progress of the Civil War, enlisted in the 11th New Hampshire Infantry, being mustered in at Concord, and served until the close, participating in many important battles. These included Fredericksburg, the siege of Vicksburg, and most of the engagements of the Army of the Potomac. He received his honorable discharge at Washington, D. C. He is now a resident of Panama, Lancaster Co., Neb., where he has been Postmaster for some years, and is now arrived at the age of sixty. The mother died when comparatively a young woman, in 1862, aged forty-one years. Their family consisted of three children, all sons: Frank P., our subject; Frederick, a real-estate dealer at Norton, Kan., and Sidney, who lives with his parents.
   The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield, N. H., July 11, 1853. His first recollections are of the mountains around his boyhood home, where he remained until a lad of thirteen years, the family then moving to Iowa. There he passed several years, following after the manner of the sons of pioneer farmers. assisting his father and attending the district school. Later he became a student of the Western College, of Iowa, taking the scientific course and remaining two years. He was eighteen years old when the family came to Lancaster County, this State, and continued under the parental roof until twenty. Subsequently he taught school for a period of five years. He was married in Panama, Neb., Oct. 12, 1879, to Miss Dora Brewer, who was born in Missouri, July 3, 1862. The parents of Mrs. Hazelton were Jacob and Susan (Smith) Brewer, the father a native of West Virginia, and the mother of Ohio. Jacob Brewer migrated to the Buckeye State early in life, where he was married, and for a time carried on farming. During the first years of the Rebellion he commenced freighting across the plains. In 1865 he settled in the vicinity of Hendricks, this county, where he engaged in farming, then sold out and removed to Seward County, where he now lives in retirement upon a competence. Mrs. H. was the youngest of the ten children born to her parents. Of her brothers and sisters six are living, and residents of Nebraska.
   Otis Hazelton, the elder child of our subject and his wife, was born Nov. 9, 1880, and Clyde, the younger, Oct. 13, 1885. These interesting children complete the household circle. Mr. H. votes the straight Republican ticket, and has been Assessor of Hendricks Precinct three years, serving also as School Director in his district. Socially, he belongs to the I. O. O. F., being a member of Nemaha Lodge No. 32, at Bennet, in which he has passed all the Chairs.

URGEN F. KRAMER. The farm of this gentleman occupies a portion of section 20 in North Branch Precinct, and comprises 840 broad acres. It has for a period of eleven years been subjected to that careful course of cultivation which has made it one of the most valuable tracts of land in this section of Otoe County. It was but a stretch of wild prairie when it came into the possession of its present proprietor, who settled upon it March 1, 1877. That he has made good use of his time is apparent from the fine improvements, including substantial buildings, the fruit and shade trees, the well-kept fences, the machinery and the live stock, the whole of which comprises a picture delightful to the eye.
   In viewing the extent and value of this property the reader will not be surprised to learn that it belongs to a native of the German Empire, hundreds of whose sons have assisted so greatly in the development of the great State of Nebraska. Mr. Kramer was born in the Province of Holstein, Oct. 3, 1840, and is the son of Henry and Sophia Kramer, who were natives of the same Province as their son, and who spent their entire lives upon their native soil. Their family included thirteen children, two only of whom are living, who came together to the United States, and Jacob, the brother of our subject, is now living on a portion of the farm of the latter, and possesses much of the industry and enterprise which have distinguished our subject.
   Mr. Kramer received a good education in his native tongue, having been, in accordance with the laws and customs of his native country, placed in school at an early age, where he pursued his studies until a lad of fourteen years. The few years intervening between that time and manhood were em-

ployed at farming. At the age of twenty young Kramer determined to seek his fortune on the other side of the Atlantic, and bidding farewell to the friends and companions of his youth, sailed from Hamburg in the month of May, and after a comparatively brief voyage set foot upon American soil at Castle Garden, New York City.
   Our subject from the great metropolis proceeded westward to Chicago, Ill., near which city he worked for a time in a hay-pressing establishment. Thence he migrated across the Mississippi River into Scott County, Iowa, where he was employed as a farm laborer first, and afterward in a steam gristmill about eighteen months. After his departure from the Hawkeye State we next find him working on a farm in Cooper County, Mo., and from there he came to Nebraska City in the spring of 1868.
   The first employment of Mr. Kramer in this county was as a farm hand near Nebraska City, but he determined to become his own man as soon as possible. His first step in this direction was the purchase of a team, by which means he engaged in a general transportation business, and later secured part ownership in a threshing-machine. Next he rented a tract of land in Wyoming Precinct, upon which he operated as a tenant for a period of seven years. At the expiration of that time, having accumulated a snug sum of money, he purchased the 820 acres included in his present farm. The stimulus of ownership enabled him to make exceedingly good headway, and in the course of a few years he found himself on the highway to prosperity. In 1883 he added a quarter-section to his purchase, which is devoted largely to the growing of grain, while he has no small number of cattle, horses and swine, These he feeds, and has all the facilities for the most profitable prosecution of this industry. He has thus been the means of developing a large area of North Branch Precinct, and in this manner contributed to its growth and prosperity. He has been a man of strict integrity and fair dealing, and enjoys in a marked degree the confidence of his neighbors. The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary Rodway took place at the home of the bride in Nebraska City, and of this union there have been born nine children, namely: Lizzie, Charles, Isabelle, George, Eugene, Lulu, Maggie, Minnie and Mark.
   The eldest is sixteen years of age, and the youngest seven. They are all living at home. Mrs. Kramer is the daughter of Samuel and Mariah Rodway, natives of England, and was born May 1, 1853, in England. Her father is now deceased; the mother is a resident of this county. Mr. Kramer cast his first Presidential vote for Seymour, and although meddling very little with politics keeps himself well posted upon matters of general interest to the intelligent citizen.

OHN McGINLEY. In the career of this gentleman is illustrated that of the self-made man, who was thrown early in life upon his own resources, and has by a course of persevering industry attained a good position, socially and financially. He is now the owner of an extensive tract of land, consisting of 680 acres in Hendricks Precinct, and 172 in Delaware. His homestead is provided with handsome and substantial buildings and all the farm machinery necessary to the carrying on of agriculture after the most approved methods. Mr. McGinley as a citizen is liberal and public-spirited, and uniformly the encourager of those enterprises calculated to advance the welfare of the community, socially, morally and financially.
   The subject of our sketch was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1830, and is the son of Patrick and Rosa (Kennie) McGinley, who were natives of the same county as their son, They emigrated to America in 1866, and coming directly to the West, settled in Delaware Precinct, this county, where the father died the year following at the age of fifty-six years. The mother is still living, and a resident of Hendricks. The parental household included nine children, five of whom are living and residents of Nebraska. John was a young man twenty-two years of age when coming to the United States, having preceded the family a number of years. He sailed from Liverpool and landed in New Orleans, and thence proceeded to Cincinnati by steam boat.
   In 1878 our subject purchased 680 acres of land in Hendricks Precinct, this county, and has made all the improvements which have constituted his home

stead one of the most valuable in this part of Otoe County. The land is well watered with running streams, and pleasant groves scattered here and there form a grateful shade in summer and protect both man and beast from the blasts of winter. Ten acres are planted to orchards, and numerous other fine fruits add to the comfort and enjoyment of the family.
   Mr. McGinley was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1858, to Miss Mary, daughter of James and Ellen (McKinne) Sheridan, who were also natives of Ireland, born in County Donegal. The family started out for America in July, 1855, and the father died on the ocean. The family settled first in Cincinnati, where Mrs. McGinley was reared to womanhood, and remained with her mother until her marriage. The latter subsequently made her home with this daughter, and died at Dunbar, June 25, 1883, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. The parental family included nine children, of whom Mrs. McGinley was the fifth in order of birth. She was born in County Donegal, Ireland, May 12, 1835, and was nineteen years old when she crossed the Atlantic.
   The children of Mr. and Mrs. McGinley, ten in number, were named respectively: Rosanna, Ellen, Lizzie, Mary, James, William, George, Francis, Maggie and Jessie. They are all living at home with the exception of Lizzie, who is the wife of Charles Flynn, a well-to-do farmer of Delaware Precinct. They have one child, a daughter, Jessie. Mr. McGinley has been quite prominent in local affairs; he has served as Road Supervisor for a period of ten years, and is still holding the office. He has also operated considerably as a contractor for railroads and county bridges. He fulfilled several contracts during the building of the Missouri Pacific. He and his excellent wife were reared in the faith of the Catholic Church, of which they still remain devoted adherents, and attend services both at Palmyra and Nebraska City. Mr. McGinley, politically, is a stanch Democrat, and a warm supporter of the principles of his party. Mrs. McGinley is a lady greatly esteemed in her community, intelligent, refined, and possessing all the womanly virtues.
   When our subject came to this county Nebraska City was a hamlet of a few houses. He was one of the earliest settlers of Delaware Precinct, and has here upon his farm much valuable timber. He is considerably interested in stock, feeding extensively from sixty to 100 head each year, and is breeding mules, having on hand usually about twelve head. A man wide-awake and energetic, he has long been recognized as one of the most important and successful farmers of the county, in whose development and prosperity he has been no unimportant factor, He has watched its growth with the interest which is felt by every intelligent citizen, and in the development of one of its finest farms has added greatly to the value of its landed estate.

OHN B. HOSTETTER, a gentleman of more than ordinary intelligence, and a local preacher of the United Brethren Church, is also greatly interested in agricultural pursuits. He owns a good farm of eighty, acres on section 9 in Palmyra Precinct, and possesses all the qualities of an honest man and a good citizen, one who has built up for himself a record on which in coming years his children will look with pride.
   The subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery County, Ind., Aug. 11, 1843, and spent his boyhood and youth after the manner of most farmers' sons in the pioneer days, conning his lessons during the winter season in the little log school-house, and assisting his father during the seasons of sowing and reaping around the homestead. He is the son of Sherman and Mary A. (Byrd) Hostetter, the father a native of Rockbridge County, Va., and the mother born in Kentucky.
   The paternal grandfather, David Hostetter, when quite small took up his residence in Pennsylvania, thence emigrating to Ohio, and later to Montgomery County, Ind., about 1829. He was consequently one of the earliest pioneers of that region, and there he spent his last days. Sherman Hostetter's family consisted of the following children by his two marriages: Mary; two infants who died unnamed; William H.; Aaron B., who died young;

John B., our subject; Armilda, also deceased; Melissa C.; Sherman A.; James D.; Louis W.; Margaret E.; Allen H. and Edgar C. Of these nine are living, and residents of Nebraska and Indiana.
   Our subject claims that the scenes drawn by Eggleston in the "Hoosier Schoolmaster" frequently resemble those which occurred during his boyhood and youth. He was a bright and observant lad, more than ordinarily mischievous, it is believed, and never losing an opportunity of playing a harmless joke on his parents or comrades. His father was a leading man in the community, foremost in his encouragement of religion and education, and was Trustee of Scott Township for a number of years. John B. grew to manhood on the farm, and before reaching his majority was married, Jan. 20, 1864, to Miss Clarissa Wall, a native of Putnam County, Ind., and born July 12, 1842. She also was the daughter of a farmer, and had been carefully trained to all housewifely duties, receiving her education in the district school. Our subject after becoming the father of one child was constrained to offer his services as a Union soldier, feeling it his duty to leave home and family, as at that time there seemed little prospect of an immediate termination of the war. He enlisted for a term of one year in Company F, 11th Indiana Infantry, and went with his regiment first to Baltimore. He saw very little of active service, and at the time of Lee's surrender the regiment was stationed upon the outskirts of the city of Baltimore, which city like scores of others in the North was made the scene of general rejoicing. In that city he received his honorable discharge in August, 1865.
   Our subject now returned home. His father at that time was a member of the Indiana Legislature, and by his advice, which coincided with the convictions and wishes of our subject, the latter identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church as a local preacher, his pious labors engaging the most of his time from that period until he came to Nebraska in the fall of 1881. He had never lost his love for rural pursuits and life in the country, and accordingly sought his home in the agricultural districts, purchasing eighty acres of land from the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company.
   Upon this there were no buildings and no improvements. Mr. Hostetter proceeded after the manner of the pioneer settler to build up a home for himself and family, in which labor he has met with success. Naturally industrious, and possessing excellent judgment, he has labored with his hands to good advantage, while, at the same time, by constant reading and study, he keeps himself well posted upon the various questions of the day. Following in the footsteps of his honored father, who was first a Whig and then a Republican, he has striven to cast his influence in favor of the passage of those laws which should give to the people their highest freedom and most even justice. He has the satisfaction of reflecting upon the fact that his father assisted in the defeat of the Military Bill during his services is a Legislator, and thereby enjoyed the warm friendship of Gov. Morton and other eminent men.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Hostetter there have been born nine children, namely: Ida R., Lillian A., Sherman F., Marshall E.. Earl J., Eunice C., Mary E., Raymond E. and Addison L. The oldest daughter is now the wife of Samuel Pollett, a well-to-do farmer of Palmyra Precinct; they have one child, Lena I. The other children are at home with their parents. Mr. Hostetter is a strong advocate of temperance, and during the existence of slavery was bitterly opposed to the "peculiar institution," having had his convictions greatly strengthened by the reading of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" when a boy. He is a prominent member of the G. A. R., at Palmyra, in which he has served as Junior Vice and Chaplain.
   The father of our subject departed this life at his home in Indiana, Dec. 6, 1868, when about sixty-one years of age. In the Legislature he was the Republican Representative from Boone County, Ind., at a time when the Union members were in the minority. At the time of the introduction of the Military Bill, over which there was so much controversy, the only hope of the Union men lay in "bolting" so as to prevent a quorum. It was agreed by the Democrats that the doors should be closed to prevent the departure of the Republicans. The father of our subject at the risk of his life coolly placed himself at one of the doors, and by main force kept it open. To his great relief and

joy the projected bill was thus defeated, and he received the congratulations of his constituents and brother members. Gov. Morton in person commended him highly, and thereafter remained his earnest and admiring friend.

ODOLPHUS J. VAUGHAN, of Russell Precinct, although a blacksmith and wagonmaker by trade, is also fond of agricultural pursuits, and consequently upon coming to this county established himself on a tract of land comprising the southeast quarter of section 16. Here he has built up a valuable and attractive homestead, and has surrounded himself with all the comforts of life. He has a blacksmith-shop on his place, and in this during the year saves himself a good many dollars, being able to repair his own implements and shoe his own horses, and perform the same offices for his neighbors. His chief characteristics are industry and perseverance, in the exercise of which he has obtained a competency--something for a rainy day and for his declining years.
   Greene County, Ill., was the early tramping ground of our subject, where his birth took place over fifty-one years ago, on the 18th of June, 1837. His father was a farmer by occupation, and the early life of Rodolphus J. was thus spent amid the quiet scenes of country life, where he became thoroughly familiar with farm employments as carried on in times that were comparatively early in the settlement of the Prairie State. At the age of twenty-one years he began farming for himself in Marshall County, Ill., to which he removed with his father in 1885. In the biography of Charles E. Vaughan found elsewhere in this volume appears a sketch of the parental history.
   Mr. Vaughan remained a resident of Marshall County, Ill., until after the outbreak of the late Rebellion, and in 1864 enlisted as a Union soldier in Company D, 11th Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in at Camp Butler, Springfield, and was assigned to the Army of the Mississippi, and under the command of Gen. Grant went to the South. Soon afterward they joined the Red River expedition, and our subject participated in the battles of Ft. Blakely, Spanish Fort, and some other minor engagements, obtaining a good idea of the hardships and privations of life in the army. At the close of the war he was mustered out at Baton Rouge. La., and later received his honorable discharge in Springfield, Ill.
   Returning to his old haunts in Marshall County, Ill., our subject resumed farming there, continuing thus employed until the spring of 1872. He then determined upon a change of location and occupation, and going to Washburn, Ill., purchased a blacksmith-shop, which he conducted until the spring of 1878, then returned to the farm. In the spring of 1881 he came across the Mississippi into this county, and located upon the land which he now owns and occupies. His farm and his shop together are the source of a handsome income.
   Our subject found his wife in Marshall County, Ill., Miss Annette Sweet, to whom he was married Dec. 2, 1858. Mrs. Vaughan was born in Sangamon County, Ill., March 10, 1840, and is the daughter of Daniel and Elsie (Sweet) Sweet, who were natives of New York State, the father born at Burlington, Otsego County. in 1809, and the mother in Otsego County, in the year 1816. The maternal grandfather, a native of New York, was of Scotch ancestry and an old Revolutionary soldier. The father of Mrs. Vaughan removed to Illinois in 1820, and eight years later to St. Louis, Mo., where he engaged in brickmaking. He followed this occupation a number of years thereafter, manufacturing brick in the counties of Morgan, Greene, Sangamon and Scott, Ill. In McLean County, Ill., he followed butchering about twenty years, and at one period in his life engaged in farming. He is still living, making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Vaughan. His career has been quite eventful, he having when a young man served in the Black Hawk War under Gen. Henry. The mother died in Sangamon County, Ill., when middle aged, in 1849. Their family consisted of the following children: Oscar, Annette, Atheline, Martha L. and William B.
   Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan commenced the journey of life together in Marshall County, Ill. There have been born to them six children, two only of whom are living. The son, Alva B., makes his home in the city of Lincoln, and is in the employ of the

Burlington & Missouri River Railroad. The daughter, Cora L., is the wife of Mr. Frank Hull, a well to do farmer of Russell Precinct.
   In politics Mr. Vaughan votes the straight Republican ticket. Religiously, both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Baptist Church at South Russell, in the organization of which Mr. V. performed an important part and of which he is a Deacon. He has served as Road Supervisor two years, and socially, belongs to the I. O. O. F. being a member of Lodge No. 447, at Washburn, Ill.

OUIS DAMME. The subject of this narration became a resident of this county in December, 1864, and has signalized himself as a hard-working and enterprising citizen. This course has not been without its good results, for by it he has become the owner of one of the finest farms in McWilliams Precinct. This property is pleasantly located on section 31, and comprises 273 acres of improved land, with a set of good farm buildings. Mr. Damme located upon his land in the spring of 1868, with little means save his strong muscle and stout heart, and from that very modest beginning has arisen to an enviable position, socially and financially.
   Our subject was born April 1, 1843, in Franklin County, Mo., and is of German parentage. His father, Henry Damme, was born in Germany, and married a lady of his own country. After the birth of four children they emigrated to the United States, and soon after setting foot upon American soil made ther (sic) way to the southwest, across the Mississippi into Franklin County, Mo. Here the father engaged in farming, and died of the cholera early in the fifties, when about fifty-five years old. The mother had preceded her husband to the silent land, and Louis when a lad ten years of age was thus left an orphan.
   After the death of his parents our subject was taken into the home of his brother, William Damme, who lived in Franklin County, Mo., and with whom he remained until a youth of seventeen. After the outbreak of the late Civil War he enlisted in the 4th Missouri Infantry, Company E, under command of Capt. Montwiler, mostly doing guard duty, and serving a period of eighteen months. Upon leaving the army he returned to his native county and soon afterward came to Nebraska. In Otoe County he was married, Feb. 17, 1870, to Miss Dora Reimers, a native of Germany, and who came to the United States with her parents when a young woman. They first settled in St. Louis, thence came to this county, and afterward moved to Kansas, settling on a farm in Barton County, where the father, Henry Reimers, is yet living. The mother, Mrs. Mary Reimers, died in the spring of 1888, aged about fifty-five years.
   To our subject and his excellent wife there have been born six children, namely: Anna, Alvina, Julius, Bertha, Amy and Louis. The eldest is seventeen years of age and the youngest seventeen months. They all continue under the home roof. Mr. Damme votes the straight Republican ticket, and both he and his wife are members in good standing of the German Evangelical Church of Osage Precinct, He has never sought office, and takes very little interest in political matters. His chief pride is in being a first-class farmer, and in this respect his career has been one of which he may be proud.

DWARD F. THORP is one who is familiar with every phase of pioneer life, having always lived upon the frontier. He was born in Cayuga County, Ohio, on, the 31st of August, 1834, to Garrett and Loranna Thorp, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Benjamin Thorp, the grandfather of our subject, was born in New Jersey, and reared in that State upon a farm, but migrated to Pennsylvania, and was one of the pioneers of Washington County, whence he removed to Cayuga County in 1808, and helped to develop that district. He entered a tract of Government land which lay about eight miles from the site of the present city of Cleveland, where he cleared a farm, and made his home until his death.
   The father of our subject was eight years of age when the above mentioned removal to Ohio was made. That supplied the scenes of his early life

and also of his early manhood. In that district he was married, purchased a tract of land near the old homestead, and cleared a farm from the wilderness, and made his residence there until the year 1846, when he went to Allen Township, Hillsdale Co., Mich., and there repeated the process. He was in Michigan until 1856, and then again started West with team and wagon, taking his journey through Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, stopping in the latter State at Marshalltown, where he bought a tract of land and started to improve the same. He there made his home until the death of his wife in 1865, then he sold out, and now resides with our subject. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Loranna Scoville. She was born in Medina County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Ansil and Sarah Scoville. She became the mother of eight children. Our subject was twelve years of age when his parents went to Michigan, and attended the schools both of that State and Ohio, and received such instruction as they were capable of affording. As he grew stronger he became his father's assistant on the farm, and continued to live with his parents until 1857. In starting in life for himself he assisted in a sawmill at Eastport, which became a town of about 400 families, but the river having changed its course and taken the town site in its way, Eastport does not now exist. He was in that place for about two years, and then went to Marshalltown and improved a tract of land that he had bought there. In 1860 he returned and worked in the same will until 1861. From that time until the fall of 1868 he was working in the flouring-mill at the same place.
   Leaving the State of Iowa in 1868 our subject came to Nebraska City, where he formed a partnership with N. R. and M. E. Pinney, his former employers, and bought the city mills, which he continued to operate until the 26th of December, 1877. Upon that day the mills were burned and became a total loss. Since that time he refitted and operated a mill at Palmyra and another at Hamburg. In July, 1887, he commenced keeping hotel, and opened the Thorp House, and was abundantly successful. His excellent wife managed the hotel until June, 1888, when our subject received injuries that incapacitated him from working further at his trade, and from that time he has taken charge. It is only due to his wife, however, to say that her admirable management and happy manner secured for the house many friends and customers.
   The marriage of our subject was celebrated in the year 1863. He was then united in wedlock with Martha A. Nicholson, of Indiana. To them have been born four children, whose names are as follows: Milton R., Minnie E., Nora and Clyde A. In the Masonic fraternity our subject is quite well and favorably known, being a member of Western Lodge No. 2, the Alpha Council No. 2, Keystone Chapter No. 2 and Mt. Olivet Commandery No. 2.

FREDERICK SMALLFOOT, one of the most enterprising German farmers of Berlin Precinct, is pleasantly located on the southeast quarter of section 26, where he has a well-developed farm and an attractive home. He has worked his way upward from an humble position in life and may be properly numbered among the self-made men of Otoe County, whose prosperity has been the result of their own industry and perseverance. Our subject when landing upon American soil was alone and among strangers, with very little money in his pocket, and no friends to assist, him to employment. His own honest face, however, soon secured him a position by which he was enabled to make his way comfortably, and since that day he has been climbing upward.
   Our subject was the fifth child and only son of C. F., Sr., and Johanna (Miller) Smallfoot, and was born in the Kingdom of Saxony on the 2d of March, 1830. He was reared in the town of Sweckau, where he attended school until he was fourteen years of age, was confirmed in the German Lutheran Church, and later apprenticed to the trade of wagon-maker. At this he was occupied until the year before coming to the United States, and that year he employed in traveling over his native Empire.
   In the spring of 1854 our subject, then a young man of twenty-four years, made his way to the port of Bremen, and resolved to emigrate to America. He took passage on a sailing-vessel. which,