County, Ill, so he returned there and established a market garden in the vicinity of Lawrenceville. In May, 1867, he removed across the Mississippi into the young State of Nebraska. In this journey he was accompanied by his wife and one child. He homesteaded the forty acres which he now owns and occupies before the village of Palmyra was laid out, and first engaged in freighting from Nebraska City to Lincoln, being thus employed during the winter of 1869-70 with a team of horses. On account of failing health he was obliged to abandon freighting for something that would allow him more rest and quiet under his own roof. He then purchased the necessary machinery for drilling wells, and has sunk hundreds of these within the confines of Otoe County. Ten years ago, however, he began turning his attention to market gardening, in which he has met with flattering success. His stock embraces seven head of horses and fifty head of swine.
   To our subject and his excellent wife there have been born ten children, nine of whom are natives of this County. Mercy, the eldest, died in infancy, and Sheridan died when eleven years old; James died at the age of twenty months. The survivors are: Anna J., Daniel, Henry O., Jr., Hannah, Solomon, Winfield and Frank.

RANKLIN T. CASTLEMAN, the cattle king of Nebraska, has passed through a most unusual and exciting experience, and his life is filled with incidents of deepest interest, which deserve rather a 500-page volume than a brief sketch, such as is here absolutely unavoidable. Regretting that this should be so, it must suffice to present only the most prominent points.
   To add to the interest of the sketch we give a portrait of the distinguished subject on the opposite page.
   Our subject is the son of Henry H. and Mary (Frymire) Castleman, and was born on the 20th of May, 1833, in the county of Dundas, Canada, He was reared upon the farm of his parents, and also learned blacksmithing with his brother, who was then established in Tioga County, N. Y., but now lives in Broome County, N. Y., will, whom he staid two years. The ideas of Western life fired his youthful ambition, and he started for the Far West, finally making his way to Kansas. Journeying by railroad to St. Louis, he went lip the Missouri River to Leavenworth, and after a time continued his journey to Sumner, which is about four miles below Atchison, which was just then being laid out on the Missouri River. Here he made the acquaintance of the celebrated Albert D. Richardson, a traveler and writer of prominence. He also met Horace Greeley when he made his memorable trip to the mountains. In Colorado Mr. Castleman engaged in mining and prospecting. He discovered the Quartz Mill Lodi Mine in Leavenworth Glitch, which for a time was very rich, and took from it $4,000 worth of gold in thirty days. It proved, however, to be but of short duration, although valuable while it lasted. In 1865 he went to Southern Colorado and New Mexico on an exploring expedition under Gov. Gilpin, of Colorado Territory, and was employed in prospecting for him. Continuing about four months thus engaged, he returned to Denver, and was engaged as foreman of the Baker Silver Mine Company, remaining with it for about two and a half years. About that time he was taken very sick with rheumatism, and had to leave the mines, after which he was engaged by a contractor of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, Mr. C. working four teams of his own. He remained in that employ until after the road was completed, and in the presence of a large concourse the mahogany tie was placed in position, and with a heavy silver mallet the completing spike, which was of gold, was driven home. His connections with the railroad being over, he went to Butler County, Kan., and tried farming there, but was taken with the ague, and after a number of years abandoned it.
   In 1873 our subject sold his farm and engaged in the cattle business, in partnership with J. J. Cox, and purchasing 700 head of cattle at Wichita, Kan., they took them to Colorado, and prospered beyond the most sanguine expectations. The partnership was dissolved in 1877, and our subject realized its his share of the profits about $2,000.

Taking this capital he went to New Mexico, where he bought 185 head of cattle, and then drove them back to Colorado. He continued at this business alone until 1885, and then sold out all his interest in the business to a great advantage.
   In 1865 Franklin T. Castleman enlisted in Company C, of the Colorado Militia, under Col. Moonlight, to escort the mail up and down the Platte River, and was engaged for 100 days. At the end of that time Gen. Connor, from Salt Lake, Utah, assumed command, and they were discharged. About the time of the close of the war he wrote home that he was about to form an independent company and assume command of the same, and then carry the war into the enemy's country. He intended it simply for a joke, but his brother, supposing him in earliest, wrote him a letter severely upbraiding him, and requesting him if determined to enter upon such a course to write them one more letter, which would be a solemn farewell. As he wrote the "one more" letter they supposed he had done as he had proposed. Years rolled on and he was believed by all his friends to be dead. Pat Murphy, in old acquaintance of the family in Canada, went out to the plains of Colorado, and to his greatest surprise discovered in the cattle king of whom he often heard, and whom he supposed to be dead, F. T. Castleman, and subsequently, after Murphy went back to Canada and reported the facts. The brother, J. E. Casselman, who was then it citizen of Otoe County, came to Colorado to visit his brother.
   Our subject is one of the rich men and most valued citizens of the county, and has hitherto enjoyed his life in single blessedness. His name is slightly changed since his going to Colorado, and occurred owing to the mistake in drawing up of certain legal papers, by which it was written Castleman instead of Casselman. To this probably is due the non-recognition of the name by his brother. After he sold out in Colorado he made a visit to his brother here, and subsequently bought the farm where he now lives, which comprises 480 acres, and is one of the most highly improved and best fenced farms in Otoe Precinct. He carries on his farm according to the most advanced methods. His barns and out-buildings will compare favorably with the best in the county. His whole place bears the impress of thrift, care and neatness in its management. A view of his splendid place is given as a fitting accompaniment to this brief outline history of the life of its owner.

HRISTIAN BLUM. Among the prosperous German farmers of Russell Precinct the subject of this sketch occupies a position in the front ranks. He came to this county from Mercer County, Ill., in the spring of 1876, purchasing 143 acres of land on section 30. Here he has labored industriously and with fine results, having now a good set of farm buildings, an orchard of seventy-five trees with the smaller fruits, his fields enclosed with hedge and wire fencing, a fair assortment of live stock, and all the other requirements of the progressive agriculturist. There are displayed on every hand the evidences of the genuine German prudence and thrift which have descended to him from one of the best nationalities on the face of the globe.
   The parents of our subject, George and Susanna (Hummel) Blum, were born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, where the father pursued his trade of wagon-maker, and carried on farming until 1857. Then, not being satisfied with the headway he was making upon his native soil, he resolved to emigrate to America. Soon after setting foot upon the Western Continent he made his way to Mercer County, Ill., where he purchased forty acres of land, and with his excellent wife, spent the remainder of his life. The father died in the spring of 1867, at the age of seventy-three years. The mother had preceded her husband to the silent land, her death taking place in 1865 from cholera, when she was sixty-eight years old. The family consisted of three children of their own: John; George, who died young; and Christian, our subject; and Mary, an adopted daughter. The eldest son is farming in Washington County, Iowa. During the late war he joined a regiment of artillery from Illinois, and was mustered in at Chicago. This shortly afterward proceeded to the South, where he participated in many of the important battles of the war.

including that at Pittsburg Landing, and the siege of Vicksburg. He served three years and escaped unharmed. The adopted daughter, Mary, is married, and a resident of Mercer County , Ill.
   Our subject was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, May 2, 1836, and lived there with his parents until reaching his majority, receiving that thorough education commonly accorded the youth of the German Empire. He accompanied his father to America, they making the voyage across the Atlantic on a sailing vessel, being thirty-three days on the ocean. He lived five years with his father in Mercer County, Ill., and in the fall of 1862 proffered his services as a Union soldier, enlisting in Company C, 102d Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in at Preemption, Ill., went south into Kentucky, and was assigned to the Army of the Mississippi. under the command of Gen. Sherman. He was in some of the most important battles of the campaign, namely: Perryville, Stone River, Murfreesboro, Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and marched with the old hero from Atlanta to the sea. He was all through that memorable campaign and at the close of the war went up through the Carolinas and was present at the grand review at Washington. Thence the regiment returned to Chicago, where our subject was mustered out and received his honorable discharge. He had how fully gained his title to American citizenship, and returning to the Prairie State resumed farming in Mercer County.
   The marriage of Christian Blum and Miss Minnie Humel took place in Mercer County, Ill., July 26, 1865, and they began to live together on the little farm of forty acres purchased by our subject, and there continued to live for a period of ton years. In the spring of 1875 Mr. Blum concluded to cross the Mississippi, and moved to Page County, Iowa, living there also ten years. In the spring of 1885 he came to Nebraska and located on the farm which he now owns and occupies. He has become thoroughly identified with the interests of. his adopted county, which recognizes in him one of its most valued and useful citizens.
   Mrs. Blum is the daughter of John and Barbara (Boeck) Humel, who were also natives of Wurtemberg and emigrated to the United States in the spring of 1864, settling in Mercer County, Ill. The father was a weaver by trade, but upon coming to America engaged in common labor. He departed this life in the spring of 1886. The mother is still living, making her home with one of her sons in Mercer County, Ill. The six children of the parental family were named respectively: John, Emanuel, Lewis; Caroline, who died when thirty-three years old; Louisa and Minnie. Mrs. Blum, the youngest of the household circle, was a native of the same Province as her parents and her husband, and was born July 30, 1836. She came with her father's family to America and lived at home until her marriage. Her union with our subject has resulted in the birth of six children, the eldest of whom, a son, John, died when eleven years old. The survivors--Christian, Minnie, Mary, Emma and Sophia--are all at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Blum were reared in the doctrines of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, to which they still loyally adhere, being members of the church at Hopewell. Mr. Blum, politically, votes the straight Democratic ticket. He has no desire, for official honors. preferring to relegate the responsibilities of office to somebody who would not make as good a farmer.

ENRY C. HANDY is one of the prominent, enterprising and successful business men of the county, and the owner of an extensive farm in North Branch, his home being on section 25, where he settled in the year 1882. His property includes 700 acres, the home farm comprising 280 acres, all well improved and utilized for the purposes of stock raising and feeding, with which business he has been connected for about three years, and in that time has conducted business extensively in twenty-eight different States, and in the Territories.
   Our subject was born in Colerain, Mass., on the 6th of October, 1841, to Charles and Lavina (Ross) Handy. The grandfather of our subject, Charles Handy, was born in Scotland, where he was brought up and came to man's estate. There also he was married, and made his first home. In an early day

he came to the United States with a colony which peopled Colerain. His wife was born in the North of Ireland.
   The father of our subject was a stockman in the Broughton Market for over forty-five years, and was in partnership with H. C. Leland for twenty-two years. He continued in the business until he was seventy years of age, and died in the year 1867, about nine years after he had retired. His wife, who departed this life in the year 1862, also attained the same age of seventy-nine years. They were the parents of ten children, of whom five are now living.
   The subject of our sketch was the youngest child born to his parents. When seventeen years of age he went to New York City, where his brother Charles was engaged in a wholesale bakery business. There he remained for about six years. During the last two years he attended the Shelbourne Falls (Mass.) Business College, where he received a thorough business education. At the age of twenty-three he sold out his bakery business, and for one year served as mail agent on the Cunard Line between New York and Liverpool. He then came West, and at Chicago entered the house of Austin, Leiter & Palmer as dry-goods salesman. He remained in the house one year, and for the six subsequent years was on the road as their representative, covering in that time most of the Western States. At one time he made heavy sales in five different States, and carried a large jobbing trade.
   In 1871 our subject engaged in the wholesale provision, grain and seed trade, but after a few months of successful business lost all by the Chicago fire, and was again ready to work for someone else, and entered the employ of the J. Russell Manufacturing Company, for which he traveled four years. He then engaged with C. H. Fargo, and served them until 1879, then again with Mr. Russell until 1885. He had purchased a farm of 280 acres in the year 1879, but had rented the same until the close of his engagement with Mr. Russell, although he had made this his headquarters from 1882. The marriage of Mr. Handy was celebrated in 1886, the lady of his choice being Ann P. Deane, who was born in St. Louis, Mo., in May, 1848. She is the daughter of J. Charles and Helen (Porter) Deane. Her father was for many years a Captain on one of the Missouri River boats, but upon leaving his vessel embarked as a grain merchant at St. Louis. There had been born to Mr. and Mrs. Handy three children, who have received the names Charles H., Benjamin D. and Kate A. Mr. Handy is a member of the Northwestern Traveling Men's Association, and has been an active member. He has the reputation of having sold throughout twenty-eight of the States and Territories of the Union, and of a success unusually marked. He has a large natural capacity for business, is pleasant and affable in manner, but thoughtful, shrewd and keen. His political sympathies are with the Republican party, of which he is an old and tried member.

ENRY SHRADER, one of the most stirring business men of Berlin, is interested in both farming and merchandising, and possesses decided business talent, having from a capital of $200 built up a fine property. This includes a half-interest in the store and a good farm of 160 acres with modern improvements, lying on sections 21, 9 and 12 in Berlin Precinct. Mr. Shrader has for his life partner a very intelligent and efficient lady, who nearly equals him in point of business talent, is well educated and intelligent, and contributes her full share in maintaining the reputation of the family.
   In the sketch of Mr. Fred Shrader, the brother of our subject, which will be found on another page in this volume, will be noted the parental history. Henry, like the balance of his family, was born in the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg, Germany, first opening his eyes to the light July 3, 1850. He was a lad twelve years of age when he crossed the Atlantic with his parents, they sailing from Hamburg in October of 1862 on the ship "Columbus," the voyage occupying eight weeks and two days, and during which they encountered at one time a severe storm which continued three days, and which menaced the safety of the vessel and all on board. They finally, however, landed safely at New York City, and our subject accompanied his parents during the removals thereafter from Cleve-

land, Ohio, to Dixon, Ill., and from there to this State.
   Young Shrader commenced working for himself at the age of thirteen years, at the munificent salary of $3 per month, except during the harvest season, when he was given $4. He was thus employed in farming for a period of seven years, in the meantime completing his education during the winter seasons in the common schools. After coming to Nebraska in December of 1869, he was occupied at farming one year near Nebraska City, and in June of the year following purchased 120 acres of school land on section 16. Upon this there has been no attempt at improvement, and our subject commenced from first principles to build up a homestead. He set out groves, erected buildings, cultivated the soil, and lived there until 1881, when he removed to his present farm, which he had purchased the previous year. This, like the other, was raw prairie, and he proceeded as before to develop a farm with like results. His buildings are on section 7, and consist of a tasteful modern residence, a good barn, and all the necessary out-buildings for the storage of grain and the shelter of stock. He sold his first purchase in the year 1887, and removed to Berlin, purchasing an interest in the stock of merchandise then owned by G. H. Hillman, and ventured upon a new department of business. His natural talent has carried him through this scheme successfully. The business is operated under the name and style of Schrader Bros. They carry a large stock of clothing, dry-goods and groceries, and have in connection with this a millinery establishment. They carry a stock of goods worth $10, 000, and enjoy the patronage of the best people of this section.
   The wife of our subject was in her girlhood Miss Catherine Watch, and they were married in Nebraska City, June 24, 1875. Mrs. Shrader is the daughter of Charles and Barbara (Neu) Watch, the father a native of Alsace, France, and the mother born at Byron, Germany. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Watch, also a native of Alsace, was a well-to-do farmer, and Grandfather Michael Neu, who pursued the same occupation, emigrated to America in 1839, and settled among the pioneers of Bureau County, Ill., where he spent the remainder of his days. The parents of Mrs. Shrader were married in Bureau County, Ill., where the father farmed until 1870, then came to this county. Here he purchased 160 acres in Berlin Precinct, upon which he made good improvements, and where his death took place in 1875, when he was but forty-two years old; the mother is still living at the old homestead.
   Besides Mrs. Shrader there was born to her parents only one other child, a son, Charles, who is now with his mother. Mrs. Shrader was born in Bureau County, Ill., Aug. 22, 1857. She was subjected to careful parental training, acquired a good education in the common schools, and received from her excellent mother lessons in those housewifely duties upon which the happiness of a home so much depends. Of her union with our subject there are five children, namely: Annie, Rudolph, Minnie, Ulka and Carrie. Mr. Shrader, politically, is a stanch Republican, and was a charter member of the German Lutheran Church at Berlin, to the support of which he has given liberally, and officiated as Trustee and Secretary. He has represented Berlin Precinct in the County Board of Supervisors two years, and has been a member of the Election Board for a long period. The family occupies an enviable position in social circles, and among business men Mr. Shrader is given a place in the first ranks.

OHN MICHAEL. The subject of this sketch bears the distinction of being the oldest pioneer of Palmyra Precinct. Great have been the changes which have occurred since he first set foot on the soil of Nebraska, and no man has watched with warmer interest its growth and development. Prominent among its business and agricultural interests, he has been no unimportant factor in bringing this commonwealth to its present proud condition. His labors have met with abundant reward, as he is now in the enjoyment of a beautiful home and a competence for his old age. To addition to this he has also fully established himself in the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, being very popular, especially

among the old settlers, who remember his efficiency in other days, and the young extend to him that tactic respect and reverence accorded to those who have seen so much of life and been so useful in the world.
   Mr, Michael first arrived in Nebraska Territory on the 1st of April, 1857. He was then a man of twenty-nine years, having been born Feb. 15, 1828. His native place was Northampton County, Pa., and his parents were John and Mary (Warner) Michael, both natives of the Keystone State. John Michael, a farmer by occupation, was a hard-working industrious man, and the sons were taught those habits of thrift and economy which formed the secret of their success in life. The household circle included eight children, namely: Joseph, who died young; Thomas; John, our subject; Charles, George, David, James and Hannah. Of these our subject and his sister Hannah are the only ones who survive; the latter is a resident of Pennsylvania. The father of our subject, in the fall of 1877, left his Pennsylvania home and with his family emigrated to Nebraska. Both parents spent their last years at the home of their son John. and died within a year of each other, the mother in 1882, when seventy-six years old, and the father in 1883, at the advanced age of ninety-one.
   The Michael family were of substantial German ancestry, the first representatives in the United States crossing the Atlantic during the Colonial days. Our subject learned to speak the German tongue when but a boy, but on account of limited school facilities grew up with very little education, except what he picked up himself by reading and observation. He was taught at a very early age to make himself useful around the homestead, and when leaving it at the the of eighteen worked out at $5 per month. In 1852 he made up his mind to seek his fortunes west of the Mississippi. He first went to Iowa, settling in the vicinity of Dubuque, where he worked out by the month for a time and then engaged as teamster. With genuine German thrift and prudence he saved what he could of his earnings, and in the spring of 1857 came to Nebraska with a capital of $300. This, however, should have been three times that sum, as he lost $900 on his contract for lending building material for the seminary at Cascade, Iowa. In coming from Iowa to Nebraska our subject made the journey with a team of horses and a wagon, in company with Thomas Hunter and Henry Salladay. Mr. Hunter pre-empted land in the vicinity of Nebraska City, but Mr. Salladay soon afterward went back to Ohio. Mr. Michael located his land along the western part of the county, on sections 7 and 8 in Palmyra Precinct. His nearest white neighbor, for six months. was twenty miles away, but Indians were plentiful, and having the good judgment to treat them kindly and in a discreet manner, they neither injured nor annoyed him.
   Mr. Michael up to this time was a single man, as he believed in laying the solid foundations of a home before taking upon himself the responsibilities of a family. Having arrived at this point he was finally united in marriage with Miss Mary Spahule, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride, in Lancaster County, Neb., in September, 1877. Mrs. Michael was born in Germany, Jan. 22, 1859, and came to the United States with her parents when sixteen years old. Her parents, Joseph and Rosalia Spahule, were of pure German ancestry. The father spent his last years in Kansas and the mother in Nebraska. Their family included nine children, five of whom are living; they mostly reside in Nebraska.
   Mr. and Mrs. Michael commenced their wedded life together in the log house which is still standing on the premises. This was replaced many years ago by a tasteful and commodious frame dwelling, and the barn and outhouses adjacent are ample evidence of the taste and means of the proprietor. Mr. Michael, besides carrying on the cultivation of his land successfully, has planted fruit and shade trees in abundance, including a large apple orchard in good bearing condition, and the choicest of all the smaller fruits. His land is well watered and very productive, and the source of a handsome income.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Michael there have been born four children, all sons--George, Charles, David and James. David died when seven years old, and James when three. The survivors make their home with their parents. Mr. Michael cast his first Presidential vote for Buchanan, and since that time has uniformly supported Democratic principles. He is

widely and favorably known throughout this part of the county, and has been foremost in the enterprises calculated for its development and progress. He was instrumental in forming the Old Settlers' Association, and is its Vice President. A work of this kind would by no means be complete without the name and a brief epitome of the character of one of the earliest settlers of Otoe County, among whom John Michael occupies no unimportant place.

HERMAN A. HOSTETTER, one of the most prosperous farmers of Palmyra Precinct, would at once be singled out in a community on account of his fine stature, being six feet three inches in height and otherwise of commanding presence. He is also a gentleman of remarkable intelligence, and a citizen who enjoys in a more than ordinary degree the friendship and esteem of those around him. The doors of his hospitable and pleasant home are alike open to friends and strangers, who are welcomed with that courtesy which bespeaks the gentleman born and bred. His property consists of a fine farm of 200 acres on section 20 in Palmyra Precinct, of which he took possession in the fall of 1883. He has labored to excellent advantage, being surrounded now with all the comforts of life and many of its luxuries.
   Sherman Hostetter, Sr., the father of our subject, a native of Preble County, Ohio, was a man of more than ordinary ability, cultured and intelligent, and one who exerted a wide influence during the years of his active life. He was warmly interested in the political questions of the day, a member first of the old Whig party and afterward a Republican. After taking up his residence in Indiana he was elected to the State Legislature, and was instrumental in the defeat of the Military Bill, which during the times of the Civil War involved most important issues. On account of his efficiency at this period, he became the warm personal friend of Gov. Morton, who extended to him that kindly confidence and esteem fully in keeping with his merits. Conscientious and upright in all his dealings with his fellowmen, he at all times steadily resisted the temptation to profit by that which laid the shadow of dishonesty, as was finally illustrated, especially at one time, when Hon. G. S. Orth, Congressman-at-Large from Indiana, came to his house, and for three days sought to persuade him to invest in a quantity of whisky which could be purchased for a trifle, and by the disposal of which there was no question but that he would realize a fortune, as at that time was about to be passed the Internal Revenue Law, which would bring about this result. The father replied: "I have some boys growing up, and if I make my money in whisky, they will be justified in drinking it." No promises or threats could move him from the stand which he had taken, and the tempter departed, able to say at least once in his life that he had met a man governed by principle.
   It is hardly necessary to say that the father of our subject was first a Whig, then a Republican, was also an Abolitionist, and by his political speeches in Indiana turned the tide of many an important question. For a period of fourteen years he labored actively in the cause of freedom and union, and rested from his earthly labors on the 7th of December, 1868, passing away at his home in Indiana amid the mourning of many friends and the regret of all who had known him. He had married in early manhood Miss Mary Ann Byrd, who was a native of Kentucky. They had removed from their native State in their youth, and they were married in Indiana. Of their union there were born ten children. Further mention of the family is made in the sketch of John B. Hostetter, which will be found elsewhere in this volume.
   The subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery County, Ind., Aug. 26, 1850, and spent his boyhood and youth upon a farm, receiving his education in the common schools. This was exceedingly limited and conducted about fifteen days during the winter season. Living in the midst of a timber tract, he early became proficient in the use of the ax, and grew up familiar with the various other pursuits of farm life.
   Mr. Hostetter was married rather late in life, when a man of thirty-two years, in the fall of 1882, to Miss Sarah J., daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Smith) Pollet. He had before this continued under the parental roof as a member of his father's

household. Mrs. Hostetter was born near Oxford, in Preble County, Ohio, Aug. 5, 1853, and was the fourth in a family of ten children. Her parents were natives of Ohio, and are now deceased. They removed from the Buckeye State to Indiana when she was a little girl seven years of age, and she spent the time mostly under the parental roof until her marriage.
   Mr. and Mrs. Hostetter after their marriage remained upon the old homestead in Montgomery County, Ind., until it was sold in 1883. They then came to Nebraska, and settled upon the farm where they now live. Of their union there have been born three children--Bertha F., Clarence I. and an infant unnamed. It is hardly necessary to say that Mr. Hostetter is a stanch Republican, following in the footsteps of his honored father. In religious matters he is one of the most prominent members of the United Brethren Church. and Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Socially, he belongs to the I. O. O. F., of Palmyra.

ERBERT G. STILLWELL, who, although the owner of but eighty acres, successfully farms 240 acres, situated in Russell Precinct, the home farm being upon section 30, is the son of George W. and Louisa (Burdell) Stillwell, and both the parents and son were born in Jefferson County, N. Y. The family is of German descent, but has been identified with American citizenship for several generations. The father of our subject was a farmer and worked eighty acres of land. In 1869 he went to San Francisco, and there kept a dairy and also ran a soda spring in Mappa (sic) Valley for three years, then removed to Richardson County, near Falls City, where he followed husbandry until 1874, then removed to this county, where he died in 1876, at the age of forty-nine years.
   Mr. Stillwell, Sr., enlisted in a regiment of New York infantry in the year 1861, and served until the close of the war. He was present at Bull Run, Gettysburg, and a number of other of the larger and more important engagements. He was a Republican in his political relations, and a Baptist in his religious faith. After the death of her husband the mother of our subject bought 160 acres, and supervised the improvement and operation of the same and still owns the property. She is living near San Francisco, and is fifty-four years of age. Three children came to call her mother--Sarah E., Herbert G. and Daniel S.
   The subject of our sketch opened his eyes to the light on the 21st of April, 18624 and was about, seven years of age when his parents removed to California. He attended the public schools in the city of San Francisco for a year or two, and then his parents removed to Nebraska, and he of course accompanied them. After his father's death he continued to make his home with his mother, and is far as was possible assist her in the maintenance of home, until he attained his majority. He then took charge of his mother's farm. In 1885 he spent six months in New York City in an express office, and in July, 1886, he crossed the continent to California, and there attended the Petaluma Commercial College, where he took it six-months course of instruction and then returned to Russell Precinct, and took up his present place in the beginning of 1887. It was at the time partially improved, and he continued that good work and brought it to its present super-excellent condition. He has from the first given much attention to stock-raising, chiefly of hogs and graded horses.
   Mr. Stillwell celebrated his marriage with Miss Emma F. Boyd at Dunbar, Neb., Sept. 8, 1887, His excellent wife is the daughter of J. C. and Isabell (McCulloch) Boyd. Her father was born in Blount County, Tenn., and followed agricultural pursuits; he removed with his wife and family to this State in 1863, and settled in Delaware Precinct, and engaged in farming, changing his residence to his present home in Dunbar in 1869. He is the owner of 400 acres, and superintends the working thereof himself. He has always been a member of the Republican party, and has several times been called upon to fill various offices. He was Assessor for three years and County Superintendent for four terms.
   Mrs. Stillwell was born in Blount County, Tenn., June 11, 1863, and is the second of seven children born to her parents. The names of her brothers