of Pennsylvania, as was his Father, who also homesteaded in this neighborhood, but his paternal Grandfather came from England. Mr. Horton lived for some time in Illinois, and came from there with his wife to Nebraska in a covered wagon, homesteading on Section 2, Township 8, Range 2, on November 23, 1870, and has lived there continuously ever since.

     He built a sod house in which he lived for eleven years before moving into the present frame building. He gave an acre of land for a School lot, whereon was built a sod school house which did service for many years, both for a School and a Church, the building I believe was put up by the people as much for a Church as for the School.

     As a result of the Services held in the district by the Rev. D. S. Warner of Ohio, there was organized a "Church of God," with twenty-five members, Mr. Horton being elected an Elder along with Jacob M. Witter, (another Pioneer from Pennsylvania, coming Nov. 25, 1871), Samuel Bair and George W. Helms, were at the same time appointed Deacons. This Church carried on a successful work for many years, Mr. Horton being a leading spirit in its operations. Though it has ceased to exist as an organized body, Mr. Horton still claims membership in the denomination, and holds the records of the local church.

     When friends began to die, and a burial ground was needed, he very graciously gave the land for a cemetery; wherein are sleeping many loved ones of the Horton district.

     Since those earlier years the present frame School house has been used for religious services by different denominations, the United Brethren were strong there for a time, after which the Methodist Episcopal people held services and carried on a successful Epworth League Society. The Rev. W. B. Payne, Congregational Minister, preached there during his pastorate in Exeter, and was followed by the Rev. G. W. Stone, Baptist Minister, then, after several months without any services, the Rev. G. R. McKeith Congregational Church, Exeter, commenced services which are now held every alternate Sunday. A Sunday School along undenominational lines is successfully conducted every week for nine months each year.

     During the pioneer years, Mr. Horton, like many of his compeers had to travel many miles seeking work to help make a living, and had often to

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camp alone on the open prairie. At other times he would fell timber; saw and chop it into stove wood, then haul it to Lincoln, when after finding a purchased (sic) he received the magnificent sum of $4, but $4 was not to be despised in those days.

     As a result of his timber felling, he had the misfortune to cut his leg, destroying the use of the main leaders, he was laid up for three months, and retains a "mark", which - as a man said, with a similar misfortune "He will carry with him to the grave."

     Mr. Horton can tell many interesting stories about the wild animals of the Prairies, a few of which are here given.

     Mr. Aaron B. Stonerook, another pioneer who homesteaded November 23, 1871, and has since gone to his reward, told Mr. Horton that he had never seen an Antelope; this was probably owing to his being very short sighted. One day they were on the prairie together, when Mr. Horton saw in the distance an Antelope making its way towards them, and knowing that as they seldom changed their course it would be a good opportunity for Mr. Stonerook to see one, so asking him if he would like to see an Antelope and receiving an answer in the affirmative; he drew him aside, had him crouch down on the grass, and told him to watch, then, as the animal drew very near them, Mr. Horton asked, "Can you see it?" "Yes!" said Mr. Stonerook, "I can see its eyes!"

     One day Mr. Horton and Mr. Dave Kelly (a pioneer who homesteaded March 10, 1871) were out ploughing to make a fire break; the work was being done with two yoke of Oxen, when to their astonishment, two elks came up, and remained for some time within ten steps of the men.

     It is well to put on record Mr. Horton's observations regarding these animals and their movements. "The Antelope always ran in a straight line; while the Elk ran a zig zag course."

     On another occasion he was out with his half brother, Samuel Bair, (who homesteaded at the same time as Mr. Horton) when they saw two Antelopes and two Fawns, thinking they could catch the Fawns they jerked the harness off the horses, jumped onto their bare backs and started the chase. After following them for several miles, the animals, playing them many pranks, often being "so near and yet so far" they were glad to return home without the coveted prize.

     Mr. Horton went with Mr. D. R. Bivens one time into Clay County, a distance of 40 miles to secure a harvester, and on the return journey, when between Fairmont and home, they were overtaken by a storm. The thunder and lightning were terrific, (after, reports showed that some animals were killed and horses had the hair scorched off their backs, so severe was the storm.) The night was so dark they decided to leave the harvester and horses on the prairie, and make their way home afoot; having unharnessed and tethered the horses, they took hold of hands and struck out for home, and after walking for an hour they found themselves back to where they had started; more like drowning rats than ought else. The storm abated somewhat and they made a second attempt, this time reaching home. It is sometimes said in stormy weather, "Blessed is the man who hasn't a home to go to," seeing he is already there!

     A sight which made Mr. Horton feel rather uncomfortable, if not nervous was when he saw a colony of about 100 snakes in a hollow place near the Indian Creek. It seemed that all the varieties of local snakes had gathered there that day, Rattle, Garter, Bull, Water, and Grass snakes, none of which was he anxious to be acquainted with, so he passed on as quietly and as quickly as possible.

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THOMAS NUGENT

     Thomas Nugent, came from County Galway, Ireland, in 1866, to Scott County, Iowa, and in the spring of 1871, settled on a homestead south of Exeter in Liberty Township. He drove a horse team and brought wagon and some cattle along when he came to Nebraska.

     Money and employment were scarce in the community, so he would walk for miles through the country to such places is Beatrice and Lincoln, looking for work to help provide a living. He worked on the B. & M. Railroad for some time, grading, where the town of Fairmont is now located.

     He would at times seek work in the distant west, thus using up the time allowed off his claim. It was during those trips that he experienced some thrilling adventures. On one occasion when returning over the prairies, his mate and he taking turns in driving the team or sleeping in the bottom of the wagon, they were surrounded by a band of 300 or 400 Indians.

     He knew that two could do little by way of self defence (sic) in such a crowd and thinking his end had surely come, it was time to turn his attention upwards. To their great relief one of the Indians rode up and presented a piece of paper by which they made known that they were freindly (sic) Indians.

     They were begging however, and would not accept Buffalo meat, they could kill that for themselves. "Give us bacon!" was their request, then, as we might expect, everything possible was forthcoming, so as to be rid as soon as possible of such a crowd.

     In was no uncommon experience to meet with large herds of Buffalo; 500 to 1,000 strong. Mr. Nugent thinks it was a great shame the way these animals were killed off, as it was too often done, not for need, but to satisfy a lust for killing. The dead animals were seldom put to any practical use.

     One Sunday a band of Indians came near his homestead, and found their way into Dan Dillan's Melon patch. An Indian had no more welcome into a melon patch than had a Negro, though he might like melons just as other people do, needless to say, the Indian soon had a "hint" - as the young man said, "when the girl's father lifted him out of the house on the end of his shoe toe," - that his company or his harvesting aid was not required. It may even remain a mystery, "who gave the last blow first."

     Speaking of the great blizzard of 1873, Mr. Nugent was caught out in this, and had to take shelter for three days in a windowless and doorless dugout. It was simply impossible to make his home during the storm, but it may be his native wit presented itself for his consolation, "I would just as soon stop here as remain where I am!"

MR. WILLIAM N. AND MRS. M. E. BABCOCK

     Mr. William N. and Mrs. M. E. Babcock came to Nebraska in the fall of 1870, remaining through the winter in Ashland. Mr. Babcock took up a Claim in February, 1871, and they moved onto it in May of that year. The land joined Dr. Smith's on the West, part of which is now the Town. Mr. Babcock died eight years ago and we are indebted to Mrs. Babcock for these reminiscences, who, let me say, fully appreciates the experience of having grown up with a new Country.

     Their first shelter was a tent made of four sheets sewed together, a habitation which was not destined to long life. Within the first week of this new experience they were favored with one of Nebraska's remarkable storms, which in the hours just after midnight brought down their tent in such a shape as never more to be erected. From their sad predicament they wended their way bare-foot toward the Smith home, being assured they were on the right land by locating a furrow which the Doctor had struck around his claim, they made what runs were possible with each lightning

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flash as an illumination, finally reaching the dwelling to receive a glad welcome from Mrs. Smith who told them she could well guess what had happened. The following day revealed the sad condition of their belongings, to, say they were wet is probably making it too dry! As a result of this experience the men went that morning to secure lumber for a more permanent home, during the building of which they stayed with the Smiths.

     During the days of their tent life, Mrs. Smith was their first caller, who having made her way over the prairie, found it necessary to wade through a ditch; on reaching the other side she saw a large rattle snake crouching on the grass, knowing the Babcock's slept on the ground, she wondered if she should tell Mrs. Babcock about it? Would she like to know of such a thing? Would it make her frightened? Then thinking that if a snake were as near to her house she would like to know of it; she told her all about the snake, but it is said, Mrs. Babcock only laughed!

     It was necessary in those days for Mrs. Babcock to go to the Woodard home, a distance of one mile, whenever she needed a pail of water. Mr. Woodard was the first Post Master, and she would go there for the mail, during one of those trips she was overtaken by a storm, and had to wade through water waist deep to get back home.

     On another occasion she was caught in a storm, and sought shelter in the Smith home, catching Mrs. Smith going through one of her wet weather experiences, she was sitting on the bed with her umbrella up and basins were placed around the floor, catching the water.

     The Babcock Sod house was 12 ft. by 14 ft., and in this building she commenced and taught the first local school, having as pupils, three Woodard children, C. C. Smith, and her own boy, Fred. In this small home, too, she provided lodgings one stormy might for a family of eight persons who were passing over the country.

     It was no uncommon thing for men to get lost on the prairie, perhaps the women were not so venturesome, and yet they must have been courageous at times. One dark night when Mr. Babcock was from home, a man knocked at the door, saying he was lost, and could they direct him to Dr. Smith's house, nothing daunted, Mrs. Babcock went out, put the man on the right road, telling him to look for the lighted lantern which the Doctor kept burning and he would be sure to find the place. Dr. Smith was called to a sick case where the help of a Nurse was needed. Mrs. Babcock being asked to go, they set out in the wagon with Mr. Henry Sheldon. After traveling for some time they realized that they were lost, then they saw a house which the Doctor thought was his home, there was the usual "it is" and "it is not" and to make sure the Doctor made his way to the building and called out the name of his "better half" but the response was very disappointing it was not his home. They went on again, and at last a light was seen, and on approaching the dwelling it was found to be the Sheldon home, their destination, but the experience had been so mystifying to Mr. Sheldon that he failed to recognize either his home or his barn, and with difficulty was persuaded to unhitch his horses.

     I can quite understand how, people lost on the prairie would act like people lost at sea, by going round and round in a circle, and coming back to where they started from, but I have not learned the reason for their becoming so mystified as not to recognize well known people and places, that such was an actual experience is shown in the following story.

     Mr. Job Hathaway called on the Babcocks one evening and visited till dark, then he started out for his home about a mile distant, it was a very dark night, and sometime after he had left a man knocked at the door, and asked if they could tell him where Job Hathaway lived? "Why, what's the matter with you Mr. Hathaway?" asked Mr. Babcock, "It is only fifteen minutes since you were here!" and Hathaway replied, "You are mistaken,

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I never was here in my life." Mr. Babcock led the horse and went home with him, and it was quite a time before Hathaway recognized his own home.

     One Sunday morning an Indian looked through the window, and before any information could be given, he was in the house. On looking round the room he saw a scarlet shawl, then commenced some sort of a rigmarole, the only word discernable (sic) being "pa-poose," so taking it for granted he wanted the shawl for his baby, Mrs. Babcock let him have it, then he admired Mr. Babcock's cap, and being anxious to ge (sic) rid of him they gave him the cap also, to his unbounded delight, and he left.

     The Texas cattle passed over the Prairie, often 15,000 in a herd. One day a cow strayed from the herd and was seen by the Dolan boys. They of course could not undertake the catching of that cow alone so they sought the help of Woodard, Babcock and Smith. These set out after the cow; no easy task for if the cow saw them first, it was sure to go for them, and sure enough the cow saw them, and was about to make a rush at them, when they all fired, bringing it to the ground, the animal was killed and quartered, each home having a quarter of beef. The Dolans had no place to store their share so it was packed away with the Babcock's beef on the Sod roof, ail went well until about midnight, when the wolves scented that meat and would have had it, (for they had already brought it to the ground,) if they had not been able to frighten them away; and thus the meat was saved. It has been suggested that a few stray Texas Cows might come in handy these days of dear meat, seeing we are not all vegetarians as yet.

CHRISTIAN KOBE

     Christian Kobe is a native of Bremen, Germany. At an early age he heard the call of the sea; those unmistakable voices appealing to him from out the distance, inviting him forth to investigate the hidden secrets beyond the horison (sic), and to venture into the great possibilities of a vaster world. The song of the sirens allured him onto many seas, and across many oceans, providing opportunities of entering into the secrets of a hitherto unknown world. Commencing at the age of 14 years he lived the life of the sailor, visiting nearly every country on the Globe, thus, gaining a wide knowledge in travel, and passing through wonderful and exciting experiences such as fall to the lot of but few men.

     He could easily enumerate sufficient stories to make an interesting book, which, commencing with his first attempt at milking a goat at sea, the meeting of an Orangoutang (sic) when alone on the West coast of Africa, and his lonely tramps over the western part of this Continent, together with his pioneer experiences in Nebraska, would make an interesting autobiography.

     After spending several years on the high seas, he though it was time to try his fortunes on the land, but instead of returning to the old country, he went to California, working for two years around San Francisco. With the incoming of the Chinese, which was the introduction of cheap labor into the country, he had to move on, passing through experiences which are worth recording. We next find him among the Mormons at Salt Lake City. To make it possible for him to live there at that time he had to pay the regular 50 cents to have his gentileship washed away, this taking place at a spring at the city gates.

     He then entered the city and secured employment with a provision merchant as delivery man, in this capacity he traveled into the surrounding country of Utah. It was a great sight to see the crowds of Indians attending service outside the Mormon Tabernacle, (they were never allowed inside) their services being held immediately after the regular service.

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     Mr. Kobe, not being willing to join the church, he thought it best to seek work elsewhere, and undertook the arduous task of walking back to California, traveling mostly at night time and sleeping during the day. During this journey he would meet with bands of Indians, and would invariably ask for the chief, they in turn would ask if he was a Mormon, replying that he was, they would ask "How many squaws?" The Indians considered a Mormon a good man, and if he had only one squaw, he was a good Mormon. if a man proved to be a gentile he was considered a bad man, and they cared nothing for him; they might even take his life. Having secured the confidence of the Indians (so much for the 50 cents and the washing) he was received into the tent, allowed to sleep, and the squaws provided him with food before again starting on his midnight tramp. He would sometimes manage to get a meal at some ranch, the charge being invariably $1 for a mess of pork and beans, the beans would have made better shot for a gun than food for a man.

     He was often compelled to drink ditch water, after he had found his way through the green scum floating on the top. His experiences go to show how wonderful are the protecting mercies of a kind providence in spite of the lack of those modern sanitary and comfortable conditions of life which some persons tell us are absolutely necessary if a man would live long and remain healthy, be that as it may, Mr. Kobe lives on, and enjoys good health in spite of having passed through experiences the conditions of which were a contradiction to the theories of modern science.

     He next thought he would try his fortune in Nebraska, and with a Mr. John Frank, he came to Omaha, then back to Lincoln, where they filed for homesteads, taking up land near the Blue River, in York County, in 1870. He made a dugout which was much like a cave, and in which he lived for nearly three years. Horses were scarce, so he worked for long with two yoke of oxen, and did a great deal of breaking for other settlers at $4 per acre. During those pioneer days he was often without money, he would have some due to him, but, "it delayed its coming," then he would seek the kind aid of others, and says he will never forget the way Dr. Smith would trust him for provisions during those hard times.

     Mr. Kobe was one time making his way to Nebraska City, a distance of over 80 miles with his ox team and a load of wheat and potatoes. When near the Middle Creek he saw a prairie fire coming, and at once thought of burning off the surrounding grass, he set to work making this protection, but match after match failed him, and when he had come to his last match the fire was fast approaching and things looked desperate; when with a prayer that he might be spared, he struck the last match which had the desired effect; he had just burned off sufficient to make a fire break, and had led his team and wagon onto the cleared space when the fire leaping like something gone mad, surrounded him on every hand. Had he not been thus providentially saved, he would have been burnt up in broad daylight. We can well imagine what an experience like this would mean to Mr. Kobe! I have had the privilege and pleasure of reading a copy of the original manuscript of 'Samuel Allis'" experiences as a missionary among the Pawnee Indians, (1834) probably the first missionary to those people, he tells of a prairie fire, when a hunting party was encamped on the Platte bottoms, when four Indians and several horses were burnt to death. Surely friend Kobe accomplished a great deal when he saved his team, wagon and himself in a single-handed fight with the fiery monster.

     One day he was breaking in a field when he saw three Indians approaching him and was not inclined to pay any attention to them, but they persisted in their demands for money and provisions. Having sent them away unsupplied they made their way to the neighbor's house - a newly married couple - the woman was alone in the dugout when they entered, yelling

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their exclamation, "Ouh! Ouh!!" much to the young woman's alarm. They wanted everything they could see, and helped themselves to the man's wedding suit which happened to be hanging near.

     After they had gone she sought her husband, and he in turn sought the help of Mr. Kobe, and each mounting a horse they chased the Indians to their camp near Beaver Crossing, demanded the stolen clothing, which the Indians with great laughter handed back.

     Another neighbor named "Joe Cunningham" had just got married, and his wife was busy with her washing and alone. Mr. Kobe saw an Indian coming up from the Blue, and judging what might happen he made occasion to go and return a corn knife he had borrowed. The Indian had made his way into the house and was demanding meat and flour, much to the discomfort of the young woman, when Kobe called out, "Don't be afraid!" and then he called for the dog, at the mention of which the Indian was glad to make his escape.

     Another day he was passing through the timber when an Indian carrying a rifle made his appearance, the situation was not very encouraging, Kobe having nothing of a defensive character but a pocket knife. The Indian asked for tobacco, and Mr. Kobe willingly shared what he had; offering him half, but the Indian wanted more, saying "No! No! me want's bigger, bigger?" That being refused, he yelled "Ouh! Ouh! you a bad white man, if me had you west, me scalp you!" Mr. Kobe with his blood rising said: "You go to thunder," and then tried to get a gun from a neighbor, who on seeing his excited condition refused to let him have it, the Indian in the mean time having gone to the river.

     Nothing vexed an Indian more than the reckless way white men killed the Buffalo, and leaving them lying on the prairie without making any use of them, they having accomplished their object in the mere sport. This was a shameful waste to an Indian, who depended on the buffalo for his food, clothing and tipi covers. No doubt many men lost their lives at the hands of the Indians as a result of this wasteful habit. This can be easily understood, when we know that they bad very strict rules among themselves regarding the hunting of buffalo. They had "Buffalo soldiers" appointed by the chiefs, and if any one was caught going near or hunting buffalo without a special order from the chief, they got a severe whipping. The aggressions of the "pale face" and his wilful (sic) destruction of the buffalo seemed to the Indian mind to demand something more than a severe whipping - hence the murders!

     When the grasshoppers came, Mr. Kobe was cultitvating (sic) corn, they fell so thick and fast that work became impossible, so he left the cuItitvator (sic) in the field, led the oxen to the stall, and when he returned his corn was all gone. He suffered the loss of a barley crop with the "chinch bugs", he had done well the previous year with his barley, and now looked forward to a small fortune from his 20 acres, but "man proposes and the chinch bug disposes." They came by the million, and lay six inches deep on the ground, so he set fire to the field burning both the barley and the bugs.

     During the blizzard he had to feed his cattle with corn through the barn roof, and had to shovel in some snow, that they might quinch (sic) their thirst, this method of feeding cattle lasting for two weeks. During the storm he was only able to find his way by having a lariat rope running from the house to the barn.

     We may add that Mr. Kobe, during the days of his sailor life on Lake Michigan, had the misfortune to lose all his personal property in the Chicago fire, including all his "Ship discharges," "Citizenship papers" and "Jewelry." He had to take out his "Citizenship papers" a second time. After proving up on his claim, he visited the "Fatherland", after an absence of over

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twenty years, during that visit he saw the young girl who afterwards became his partner in life, who now shares with him the quieter, and more restful days of a very eventful life.

ALONZO AND PALMER RICE.

     Alonzo Rice, who is a native of New York State, came to La Platte, (formerly Lorimer Mills), Sarpy County, from Pennsylvania. After working there for about three years he came with his brother, Palmer, and secured a claim on section 14, taking the south half of the south-east quarter, July 30, 1870. The only thing to be seen on the prairie when he located was a tent used as a home by "Bill" Miner; there were no houses of any kind, and the nearest thing to a tree was a sunflower.

     To find one's bearings when traveling over the prairie, one had to look for some stove pipe sticking out of the ground; the sure sign of a dwelling, and then ask their township, section number, and probably the lay of the land, North, South East and West.

     The nearest town and post office was Camden, and he set out very early one morning to go there, and it was his custom when traveling in the dark to note the location of a certain star, but after traveling for some time, somehow the stars got changed around. He lost his "lucky star" or his "star of hope." After continuing the journey for some time, still believing he was going in the right direction, he with the coming of the early dawn, recognized in the near distance his own house. It is suggested that the horses, realizing the aimlessness of the effort, had made tracks for home.

     During those early days Mr. Rice would go to Hebron, on the Little Blue, and work in the stone and lime quarries. The sections west, No. 15, and a School Section, remained open prairie for some time after he located, and several antelopes grazed around there in the summer time. Mr. Rice remembers distinctly the incoming of Mr. James Alexander. "The canny Scot, brand-new fra the land o' heather," he had failed to locate his land, and Mr. Rice had to help him do it. The corn growing in the field on the Rice farm was a source of great wonder to the stranger, it was so unlike anything he had seen growing in the old country; where its cultivation is impossible, He might have asked the question, "When is corn not corn?" remembering that Robby Burns, sang:

Upon a simmer Sunday morn,

     When nature's face is fair,

I walked forth to view the corn

     An' snuff the caller air.

     Palmer Rice, brother to Alonzo, worked for five and a half years as a day laborer in the lumber woods of Pennsylvania, and in 1869 became a renter in Allegheny County, N. Y., his native State, where with his wife he had a dairy farm. They both felt that their chances for success were too limited, so they decided to strike out West. For the journey they secured a three horse team and a covered wagon. (He never had seen a covered wagon till then). They set out on April 25, 1870, in spite of the snow that had fallen in the forenoon, and made their way to Nebraska. For many miles along the road, as they passed through the villages; the covered wagon was such an unusual sight, that the youngsters called them Gypsies, and in some places they were not allowed to camp. The journey to La Platte was accomplished in seven weeks.

     After staying a few days with his brother at La Platte, Mr. Rice took ferry across the Platte river, and then traveled on a construction train to within seven miles of Lincoln, and then on foot to the city. While there he inquired about homesteads, and found many people quite ready to give the

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