"What is home without a mother?" We would rather amend it by saying. "What is home without the children?" Certainly they are all that would be required to complete many homes, and be the salvation of the domestic felicity, which, after struggling for an existence in the family, is about ready to take to itself wings and fly away. The children of Mr. Stevens are: Ella L., born Feb. 28, 1881; Addie, May 21, 1882; Emma L., July 8, 1884, and Charles T., April 10, 1886.
   From Iowa our subject came to Saline County, in the fall of 1884, and the following spring settled upon his present farm in Lancaster County, where he has continued to reside. The 160 acres of land, which is cultivated to the highest condition of perfection in agriculture, owes its conversion from the state of nature to the intelligent, persistent labor and effort of our subject. The house and other buildings are also largely the work of his own hands, and likewise the improvements along the line of forestry and horticulture. Everywhere is visible the handiwork of the restless energy and excellent management of a master.
   Politically, the loyalty and patriotic sentiment of our subject lead him to the associations of the Republican party, and by his compatriots he is esteemed a sterling and true supporter and friend, and although not an office-holder, is as anxious for the success of his ticket as though he held all of them. Mr. Stevens is also one who always has time to consider any inclination to support whatever enterprise or legitimate undertaking is advanced for the benefit of the surroundings, whether of the immediate vicinity, the county, or the State.

EMAN A. BABCOCK, State Auditor of Public Accounts, residing at No. 1304 J street, Lincoln, has long been prominently identified with the public interests of Nebraska, whose growth and development he has greatly aided, and he may justly be considered one of her most able and trustworthy citizens. He is a native of Persia, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., where he was born May 19, 1842, to George C. and Almira R. (Brown) Babcock, who were natives of Madison County, the same State. His father was born June 10, 1810, and his mother in 1812. His father's principal business has been that of a farmer. He is a man of varied talents and much capacity. He early displayed a love for books, and became a self-educated man, and for many years utilized his knowledge in teaching school. He also occupied the pulpit for many years as a minister in the Seventh Day Baptist Church, and ranked among the ablest preachers of that denomination. In his day he also bore a prominent part in the political affairs of his community, and his judgment and opinion were often sought on weighty matters. In 1845 he removed from the Empire State to Wisconsin, where, in Rock County, he was extensively engaged in farming for several years. He is still living, though in feeble health, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. He is surrounded by the loving care of numerous friends, and is calmly and quietly awaiting the summons that shall call him to a higher life. His wife, a most estimable woman, beloved by all who knew her, was born in 1812, and passed away in 1870, at the age of fifty-eight years.
   Four children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. George C. Babcock, namely: Oscar, Delia, Ellen and Heman A. Oscar is a well-known and honored citizen of Valley County, Neb., whose people he ably represented in the State Legislature one term. He served as County Judge of Valley County for two years, and also as County Superintendent of Schools for a like period. He also took an active part in public affairs while a resident of Waushara County, Wis., serving as a Representative in the State Legislature in 1864 and in 1866. He is considered one of the leading ministers in the Seventh-Day Baptist Church. and has occupied the pulpit for many years. He has been twice married, but both of his wives are now dead. The maiden name of his first wife was Metta A. Bristol; she died in October, 1872. His second wife was before marriage Miss Hattie A. Payne. Delia is the wife of Henry C. Chase, a farmer of North Loup, Valley Co., Neb.; Ellen died in infancy.
   Heman A. Babcock was the youngest child of his father's family, and until he attained his majority assisted in the labors of the farm, and attended the public schools, where he obtained a liberal educa-

tion. He was reared in Wisconsin, having been but three years of age when his parents moved to that State. In 1860 he learned the art of photography, and was engaged at that very successfully until March, 1864. At that date he threw aside all personal aims in order to place himself among the brave defenders of our country, entering the service as a private in Company G, 37th Wisconsin Infantry. He was noted by his superiors to be an efficient and, courageous soldier, and was rapidly promoted from the ranks, becoming Sergeant Major within a few months after his enlistment, and at the close of the war he had been commissioned First Lieutenant. He was in the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. Grant, took an active part in the fight before Petersburg, and was present when it was surrendered. After Lee surrendered he participated in the grand review at Washington, and remained in camp at Georgetown, near Washington, until July 27, when he was mustered out. The regiment was ordered to Madison, Wis., where final discharge took place Aug. 18, 1865.
   Shortly after our subject was honorably discharged from the army he went to Linn County, Mo., and the following six years were passed on a farm, actively engaged in agriculture. In the spring of 1872 he came to Nebraska and took up a tract of 160 acres of land in Valley County, under the provisions of the Homestead Act. This he still owns, and has made it one of the finest farms in the county. His strength and stability of character, and rare business qualifications, soon brought him prominently before the public as a candidate for office, as the people saw in him a man whom they could safely trust with the affairs of the county. He took an active part in the organization of the county in March, 1873, and in the fall he was elected Sheriff of Valley County for a second term, holding that office for two years, and he made the first arrest that was ever made in the county. He filled the office of County Commissioner for three years, and in the fall of 1875 was elected County Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the District Court, which offices he held for eight years, or until Jan. 1, 1884. In the fall of that year he was elected to his present position as State Auditor, and entered upon the duties of his new office Jan. 1, 1885, for a term of two years. He was re-elected for the same position in the fall of 1886. In all these years as a civic officer, Mr. Babcock has displayed an unwavering devotion to his duties, which he has discharged with signal ability, and he has fully justified the confidence placed in him by his constituents, always showing himself to be a manly, upright and dignified man. In his political views he is a sound Republican. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., having been connected with that organization for some five years. He is also identified with the G. A. R., as a charter member of Appomattox Post No. 214, of Lincoln.
   Mr. Babcock was married, in 1862, to Miss Rettie O. Bristol, who was born in Kenosha County, Wis., in 1842. She is a daughter of the late Ira S. and Nancy H. (Warner) Bristol, natives of New York State. Her father died in February, 1886; he was a man of great worth, and was regarded as one of the shining lights of the Christian Church, being a respected minister of that denomination for many years. His beloved wife died July 4, 1885. Their marriage was blessed to them by the birth of seven children, namely: Catherine M., Marietta A., Cicero L., Lawrence I., Medora E., Rettie O. and Henry O. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock are the parents of two sons: Everett C., born June 27, 1863, now a bookkeeper in his father's office, and Royal O., born Nov. 3, 1874.
   The portrait of this excellent citizen and trusted official is cheerfully given a place in this volume among those of other leading and representative men.

ENRY C. SPELLMAN. The thrifty German element of Highland Precinct finds a most worthy representative in this young and enterprising farmer, who owns and operates 240 acres of fertile land on section 13. Of this 120 acres are in a high state of cultivation, and the farm is supplied with good buildings, fairly stocked with horses, cattle and swine, while our subject has the necessary machinery for carrying on agriculture after the most approved methods.
   Mr. Spellman became possessor of his property in 1878, at a time when a greater part of the

land had been unbroken by the plowshare. The condition in which we find it to-day indicates the perseverance and industry with which he has labored, for he now has one of the best appointed farms in this section of the county. His birthplace was Scioto County, Ohio, and the date thereof Sept. 1, 1857. His father, Henry C. Spellman, who was of pure German ancestry. was born in the then little Kingdom of Hanover, and came to the United States when a young man unmarried. He took up his residence in Scioto County, Ohio, and there formed the acquaintance of Miss Elnora R. Reller, whose birth took place in the German Empire near the early home of her husband, and who came at an early age to the United States, settling in Scioto County, Ohio.
   After marriage the parents of our subject located upon a farm in the above county, of which the elder Spellman in due time became owner, at the same time also owning and operating an iron furnace and a store of general merchandise. He was successful in his labors and business transactions, and continued a resident of the Buckeye State until about 1863, then, resolving to push on further westward. he crossed the Mississippi into Clayton County, Iowa, and there also carried on general merchandising for a period of five years. Upon selling out again he came to Nebraska, and purchased land from the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company, which later he sold to his son, our subject, and removing to Cortland, Gage County, is there spending his declining years retired from active labor, and with his estimable wife, in the enjoyment of a competence. Both have passed their threescore years, during which they have built up for themselves a good record as hard-working, honest people, who have striven to do their duty wherever in life they have been placed. Both are members in good standing of the United Brethren Church.
   Our subject is one of the younger members of a large family, four sons and six daughters, seven of whom are living and are residents mostly of Nebraska. He was a little lad nine years of age when his parents came to this State, and completed his education in the schools of Centerville. He was early in life taught those habits of industry and principles of honor which form the basis of every worthy character, and, like his father before him, is one of the most highly esteemed citizens in his community. He worked with his father until approaching his majority, and when ready to establish domestic ties of his own was united in marriage, at the home of the bride in Centerville, March 31, 1881, to Miss Lydia Bohl.
   The wife of our subject was born near Muscatine, Iowa, Jan. 21, 1862, and came with her father, Nicholas Bohl, to Nebraska when a young child. Her parents are now living in this State. Her education was completed in the schools of Centerville Precinct, of which her father is a prominent resident and successful farmer. Of her union with our subject there have been born three children--George N., Nellie and Henry. Mrs. Spellman attends the German Methodist Church. and our subject, politically, is a solid Republican.

NSON S. WILLIAMS. a resident of section 21, Yankee Hill Precinct, is a native of Hampshire County, Mass., and was born Feb. 7, 1840. When Yankee Hill was yet but little known, and its broad acres were yet untilled, when the settlers were so few that their numbers could be counted upon the fingers, our subject first made his home here, and is therefore one of the pioneers of the district.
   Mr. Williams' family are descendants from the Puritanic and liberty-loving New Englanders, who have transmitted tendencies and influences which, though often misdirected and confined by mistaken religious zeal and bigotry, contain within themselves the settled powers that under other circumstances go to produce the American character, which is at once known and respected throughout both hemispheres. He is the son of Mortis and Clarissa Williams, but it was his ever-to-be-mourned misfortune and irreparable loss that they were removed by the hand of death while he was but six years of age. Left alone, hardly realizing the meaning of the thickness of the dark cloud which now overshadowed his young life, beginning to learn the meaning of the word orphan, he began a new chap-

ter in his life's history, and went to reside with his uncle, Spencer Searl.
   This gentleman was a brother of Mrs. Williams, who, prompted by affection to his sister, and the desolate helplessness of her child, did his best to fill the void occasioned by her death, and for nine years gave him such opportunities and training as were within his power. At fifteen years of age he went to live with his sister, Mrs. Sarah Lyman, in Massachusetts, and continued with her until he was about eighteen. At that time he was engaged as clerk in a store, and continued in that occupation for several years. By strict attention to business and its details, he gave general satisfaction, and received promotion. He next entered, for part of the years 1864 and 1865, the office of the Quartermaster, as clerk in the Army of the Potomac, and when the necessities of the case rendered further service here unnecessary, he engaged in mercantile pursuits in the city of Chicago, Ill., forming a partnership, and doing business under the firm name of Williams & Stoddard. Success again attended his efforts, which were, however, limited to a period of two years.
   In 1868 our subject journeyed West, and bought 160 acres of land, for which he paid $10 per acre, on section 21 of this precinct, which comprises the farm upon which he is still a resident. In the untamed land which formed the new object of his energies, he found sufficient demands for his best thought and persevering efforts. The difficulties which were to be overcome, the unceasing toil demanded, were simply those common to all who enter into a new country, where for the first time the lordship of the man is asserted, and his scepter demands submission. There were large calls upon his self-denial and endurance in these earlier years of the combat with untamed Nature, and when these were overcome new difficulties presented themselves, of which, perhaps. the most noteworthy would be the plague of grasshoppers and drouth.
   Our subject has certainly achieved success in both business and agricultural life, more especially when we remember the surroundings and happenings of his early life. He was married, Nov. 27, 1873, to a lady of rare culture, possessing the rare and amiable qualities which are the charms of true womanhood. This lady, Mary C. Brown, is a daughter of Samuel and Mary J. Brown, all natives of Ohio. The fruit of their union was George L., born Sept. 12, 1875; Homer D., born June 10, 1877; Watson horn July 6, 1885; an infant, Frank A., born May 23, 1888; Ella, born Sept. 22, 1880, died March 14, 1887; Ralph A., born March 21, 1882, died Feb. 13, 1887; and Myron, born Oct. 25, 1883, died Aug 22, 1887.
   Mr. Williams holds a very high place in the esteem of the best citizens, and for nine years has served faithfully and with much satisfaction to the community, teachers and others concerned, as School Director. He is a member in good standing of the order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which, locally, he holds a first place. His life evidences that he has endeavored to order his life according to the designs marked out by the Grand Master of the craft upon his trestle board. His political aspirations and sympathies are upon the line of Republicanism, which party acknowledges him a friend and supporter.
   Mr. Williams has watched the development of the county and this section of the State with keen interest, and nothing which looks toward its improvement and advancement is neglected by him; every project and enterprise commended by wisdom as practicable receive at all times his heartiest co-operation and support.

OBERT McDEVITT. Among the farmers of North Bluff worthy of the name representative, both as a citizen and business man, is the subject of the present writing, a native of Ireland, of Irish parentage. His property is situated on section 26, and is in every regard well cultivated, and supplied with the various implements and machines for its careful and intelligent cultivation; of this the reader will be better assured by a careful consideration of the view of the residence and its environments which has been so faithfully portrayed by the artist.
   The father of our subject, James McDevitt, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, about 1818, and all his life followed the occupation of farming.

His life partner and companion was Mary Arnold, to whom he was married in the year 1839. She was the daughter of Robert and Sarah (McCowin) Arnold. They were natives of Ireland, and of the same county. The family circle includes four children, of whom our subject is the only one living. The names of his brothers and sisters were Hugh, Mary Ann and Susan, whose remains lie in the cemetery of their native town, as do also those of their father. Mrs. McDevitt contracted a second alliance in 1852, and became the wife of John McClusky, of Glasgow, by whom there was one child born. Her second husband died in the year 1855, and his widow resides with our subject in Lancaster County, having come to this country in 1854.
   The subject of this sketch was born Nov. 12, 1842, in County Donegal, in the northern part of the Emerald Isle, one of the counties included in the Province of Ulster. In 1854, in company with his mother and step-father, he came to the United States and made his home in Connecticut, where he resided until the year 1858. In that year they removed to Cass County, in this State, and entered land for farm work. After about eight years spent in this way our subject came to North Bluff of this county, and bought a farm of 440 acres on Salt Creek, and has continued ever since to make it his home. The first experience in Cass County for our subject was not at all enviable. He contracted malarial trouble almost immediately upon arrival, and suffered every day for almost seven months the effects of this difficulty, which shook not only the body, but also undermined the constitution. At the early period of settlement the white man was by no means so secure as now from Indian interference and outrage, and many recitals might be given for instance in this line.
   Mr. McDevitt was most happily married to Miss Kate Daily, at Lincoln, in 1868. This lady is endowed with much womanly grace, and in every way competent to make the life and home of her husband complete. She is the daughter of James and Ann (Scott) Daily. Her mother was a native of Mayo, born in the year 1823; her father was born in County Kerry in 1813, where he made his home until he came to Canada, in 1830. Eighteen years after this he was married, and the result of the union was a family of seven children, six of whom are living. Their names are recorded as follows: John, now of Denver, Col.; Michael, living at Leadville, in the same State; Kate, the wife of our subject; James, who is living at Cheyenne; Sarah, now Mrs. James McLaughlin, a prosperous farmer in Wyoming, and Ellen, married and living in Boston, Mass.
   The wife of our subject was born Dec. 20, 1852, at Tippecanoe, Ind., and was married upon her birthday in the year 1868. So far from being wealthy at this time, our subject was compelled to borrow $10 from a friend to cover the matrimonial expenses. The service which made them lawful man and wife was performed in Lincoln, by the clergy of the Catholic Church. After this our subject handled lumber from Plattsmouth and Omaha to Nebraska City. The lumber to build his house cost him $80 per 1,000 feet, exclusive of hauling.
   In 1870 Mr. McDevitt bought 120 acres from his mother. The first crops upon this land they cut with a cradle and threshed it on a rail floor, and screened it with the wind. It was then hauled to Nebraska City and sold for thirty-five cents a bushel, and the trip with oxen took five days to make. For several years they raised only what grain they required for their own use, but when wheat came up to $1.50 a bushel they were enabled to raise a large crop and dispose of it profitably. He then bought eighty acres of laud from the State, and subsequently another eighty, both at the rate of $8 per acre.
   As remarked, the special attention of our subject is given to stock-raising. He is the owner of a nice herd of high-grade stock, besides other less valuable cattle. Hogs, also, he raises in large numbers, but next to his cattle is most particular in regard to horses. Of these he has some splendid specimens, and a good foundation is already established therein. For fifteen years our subject has been School Director of his district, and Supervisor for nearly eleven. Both he and his family are devoted members of the Catholic Church at Lincoln, where they are most highly esteemed. In politics he was for many years a Republican, but latterly, for reasons satisfactory to himself, has crossed to the plat-

form of the Democratic party, and as he is a man of shrewd intelligence and unquestionable integrity, he retains the respect of his old friends, at the same time enjoys that of the new. A certain political leader upon being twitted by an opponent on account of his change of opinion and policy, remarked in substance, that the only possible reason his friend was so stanch in his adherence could be that his opinion was borrowed and his mind a nonentity. The only man who can change is he who has something to change; this is, therefore, a sign of advancement and progress, rather than retrogression.

REDERICK HERPOLSHEIMER. Almost every man has his hobby, and hobbies are almost a necessity in the nature of things. Like almost everything else, there are hobbies and hobbies; some harmful and injurious, others innocent and beneficial. Seldom is Prussia thought of without a passing reference from memory's inexhaustible collection concerning Prussia's great Emperor, Frederick, and his hobby, as expressed in his world-renowned guards of colossal stature. We are not so likely, however, to remember what is equally true, that many of the citizens of this Republic, who stand head and shoulders above their fellows in those qualities which go to make the noblest manhood and most loyal and patriotic citizen, are of that Empire or descendants of Prussian parents.
   Our subject, whose stock farm is situated on section 31, Denton Precinct, was born May 16, 1838, in the above-named country, and is the son of Christian and Anna Herpolsheimer. His mother died in St. Joseph County, Ind., in the year 1885. When our subject was eleven years of age his parents emigrated to this country, and Milwaukee, Wis., was the first place of residence, and in that city they continued for three years. At the end of that time a removal was effected to St. Joseph County, Ind., where the father of our subject settled upon a farm. His son Frederick received his education in the common schools of that county, and continued to make his home with his parents until he arrived at the age of full manhood. He has, however. always considered the mental discipline and schooling of youth as initiatory and introductory to the years of larger opportunity and experience, and accordingly his life has been marked with a desire for knowledge, and books have been his constant companions and instructors.
   In August of the year 1860, our subject enlisted in the 2d Regiment of the United States Infantry of the regular army. His army experience extends over a period of five years, and is full of thrilling incidents. He was an active participant in fourteen major engagements. Among these might be mentioned Malvern Hill, Gaines' Mills, Antietam, Bull Run (second), Yorktown, Shepherdstown Ford, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, battle of the Wilderness, Ann River and Cold Harbor, besides a large number of minor engagements and skirmishes. He was honorably discharged in the month of August, 1865, returned home for a short time, and then went to Iowa and took a farm on rental, in Pottawattamie County.
   New York City was the next scene of labor, and here our subject was engaged as superintendent in a manufacturing business. In the month of December, 1867, he engaged with his brother-in-law, George Zucker, with whom he remained for a period of twelve years, and after that returned to St. Joseph County, Ind., where he made his home for about eighteen months. From Indiana he came to this State, and located in Lincoln in the year 1880, and the following spring settled upon his present farm, which comprises an entire section, or 640 acres of arable land, which is kept in splendid condition, and in every portion and department indicates the superintendence of an intelligent, careful master-mind.
   Shortly after leaving the army, in the year 1865, the subject of this sketch bade farewell to the solitary pleasures of celibacy, and became the husband of Catherine Butz, a lady in every way congenial, and by education, culture and refinement capable of making the home bright with the sunlight of affection, and healthful with the pure atmosphere of ennobling moral principles, There were born to them ten children, eight of whom are still living and bear an honorable part in life. After a happy union of twenty years the guiding star of this mortal house-

hold and happy home bade husband and children a last adieu, and departed to take her place in the home which knows no sadness or parting, whither her two children, Mary and Henry, had preceded her. Those still living are Anne, Emma, Lizzie, Frederick, Katie, Louisa, Daniel and Minnie. The eldest daughter is the wife of Henry Haase, and Emma is married to Federick Haase, both residents of this precinct.
   Our subject is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which communion he was brought up, and has always remained faithful. Realizing the importance of the advancement of society, and the elevation of the community, he is earnestly in favor of every measure, organization or society which has these objects in view. As a loyal citizen and public-spirited man he is second to none in his district. Although living solitary and alone since the death of his wife, the happy influence of the years spent in her company is still with our subject and his family, and without doubt can be traced in the history of to-day, for she left behind a memory which still has its charm among many beyond the narrow circle of her household, and a wealth of affection more happy and enduring than any funeral cenotaph. In matters political Mr. Herpolsheimer is attached to the principles of the Democratic party, although in nowise slavishly held to its ticket unless he call do so with the full indorsement of his conscience, intelligence and moral conviction. When either of these opposes he exercises his right to place his suffrage where the nation or State will be most benefitted, and the happiness of the largest number assured.

DELBERT W. REDDISH. The splendid farm of the subject of this sketch is a standing monument to his industry and enterprise, and attests fully the leading points of his character. It is finely located on section 32, Yankee Hill Precinct, of which Mr. Reddish has been a resident since 1879, locating upon his land in the pioneer days. He first homesteaded eighty acres, and being prospered, in due time added eighty more, so that he now has a quarter section, which under his judicious management yields in abundance the richest crops of Southern Nebraska. In the growth and development of Lancaster County Mr. Reddish has been no unimportant factor, his very example itself proving a stimulus to the men about him.
   Our subject was cradled over forty-six years ago, in Wyoming County, N. Y., his birth occurring on the 7th of May, 1842. The son of Hiram J. and Eliza M. (Watkins) Reddish, he sprang from one of the best families in Wyoming County, who trace their ancestry back to the Highlands of Scotland. His paternal grandfather, John Reddish, carried a musket in the War of 1812, and spent his last years in Warsaw, N. Y.
   To Hiram and Eliza Reddish there were born ten children, nine of whom are still living: Mary is the wife of James Thomas, of Saunders County, this State; Allen C. is farming in Yankee Hill Precinct, this county; Ortiville H. continues in Wyoming County, N. Y.; Adelbert W. was the fourth child of the family; Edgar W. lives near the old homestead in Wyoming County; Charles M. is a commercial traveler; Frank O., Eugene A., and Florence, the wife of E. D. F. Miller, continue residents of their native county.
   The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent mostly upon a farm, and he received a fair education in the common school. In the fall of 1861, soon after the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company A, 9th New York Cavalry, and was present at twenty-six engagements with the enemy, being in the battle at Petersburg, the seven-days fight in the Wilderness, at Winchester, Cedar Creek, Fredericksburg, operating entirely in Virginia and Maryland. Although experiencing many hairbreadth escapes, and having a horse killed under him at Winchester, he fortunately came out unharmed from his army experience, receiving his honorable discharge, in July, 1865, and was mustered out as a Corporal, being promoted soon after his enlistment.
   Upon becoming a civilian Mr. Reddish returned to his native State, where he occupied himself at farming, making preparations to establish a home of his own. On the 27th of February, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Marian C. Ranney, who was born in Genesee County, and was the

daughter of Ozias and Abigal Ranney, who were natives of New York State, and spent their last years in New York. His union resulted in the birth of two children: Oscar D., who was born Aug. 17, 1875, and Clarence V., Aug. 9, 1879.
   Mr. Reddish, in March, 1879, turned his face toward the Mississippi, and coming to this county, took up his residence in the manner already described. He is intimately acquainted with the hardships and privations of life in a new country, and has witnessed with warm interest the growth and development of Southern Nebraska. He has contributed his quota to the march of progress by building up one of its most desirable homesteads, which not only reflects credit upon himself, but adds to the value of property around him. He votes the straight Republican ticket, and, with his estimable wife, is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To those enterprises which have been set on foot having for their object the general welfare of the people, he has been a cordial supporter, and given of his means as he was able to every good cause.

HEODORE HORN. The thrifty German element which has always been existent in the West since the opening up of the country to settlement, is working its impress upon this State as upon all others, and finds one of its most worthy representatives in the subject of this sketch. He came to Nebraska in 1880, and located upon his present farm in Yankee Hill Precinct, where he has operated with the perseverance and industry common to the men of his nationality, and has met with the results which legitimate labor invariably brings. A substantial roof now shelters his head, while around him are fertile fields, which yield a generous income and promise ease and comfort for his later days.
   Our subject first opened his eyes to the light in what was formerly the Kingdom, but is now the Prussian Province, of Hanover, on the 28th of April, 1835, and continued upon his native soil until he was thirteen years of age. Then, with his father's family, he started for America. They took passage on a sailing-vessel at the port of Bremen and landed in New York City after an ocean voyage of seven weeks and three days. At once proceeding directly westward to Illinois, they located in LaSalle County, where the father engaged as a tiller of the soil, and where both parents spent the remainder of their lives. The mother only lived eight years after coming to this country, her death taking place in 1858. The father survived his partner a period of twenty-six years, passing away in 1884, at an advanced age.
   The parents of our subject, Charles and Hattie (Behines) Horn, were of pure German ancestry. and their family included two children. Theodore continued with his parents in LaSalle County, Ill., and was there married, Sept. 8, 1856, to Miss Bibiana Klotz, a native of his own country, who came to America with her father. Mr. Horn followed his trade of carpenter until 1880, and in the spring of that year, deciding upon a change of location, crossed the Mississippi into this State and located on his present farm. He has eighty acres of good land, which property he has accumulated by his own persevering industry, having nothing at the time of starting out for himself. His household included in due time eight healthy and intelligent children, who were named respectively: Charles G., Amel, Hattie, Theodore, Jr., Oscar, Emma, George and Otto. Upon becoming a naturalized citizen, Mr. Horn identified himself with the Republican party, and is one of the oldest members of that following in the United States, having cast his vote for Fremont in 1856, at the time of its organization. Coming from a land which had no sympathy with human slavery, he was from first to last totally averse to the peculiar institution, and during its existence was never backward in expressing his opinion. His father before him was also a decided Abolitionist, and in religious matters a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church.
   When the war came on our subject practically illustrated his Abolition and Union sentiments by enlisting as a soldier in Company I, 24th Illinois Infantry, and participated in many of the important battles which followed, viz: Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge, besides innumerable skirmishes. He was captured in Ken-