orchards, enticingly pretty farmhouses covered over with jessamine, roses, honeysuckle or some such vine, with its smooth lawn, flower-beds and well-trimmed hedgerow, long, cool, shady lanes, with primrose and other wild flowers growing in profusion on either bank, which is surmounted by the field hedge, anon passing through long rows of hop poles with the vines at their most perfect stage, and thus on, until after about three hours our train rolls into the depot upon the white chalk cliffs of Dover.
   In the above beautiful county of Kent, England, was born on the 9th of February, 1834, the subject of this sketch, who is the son of John and Eliza Chapman, natives of the same place. He is the eldest son of four children, and received his education in the parish school, where he developed a large aptitude for scholarly exercises, and was not long in proving that he was a born student. Being early impressed with the truth of things religious, he offered himself for the ministry and began a course of study to fit him for the same. Until he had arrived at man's estate he continued to make his home in Kent, but in 1858 he took passage on a sailing-vessel at Liverpool, and upon the 3d day of July of that year he bade farewell to the shores of his native country, and landed just one month later in New York. He did not immediately resume ministerial labor, but secured employment as salesman in the dry-goods house of A. T. Stewart & Co., and there remained for sixteen months. He then went to Porter County, Ind., and engaged in farming, renting about 500 acres for a period of eight years, and then, in 1868, came to Nebraska, and settled upon his present farm in this county. He entered eighty acres of land as a homestead claim from the Government, and settled upon it before a sod had been disturbed or a furrow turned, and as the result of continuous and hard work he had shortly the satisfaction of seeing a really good farm, which has proved even more than usually productive.
   During his residence in New York City our subject had continued his ministerial studies, and received license from the regularly constituted offices of the strict Baptist Church, and engaged more or less in ministerial labors. As soon as he removed to Nebraska he became one of the State pioneer preachers, and was appointed by the Baptist Church to advance the cause as far as possible. It was not long before he had organized a church at Cheney, another at Jamaica, and also at Emerald, Lancaster County. Our subject was the first to preach the Gospel in Highland Precinct in Gage County, and to lay the foundation of the church at Cortland. He was deeply interested in Sunday-school work, and has organized a large number of Sunday-schools in various parts of Lancaster and Gage Counties, superintending and overseeing their work whenever there was no one else able to do so. Throughout this and adjoining counties he labored arduously as a home missionary, and was more than usually successful. No one can appreciate what is meant by that phrase who has not had some intimate acquaintance with the position; the long, toilsome, weary journeying from place to place, to conduct a service, visit some sick person or administer consolation to the dying, traveling often many miles in the full glare of the blazing sun, or the terrific force of the wind and pitiless beating of the rain or blinding snow over the shadowless and shelterless prairie. Mr. Chapman was also the originator of the first frame school-house erected in the county, upon which he worked with his own hands, This house is situated in District No. 15 of Centerville Precinct, and is still in use.
   Our subject has been twice married; the first time was in England, May 28, 1858, when he was united to Mary A. Lane, of London, by whom he became the parent of two children. The elder, Emma, died when about twenty years of age, having previously been married to G. H. Ritter, and was the mother of one child whom our subject has reared as his own; John E. is at present a resident of Kansas. His first wife died in Indiana, in the month of October, 1861. Two years later he entered into a second alliance, and was married to Mrs. Melvina Ritter, relict of John Ritter, of Porter County, Ind., who was the mother of four children; they reside in Nebraska and are in good circumstances. By this union the family circle has increased and included six children, of whom three; are now living, who are named respectively: William H., Matilda Arminta and Alfred T. Mr.

Chapman is a typical and representative pioneer, and has seen the county develop from the wild, untamed beauty of its original state to that of one of the most fertile, best cultivated, prosperous and well-settled counties of the Union. His own farm is a standing compliment to the energy, intelligence and labor of the owner. He enjoys the most perfect confidence and esteem of all who know him, and he is by a large number beloved on account of his ministerial labor, which has resulted to their good. For a number of years he has served as School Director and such offices. In politics he is independent, and votes rather for the best man to serve the real interests of the people than whether he is a member of this, that, or the other party.

AMUEL S. GRIFFIN. We cannot in a brief sketch rehearse the daring deeds of the brave men who have survived the war, their loyal sacrifices and heroic achievements. Could they be told they would speak of early reverses, sad disappointments, gloomy forebodings for the future, of sickness in camp and hospital, of fearful marches through deadly ambuscades, of labor in trenches and dreary and enforced idleness in camp, of escapes, of wounds, of imprisonment in foul dens, of all the horrors of war and perhaps of death. But they would speak too of privations willingly endured, dangers voluntarily incurred, ceaseless labor gladly undergone, risks daringly assumed, of dashing assaults, of well-contested fields, of the enemy's retreat and of countless victories. They would speak of disaster, but also of success; of doubt, and yet of hope; of transient defeat, but still final and enduring victory. Too much cannot be said of the patriotism of those noble warriors, and it is left to their children and their children's children to perpetuate their fame and worth, and keep always in loving remembrance the brave deeds of those who have gone before. To such honorable mention and remembrance as we have briefly stated are the ancestors of the subject of this sketch entitled.
   Samuel S. Griffin is one of the enterprising farmers and stock-raisers of Centerville Precinct. residing on section 4. He is a native of Delaware County, Iowa, and was born on the 8th of September, 1850. He is a son of Edwin and Harriet Griffin, his father a native of New York State, and his mother supposed to have been a native of Illinois. The latter is deceased. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Samuel Lewis, was a brave soldier at the time of the War of 1812, in which war he participated. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Sylvester Griffin, was a soldier in the war with Mexico, and having survived that war he participated also in the late civil troubles in which our country was involved. On the battle-field of Shiloh be received a wound which was the cause of his death not long afterward. To such brave men as those who offered their lives on the battle-field, or gave them shortly afterward as a result of injuries received, is our country indebted for the peace and prosperity which she is now enjoying. Let the memories of such soldiers be ever kept sacred.
   The father of our subject, Edwin Griffin, was also a soldier of the Mexican War, in which he fought side by side with his father. He had a family of thirteen children, of whom eleven survive, their names being: Samuel S., Allen, Rosella (wife of Frederick Norris), Lewis, Ira, Zotis, David, Edwin, George, Asel and Frank. Our subject was reared in Iowa until the year 1865, when with his parents he removed to Nodaway County, Mo., where he remained until 1869; then coming to Lancaster County in 1870, he took up a homestead of eighty acres of Government land which he still owns. By subsequent purchase he has added to the first amount until now he is the owner of 400 acres of good land.
   When our subject came to this county he was comparatively without means, and after taking up the homestead he did his first breaking and plowed his first corn with oxen with a breaking-plow. By good management and industry, and close attention to business, his property has accumulated until now he is in very comfortable circumstances, surrounded, with all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of a rural home. The key to his success lies in the fact that he devoted himself assiduously to his labors, and with thoughtful care he planned for the future development and improvement of his farm and possessions. He has given considerable attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of the finest

breed of Short-horn cattle and fine Poland-China hogs.
   On the 2d of September, 1869, our subject was married to Mary E. Walker, who was born March 11, 1848, and is a daughter of John S. Walker, of Hayes County, Neb. The latter was born Dec. 27, 1820, in Huntingdon, Pa., and his wife, Margaret A., was born Nov. 19, 1827, in LaRue County, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Griffin are the parents of five children: John E. was born July 11, 1870; Samuel H., Sept. 20, 1873; Frederick E., born Oct. 12, 1875; William (deceased), born Jan. 12, 1880; and Emma M., born Sept. 14, 1883. Mr. Griffin has always taken an active interest in the cause of education and public matters in general, having served as Constable and Justice of the Peace and in other offices of his school district. He is an ardent Republican and has firm faith in the policy of that party. By his daily life and his strict integrity in business matters and his genial social qualities, he has raised himself to a position in which he receives the highest esteem and respect of his fellowmen, all of which he is quite deserving of.

ILLIAM F. EWERTH. There is one circumstance which is sure to be noted by every person who has been brought up in the older cities of the East, or who comes from one of the old countries, and for the first time takes a journey into our great Western country. It is a fact that in any and every public assembly in the West, the absence of old men is a most conspicuous feature. The traveler is surprised upon being introduced to the senior partner of some wholesale business firm, the head man of a large mercantile house, with whom he has, perhaps, had correspondence, or the President of some banking house or extensive corporation, to find presented a young man, in appearance often a mere youth, but over whose head perhaps some twenty-five to thirty-eight years have passed. Were it wise and in the limits of this sketch, instances might be multiplied, illustrating and establishing the above. The same thing is true of many of our successful farmers and stock-raisers, among which number might be named our subject.
   Mr. Ewerth was born in the Province of Pommern, Germany, Jan. 30, 1853. His early years of childhood and youth were spent in his native Province, and were filled with the usual incidents common to the youth of the country. It is the simple story of infancy and childish days, developing into those of the schoolboy, with his round of tasks and lessons. When our subject was about fourteen years of age his parents decided to emigrate to America. Accordingly we find them severing themselves from old associations and friends, leaving the home which had sheltered them for so many years, saying the last farewell to old familiar scenes and surroundings, and taking their journey to the land of which they had heard so many brilliant descriptions and glowing accounts. They landed in New York City and found themselves in the midst of a babel of strange sounds & confusion of strange sights, and endless multitude of strange faces. Becoming more accustomed to these scenes, by the advice of friends they started for and presently arrived at Burlington, Walworth Co., Wis. Under the new condition of things they made a fresh start in life, which has proved abundantly successful. They continued to make that their residence until the fall of 1879, with the exception of one year spent in Illinois.
   Upon leaving Wisconsin Mr. Ewerth went to Nebraska, and upon prospecting decided to take land in Lancaster County, and from that time continued a resident of Stockton Precinct. The farm, which is situated on section 1, comprises 120 acres of land in splendid condition, and of fine quality, upon which our subject has expended his best thoughts and efforts, and is being repaid by the increasing value of his property. He has effected many important improvements from time to time, as the occasion and his capital would allow. He is well provided with the necessary machinery and implements, farm buildings and stabling, in addition to his residence.
   February 15, 1882, Miss Ellen Stieber, a young lady of good presence, address, culture and education, united her life and interests with those of our subject. Since that time their happy home has

been more radiant and glad by the addition to the family of three beautiful children, by name: William L., Arthur G. and Eda L. Mrs. Ewerth was born in Wisconsin, and is the daughter of George and Anna (Kimple) Stieber, who were natives of Germany. This lady came to Lancaster with her parents about the year 1877, from which time there has been no inducement sufficiently strong to lead her to change her residence.
   In the German Lutheran Church our subject, with his wife and family, finds congenial religious associations, and is among its most exemplary and esteemed members. In civic affairs our subject is not prominent, but is, nevertheless, an intelligent and honorable adherent to the Republican party, and gives to its candidates his hearty support. As a farmer, although comparatively a young man, our subject is prosperous, and as a citizen and man is held in high regard by his fellowmen.

ORPORAL JEREMIAH C. HARTZ is a fine representative of the hardy, resolute pioneers of Lancaster County. who, coming here in the early days of its settlement with little or no means, bravely faced all the trials incident to those days, in the shape of prairie fires, grasshopper raids, drouths, etc., and have come out triumpliantly the owners of fine farms, and are now numbered among the most substantial citizens of the county. Our subject is busily engaged in agricultural pursuits on his farm on sections 10 and 3, Saltillo Precinct. He is a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (McMillen) Hartz, natives of Pennsylvania. They moved to Wood County, Ohio, in 1853, and there the mother died in 1865, at the age of forty-eight years. The father continued to reside in that State until 1868, when he removed to Michigan, and made his home in that State until his death, in 1881, at the age of sixty-seven years. For further parental history see sketch of William Hartz.
   The subject of this biographical notice was the eldest of the five sons and six daughters born to his parents, and the date of his birth, which took place near Reading, Pa., was Sept. 30, 1838.His educational facilities were limited, and when he went with his parents to live in Ohio he was harnessed to hard work, such as cutting down trees, grubbing stumps, breaking land, and other labors involved in clearing a farm from the wilderness and preparing the land for culture. He remained an inmate of his father's home until the war broke out in 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, 49th Ohio Infantry, and hastened forth in the pride and strength of his young manhood to do or to die for his country. His brother John, who enlisted at the same time, in the 10th Ohio Cavalry, was carried a prisoner by the rebels to Libby Prison, and thence was taken to Annapolis, where he died in the hospital. Our subject bore an honorable part among the brave defenders who saved our Union from destruction, as is denoted by his title, which was conferred upon him for gallant and meritorious conduct on the field of battle. He took an active part in the battles of Shiloh and Stone River, and in the latter engagement was badly wounded in the left arm and the left leg, and was unable to get off the field. He was finally taken to the hospital and was exchanged. He joined his regiment again at Chattanooga, and as he had not fully recovered from the. effects of his wounds, the officers, who knew him well and had watched his career as a soldier with satisfaction. favored him by putting him on detail duty. While at San Antonio, Tex., his good conduct earned him the well-deserved promotion to the rank of Corporal, in which capacity he served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged at Gonzales, Tex. After the war Mr. Hartz spent one year in his old home in Wood County, Ohio, and then came to Nebraska. Thus he has witnessed its growth from a sparsely inhabited Territory, struggling for existence, to a powerful and wealthy State, and he may well take pride in the fact that he has assisted the enterprising men who have been instrumental in bringing about this wonderful change. Immediately after coming here our subject pre-empted land in Saltillo Precinct, not having sufficient money to take it up under the Homestead Act. His farm now comprises 160 acres under excellent tillage, eighty of which he bought from the railway company at $10 an acre. It is well watered, and is finely adapted to raising

grain or any other product that is common to the climate and soil. He has a young orchard of 100 choice fruit trees, and a fine strawberry bed. His dwelling and farm buildings are commodious and well arranged, comparing favorably with any others in the precinct.
   In 1880 Mr. Hartz was united in marriage to Miss Laura Vesperman, thus securing for himself a pleasant companion, who is devoted to his interests, and to whom he is devoted in return. Two children, Louis Franklin and Ervin Everitt, complete the household in their comfortable, attractive home.
   Mrs. Hartz is a true Christian and a valued member of the German Presbyterian Church, at Hickman. She was born near Platteville, Wis., and was educated in the public schools, besides receiving in her home the careful training that makes her an admirable housewife. Mr. Hartz is to-day as true a citizen and is as warmly interested in his country's welfare as when he risked his life in her defeuse and he is as stanch a Republican as when he fought to sustain the principles of that party.

EV. DAVID G. COUSER. The spring of 1886 first found our subject upon the soil of Nebraska, he coming directly to this county from Marshall County, Kan., and settling on his present farm on section 26 of Yankee Hill Precinct. He owns eighty acres of good land, which is in a highly productive condition, and is pursuing the even tenor of his way as an honest man and a good citizen, attending mainly to his own concerns, but doing a good turn to his neighbors as he has opportunity. A community of such men as he is what gives stability to society and keeps in existence those elements which maintain the world in its march of progress and enlightenment.
   The early tramping ground of our subject was in Adams County, Ohio, where he first opened his eyes to the light Feb. 22, 1853. Thomas Couser, his father, was born in Armagh County, Ireland, in 1811, and emigrated to the United States a single man, when about twenty-five years old. He settled in Ohio and married one of the most estimable young ladies of Adams County. Miss Rachel O. Burns, who was born there and was of American parentage. The father engaged in farming, and they continued to live in the Buckeye State, becoming the parents of eleven children, ten of whom are living: William and Sarah (the wife of Thomas McLellan) continue residents of Adams County; James B. is farming in Story County, Iowa; Mary E. is the wife of Ira Thomas, of Adams County, that State; Samuel W. served as a soldier in the Union army during the late war, and dying in Tennessee, now fills a soldier's grave near the battle-field of Stone River; John T. resides in Shelby County, Iowa; David G., our subject, is the next in order of birth; Susan E., the wife of Quinter Calvert, and Margaret R., the widow Burns, continue residents of Adams County, together with Nancy, Mrs. Frank Barrackman, and Joseph A. The parents are also still living in Adams County, Ohio, occupying the old homestead which the father purchased years ago. The latter also served three years in the late war, together with two brothers of our subject.
   Mr. Couser spent his boyhood and youth on the farm of his father in the Buckeye State, where he attended the common schools and occupied himself at farming a number of years after reaching his majority. He had always been of a serious and thoughtful turn of mind, and in 1881 entered the Dunkard Theological School, at Mt. Morris, Ill., with the view of preparing himself for the ministry. Being fond of farming pursuits, however, he has not confined his attention entirely to his study, although laboring in the Master's vineyard when his services seem to be in demand. He was married, on the 30th of September, 1880, to Miss Josephine Yarger, who was born in Stephenson County, Ill., Feb. 29, 1852. Her parents, William and Mary Yarger, were natives of Pennsylvania, the father a farmer by occupation. He passed from earth April 2, 1880. The mother is still living, and a resident of Marshall County, Kan. Their family consisted of eleven children, ten living, namely: Mary, Sarah, Phebe, John, Calvin, William, David, Josephine, George and Angie. The family is of German descent, and identified with the Dunkard Church.
   To our subject and his estimable wife there have

been born two children: Bessie P., Oct. 6, 1881, and Mary J., April 17, 1887. In the spring of 1886 Mr. Couser came from Kansas to this county, settling on his present farm. He has always taken a warm interest in the temperance movement, and votes with the Prohibition party.

RANK DAUWALTER. Few young men of age parallel with our subject have achieved more under the same opportunities than he, and his farm, which is situated on section 7, Denton Precinct, would be exceedingly creditable in every regard to men of riper years and larger experience. He was born in Freedom, LaSalle Co., Ill., March 22, 1862, into the family of Christian and Christiana Dauwalter, who were natives of Germany. It was at an early day in the development of LaSalle County that the parents of our subject came to this country and settled there. His father was successful as a pioneer for several years, but was removed from his family by death when our subject was three years of age. This is one of the many families that will always bear a scar left by the bullets of the late war. The father of our subject took his place in the ranks when the call was made for men, and after an honorable service laid down his life in defense of the Union.
   Until a few years ago the mother of our subject struggled on for herself and family in an endeavor to retain and improve the home farm. She was removed by death April 18, 1880. Her family consisted of five children, four of whom are living: Conrad, a farmer in Lancaster County; Lizzie, the wife of A. Jacobson, of LaSalle County, Ill.; Louisa, now Mrs. S. Rapp, of Denton Precinct, and Frank, our subject. Until the death of his mother our subject remained with her upon the home farm, and was, therefore, reared to manhood in his native State. His education was very limited so far as the schools were concerned, and was confined to the more elementary branches as presented in the district schools of his native county.
   The most healthful and inspiriting government under which it is possible to live is that with which we are blessed in America, because it holds out to every citizen a possibility of doing and being something worthy of free manhood. He is inspired to be in honorable citizen, to make and own a home, and perpetuate the government, and the public under which such condition is a possibility. Every true citizen, therefore, sooner or later, has serious thoughts to this end, and whenever, in order to the same two hearts are united in one and a new household formed, it is an event of more than mere private importance, The union may mean that vast national issues will meet their solution from some child born of the same. Our subject was not different to others in this regard, and has blessed his own life and others by taking as his wife a lady worthy in every way and most capable. He was married, on the 18th of August, 1883, to Anne Rieth, an Illinoisan. Two children have been born to them, who survive, Dolly and Cora, besides Wesley, who is deceased.
   Our subject left Illinois March 5, 1884, and took up his present farm in the fall of the same year and settled upon it. From that time he has continued his residence without intermission. His farm comprises a quarter-section of excellent land, and this his industry, experience and continued endeavor, have made one of the best and most profitable farms in the vicinity.
   Mr. Dauwalter is now serving as Road Overseer with much satisfaction. Politically, he is a warm adherent of the Republican party, and patriotically interested in the current questions of governmental and civic import. His opportunities in life, whether educationally or otherwise, have been exceedingly limited, and all the more honor is due him because he has achieved so great success in the various departments of life which demand in the community the most respectful regard.

ESLIE G. IVERS. The homestead of the subject of this sketch, which is pleasantly located on section 32 in Mill Precinct, comprises 320 acres of good land and a fine set of frame buildings, where he has carried on farming successfully since the spring of 1877. He possesses all the elements of a thorough agriculturist and a

good citizen, a man who is wide awake, energetic and industrious. and who has surrounded himself and his family with all the comforts of life. Adjacent to the dwelling is a fine orchard of apple trees, while a choice assortment of smaller fruits and shade trees of choice varieties, add to the attractiveness of the promises. In passing through a section of country it is easy to determine who is the intelligent and cultured citizen, and of this class the indications are that Mr. Ivers is one of the leading men in his community.
   Our subject is a native of Jasper County, Ind., his birth taking place at the modest homestead of his parents, July 25, 1855. He is thus comparatively a young man, in the midst of his strength and usefulness. He became familiar with farming pursuits during his boyhood and acquired a practical common-school education. His parents left Indiana about 1860, and crossing the Mississippi located in Mills County, Iowa, on a large tract of land near the now flourishing town of Glenwood, and Leslie G. remained with them until nearly reaching his majority. He was a bright and ambitions youth and now, desirous of starting out for himself, left home, and coming to this State purchased 320 acres of wild prairie land, which he has since owned and occupied and transformed into one of the most valuable estates of this section. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, breeding and dealing largely in Hereford cattle, horses and mules. He was one of the first men to bring the Hereford cattle to this part of the country, and exhibits some of the finest animals to be found in Southeastern Nebraska. He keeps himself well posted upon the best methods of modern agriculture and takes genuine pride in producing the finest results, both as regards his cattle operations and the products of the soil.
   The amiable and estimable wife of our subject, to whom he was married Feb. 13, 1875, at her home in Mills County, Iowa, was formerly Miss Hattie, daughter of Thomas W. and Adeline (Burgger) Bomar. Her parents were natives of Kentucky and Missouri, and are residents of Mills County, Iowa, where the father is carrying on farming extensively and is a man of property. Mrs. Ivers was born in Mills County, Iowa, Nov. 29, 1856, acquired a fair education in the common schools, and was trained by an excellent mother in those housewifely duties a knowledge of which has such an important bearing upon the happiness of a home.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Ivers there have been born six interesting children, four sons and two daughters, namely: Charlie, Jessie, John, Chester, Bessie and an infant son, unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. I. are members and attendants of the Christian Church at Waverly, and our subject, although mostly engrossed with his farming interests and having little time to devote to politics, is a stanch supporter of Republican principles.

HOMAS M. MORPHET, one of the self-made men of Lancaster County, owns & occupies 320 acres of its choicest land, where he is carrying on agriculture successfully, and has attained to an enviable position among his fellow-citizens. He commenced life dependent upon his own resources, and illustrates the result of industry and perseverance in a marked degree. He came to this section of country in the spring of 1873, purchasing first 120 acres on section 4, in Grant Precinct, where he settled, and began the improvements which reflect so much credit upon his resolute and determined labors. He added by degrees to his real estate, being uniformly successful in his business and farming operations, and has built up one of the finest homesteads in the eastern part of Lancaster County.
   The subject of this biography, a native of Yorkshire, England, is of pure English ancestry, his father, Richard Morphet, having been also a native of Yorkshire, and the mother a native of Westmoreland, England. The latter was, before her marriage, Miss Sarah Gibson. The parents, after their union, settled in Yorkshire, where occurred the birth of their nine children, and where they spent the remainder of their lives. Thomas M. first opened his eyes to the light Feb. 24, 1836, and continued upon his native soil until a young man twenty years of age, then, crossing the Atlantic, he made his way