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when his parents moved to Illinois. He was reared amid agricultural pursuits, and from his boyhood was used to farm life. He chose this for his life occupation, and continued to follow the same until his death, which occurred in 1846, when he was but twenty-nine years of age. The maiden name of his wife, the mother of our subject, was Elizabeth J. Elledge. She was born in Indiana, and is the daughter of Benjamin and Catharine Elledge, of Indiana. She was married a second time, to W. A. Wise, and now lives in Griggsville, Pike Co., Ill.
   The subject of our sketch was but an infant when his father died. After his mother's second marriage he went to reside with her. His stepfather was by trade a gunsmith, and almost naturally he was fond of handling the tools, and from the time he left school worked with his father and learned the trade. His education previously obtained was received in the public schools of Griggsville. In 1863, when but seventeen years of age, our subject enlisted, becoming a member of Company B, of the 68th Illinois Infantry, in which he served for one year, and then was discharged with the rest of his regiment, They were first stationed at Camp Butler for about five months, and then did garrison duty at Washington, D. C., for a few weeks. From there they were sent to Alexandria, Va., and from that place to Fairfax Seminary, where he did garrison duty for the remainder of his term of service. After that he went to St. Louis, and was engaged for two years in the United States Arsenal in that city.
   Upon leaving that employment Mr. Ingalls engaged in a broom factory and learned the trade, and continued to work in St. Louis for five years, when he returned to Griggsville and commenced to learn the baker's trade. He worked there for one year, and then went to Naples for a short time, and from there to Jacksonville, where he established himself in business, and continued until 1879. Then he went to Atchison, Kan., and worked for Poehler Bros., remaining for seven years. He then came to Nebraska City and embarked in his present business.
   The subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Adelaide Ireland, a native of Illinois. She was the daughter of James Ireland, of Massachusetts. She died in the year 1877, leaving three children, whose names are mentioned as follows: Luther Clyde, George L. and Harry. A second alliance was contracted in the year 1879, the name of the lady being Mrs. Anna (Cook) Hulett. This lady was born at Lambertville, N. J., and is the daughter of Phillip and Martha Deltz. Her first husband was Henry Hulett, of Illinois, by whom she became the mother of two children. To our subject there have been given five children, viz: Henry, Lee, Mamie, Parker and Jessie.
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Letter/label or doodleEORGE CONKLIN, an early pioneer of this county, is now numbered among her wealthiest farmers and most extensive land-owners. He has a large farm in Otoe Precinct, where he resides, and he has been more than ordinarily successful in his life work. He was born near Sidney Plains, Delaware Co., N. Y., on the 19th of December, 1831. His parents were Thomas and Clarissa (Smith) Conklin. Hls father died in Delaware County in 1834, ere he had passed the prime of life.
   The mother of our subject married a second time a few years later, and her son went to live with an uncle for a few years. He then returned to live with his mother, but the high-spirited lad found his nature and his stepfather's incompatible, and as they could not agree, he would not live under the same roof with him, and went to work for a farmer by the month, receiving $8 a month for a year. He worked hard and steadily, and saved all of his earnings that year, and after that was employed by the day or month a part of the time on a farm, and a part of the time in rafting lumber down the Susquehanna River, being thus employed until the year 1856. In that year, with four others, he came to the Territory of Nebraska, coming by the way of the river from St. Louis. there being no railroad then west of Iowa City. The journey consumed many days, as it took them five days to get to St. Louis, and from there to Nebraska City thirteen days, fare and board being $60. The country around here at that time presented a very wild appearance,

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a marked contrast to its well-settled, flourishing condition of to-day. Indians still lingered here, and deer, wild turkeys and other kinds of game were very plentiful. His companions staid but a week, and apparently not liking the prospect, returned to Pennsylvania. Our subject, with more pluck and enterprise, perhaps, decided to try his life here, and see what it held for him, as he was then young and unmarried, and had no strong ties to bind him elsewhere. When he first came here, he and his friends, having heard of Prairie City, started out to find it. Having walked about eight miles from Nebraska City, they stopped at an isolated log cabin to inquire the way to that they were in search of, and they were very much surprised on being told that they were already in Prairie City. Much disgusted, they passed on up the creek for a few miles, and staying all night at a log cabin, they returned to Nebraska City the next day. Mr. Conklin soon found employment on a farm, prudently saving his earnings, and in the fall of 1856 he took up a claim on the banks of the Nemaha, in Otoe County. He built a log house, in which he staid until his finances were reduced to $2.50, and he then returned to Nebraska City to find employment, whereby he might replnish his purse. All the following winter he was engaged in teaming logs to a sawmill, but owing to the failure of the men who employed him, he lost most of his wages, or rather, did not get them at all. In the summer he worked in another mill, and in the succeeding winter worked by the day and job until spring opened, when he rented a farm in Four Mile Precinct. He engaged in agricultural pursuits there until 1858, when he bought a tract of land in the same precinct. But he could not pay for it, and so traded it for a pair of horses. He continued to rent land for three years, and then bought eighty acres in Four Mile Precinct. He built a house and lived on his land a year, and then he purchased another eighty acres near by, and resided on that two or three years. At the end of that time he also disposed of that at a handsome profit, and soon purchased another 80-acre tract of land in that precinct, but almost immediately sold it. After that he rented a farm until 1870, when he bought the place where he now resides. His first purchase was of eighty acres of wild land, and he has since added to it, until he has 520 acres in one body. in Otoe Precinct. It comprises some of the best farming land in the vicinity, and the greater part of it is improved, although eighty acres of it is in fine timber. He has erected suitable buildings, has good machinery, and everthing (sic) about bears the mark of a skillful and practical farmer.
   Mr. Conklin was married, Jan. 27, 1859, to Miss Martha Shelenbarger, a native of Fayette County, Pa. Her father, Isaac Shelenbarger, who was a farmer, spent his last years in Fayette County, Pa. The maiden name of his wife was Susan Shelenbarger, of the same name though no relative, and she was a native of Fayette County, and is now a resident of Thomas County, Kan. She makes her home with her children, and is eighty years old. The pleasant married life of Mr. and Mrs. Conklin has been blessed to them by the birth of eight children, as follows: Emma, the wife of Charles Halt; John, Frank, Lizzie; Susie, wife of Mason Ricker; Hester, Jacob and O. P.
   Mr. Conklin is eminently a self-made man, as from the time when he was a small lad he has had to make his own way in the world unassisted. He has been a hard and constant worker, doing well whatsoever his hand has found to do. Through it all he has preserved the integrity of his character unblemished, and is entitled to the respect of his fellow-citizens. In politics he is a stanch Republican.
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Letter/label or doodleREDERICK W. RODENBROCK. The tourist making his first trip to Germany may pass through the beaten paths of tourist travel, and, when he has finished all, if he will but turn his face toward the historic Province of Westphalia, although but about 8,000 square miles in its area, and therefore small as compared with the ground already covered by him, he will appreciate the fact that in many regards he has left the best until the last. It must suffice here merely to remark that its climate is most excellent, agreeable and heathful (sic); its center and more northern part is

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comparatively level, and possesses some stretches of heather that would make the heart of the Scotchman beat wildly with delight. Coming down to the Southwestern portion of the Province, the face of the country changes and becomes undulating, but shortly the traveler finds himself surrounded by most beautiful and fertile hills, and not a few grand and towering mountains. Nestled in one of the prettiest and most fertile valleys is the village of Halle, and from its streets, as we look up on either hand, the eye ranges over the hillsides and to the distant mountain tops, and we realize somewhat of the beauty and sublimity of that scene, and are convinced that for scenery it is very difficult to surpass it. The village is about ten miles from Bielefeld, a picturesque, walled Prussian town, and the center of commerce, trade and society of this district.
   In this beautiful village of Halle above referred to, and amid the beauties with which nature has endowed that place, there was born upon the 15th of October, 1840, in the home of one of its most honorable and respected citizens, a son, who received the name that stands at the commencement of this sketch. The parents of our subject were Frederick W. and Katrina Rodenbrock, and the father followed the occupation of farming upon property that had been owned by the family for many generations. As their forefathers had done before them for the most part, he and his wife were born, brought up. and ran the entire course of life in their native valley. Our subject and his brother, John Frederick, were the only members of the family who came to the United States.
   As soon as our subject was old enough to attend school opportunity was afforded him to do so, and he continued thus engaged until he had reached his fourteenth year. During that time he began to develop those qualities and powers that have, under the congenial influences and amid the favorable surroundings of American life and commerce, made him the success he is. After leaving school our subject was his father's assistant upon the farm, and then, as was customary, he entered the army, and served for three years. During this time the Sleswick-Holstein War took place, during which time he did garrison duty on the Island of Reegan to guard it from the naval forces. At the termination of the required period of military service he received an honorable discharge, and returned home to find that during his absence his father had been removed by death.
   Realizing how much more than ever he was required at home, and recognizing that upon him to a large extent his mother would lean, now that her husband's arm could no longer support her, our subject nobly set to work to do everything in his power to make her life bright and restful, and has the pleasurable consciousness of knowing how large his efforts have been. He remained with her until 1865, and then, satisfactory arrangements having been made for her comfort, and with the hope of a larger success in the New World than the old could extend, in the fall of that year set sail from Bremen, and after a comparatively lengthy ocean trip landed at New York, and went on thence to St. Louis.
   Life amid the strange and in many regards novel surroundings in this to him new city, was begun by our subject engaging with J. H. Rottman in the wholesale business. After a few months he came to Nebraska City, and accepted a position as clerk in the grocery store of F. W. Rottmann, and there continued for about five years, during which period his energy, integrity, business push and tact, so favorably impressed his employers that at its close he was accepted as a partner in the firm, which arrangement continued for over three years. Then the stock was divided, and Mr. Rodenbrock removed his portion to the store where he is at present located; viz., upon the northwest corner of Central avenue and Twelfth street. From that time until the present success has continued to attend him, and today it were, perhaps, not beyond the bounds of truth to say that he is one of, if not the most, solid and successful business men in the city.
   There are few better able to appreciate the felicitous pleasures and quiet healthfulness of home, and it was the good fortune of our subject in selecting a partner in life to make such decision as assured him in the companionship of his wife all that could be desired for that sacred relationship. On the 4th of September, 1873, Mr. Rodenbrock and Miss Lena Kregel were united in holy matrimony. This estimable lady was born in Clayton County,

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and is the daughter of Henry and Mary Kregel, both natives of Germany. There have been born to our subject six children, whose bright vivacity and merriment have made his home more inviting and happy than any other place to him, and, as they are developing traits of character and mental powers that promise much, there is doubtless a bright and happy future yet in store for both them and their parents. The names they have received are Amanda, Minnie, Henry, also Laura and Lewis, twins, and a baby unnamed.
   Before closing this compendium mention might be made for the encouragement of those readers who may be beginning life, of some indicators of the success that has crowned the efforts of our subject. In addition to his business house Mr. Rodenbrook has erected a large two-story building on the southeast corner of Central avenue and Twelfth street, upon a site of 50x60 feet; also another, if anything more handsome in its exterior and complete in its internal arrangements; this likewise is a two-story building, upon the Southwest corner of Central and Eleventh Streets, and having an elegant front on Central avenue of 100 feet.
   The early religious connection of our subject was with the Lutheran Church of his native country, and to this he has continued his adherence, and, with his wife and family, is numbered among its most firm adherents and hearty supporters. In questions civic and governmental he is usually found voting with the Republican party, which recognizes in him an oft-tried and stanch friend. As a citizen, he is ever ready to aid and support In every way possible every enterprise, project or plan that will assure the people of the city, precinct or county any improvement, privilege or progress.
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Letter/label or doodleRED DUERSCHNER, the pastor of the St Paul's Lutheran Church, of Rock Creek, is a gentleman of fine capabilities, good education, and more than ordinarily intelligent. He assumed charge of this parish in July, 1882, and in the discharge of his duties has acquitted himself in that creditable manner which has secured for him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has associated. The parish at this time comprises thirty families, an increase from eighteen since the time the present pastor became connected with it. He also conducts the school in connection with the church, having an average attendance of about forty students.
   Mr. Duerschner was born at Galena, Ill., Dec. 27, 1861, and completed his education in the seminary at Mendota. The main secret of his success has been his deep interest in his work, laboring conscientiously and faithfully for the best good of his people. His father, Rev. C. Duerschner, was a native of the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, whence he emigrated to the United States when a young man, and completed his studies in the Universify of Iowa, soon afterward entering the ministry and devoting the remainder of his life to the service of the church. He, however, only lived to be middle aged, his death occurring about 1878, in Illinois, at the age of forty-five years.
   The mother of our subject was in her girlhood Miss Catherine Hammerand, also a native of Bavaria, and who came to America in her girlhood, settling with her parents in Iowa. She is still living, making her home in Pyrmont, Mo., with her son John, and has about attained her three-score years.
   Our subject is one of the younger members of a family of five sons and one daughter born to his parents. His brother John, also a minister of the Lutheran Church, stationed at Pyrmont, and himself, are the only ones living. Frederick H., like his brothers, pursued his studies in the common schools of Galena, Ill., where he prepared himself for his college course. Upon reaching manhood he was married, at Wilton, Iowa, Oct. 13. 1886, to Miss Sophia List, who was horn in Madison, Wis., Sept. 14, 1864. Mrs. Duerschner is the daughter of John and Wilhelmina (Hahnen) List, who are now residents of Wilton, Iowa, and the father a minister of the Lutheran Church. They were natives of the German Empire, the father of Bavaria and the mother of Wurtenberg, and came to the United States in early youth, and were married in Des Moines County, lowa. Mr. List is a minister also warmly devoted to his work, and is the means of doing much good in his community.
   Mrs. Duerschner was carefully trained and edu-

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cated, and is amply fitted to be the companion and helpmate of her husband. She is a favorite in church and social circles, and the little household has been brightened by the birth of one child, a daughter Tilly. Their home is very pleasantly situated, and is an attractive resort for the many friend$ they have gathered about them.
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Letter/label or doodleEORGE W. DOANE. The farming and stock-raising interests of Otoe County have a lively representative in the subject of this sketch. who owns 280 acres of fine land on the southeast corner of section 4, South Branch Precinct. He evidently has made the most of his experiences as an agriculturist, and in reward for his thrift and industry is surrounded by all the comforts of life with many of its luxuries, and with an ample competence for his old age.
   Our subject is a native of Penobscot County, Me., and the son of Joshua and Rachel (Hayden) Doane, who were also born in the Pine Tree State. The father was a farmer by occupation, but in the fall of 1849 left his own rugged hills for the more productive lands of Dane County, Wis. Near the land upon which he located in the pioneer days the town of Stoughton finally grew up, and he lived to see the country around him developed from its first wild, uncultivated condition to that of a prosperous community of civilized people. He is still living near Stoughton, having now arrived at the advanced age of eighty years, and for a long period has been a devoted member of the Baptist Church. The mother died at the old homestead in the spring of 1886, at the age of seventy-four.
   The parental household included ten children, namely: Hiram, Nelson, George W. (our subject), Rozella; Hannah and Charles (deceased); Jeremiah, Ellen, Luke and Louisa (deceased). Hiram, Nelson and Charles during the late war served as Union soldiers, and frequently met the enemy in the smoke of battle. Hiram was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and Nelson was wounded in the neck at Pittsburg. Both recovered, however, and are now in Wisconsin. The other surviving members of the family are also residents of Wisconsin.
   The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 4, 1837, and was a lad twelve years of age when his parents removed to Wisconsin. He attended the common schools, and spent his boyhood and youth after the manner of most farmers' sons, becoming familiar with the various employments of rural life. Upon reaching his majority he began farming for himself not far from the old homestead, and was thus occupied until 1865, Then, crossing the Mississippi he came to this State, making the journey overland with teams, and homesteading 160 acres of land, settled upon it and began the improvements which now reflect in such an admirable manner upon his industry and enterprise. He has brought the entire tract to a productive condition, planted a grove of cottonwood trees, and has an orchard three acres in extent, besides the smaller fruits. The land is watered by a living stream, and stocked with good grades of cattle, horses, etc. He purchased the additional 120 acres in the spring of 1883. He is fond of fine horses, and has an interest in the valuable full-blood Norman "Romulus" imported.
   The lady who has presided over the domestic affairs of our subject with wise and prudent forethought for the last twenty-nine years, was in her girlhood Miss Frances Wheeler, and became his wife in Dane County, Wis., Feb. 27, 1859. Mrs. Doane is the daughter of Henry and Sarah (Kelley) Wheeler, natives of New Hampshire, and the father is a shoemaker by trade. They left New England for Wisconsin about 1853, settling in Stoughton, where the father died in 1864. The mother is still living, and makes her home with her daughter in South Branch, Otoe Co., Neb. Mrs. Doane is their only living child, and was born in Sutton, N. H., Feb. 8, 1840. She is now the mother of five children: Arthur N., Halsey A., Henry E., Elva and Charles. Arthur married Miss Jane Reed, resides in Knox County, and is the father of one child, a son, Alfred. Halsey married Miss Sylvia Jones, is also farming in Knox County, and is the father of one child, a daughter, Hope. The other children remain at home with their parents.
   Mr. Doane cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and is an ardent supporter of Republican principles. Both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Presby-

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