and building up a large trade, he emigrated to Canada in the fall of 1846 with his family, and settled at London, Middlesex County, Ontario. He was twice married; by his first wife he became the parent of five children, and by the second, eleven. These bear the following names: Grace, Thomas, William, Ann, Samuel, Elizabeth, Robert, Sarah, Henry, Fannie and Mary Jane.
   The subject of our sketch was born on the 5th of April, 1836. He lived at Torrington with his parents, where his father had a farm which he ran in connection with his other business. Long before he was nine years of age he had learned to work a span of horses on the farm. He was but ten years of age when he came to Canada with his parents. His father was not rich and was compelled to slight the education of his son, needing so much his help, so that in this part his life preparation was neglected.
   The first three years of life in Canada were spent in the employ of Dr. Moore, of London, by whom he was engaged to take charge of his office. After that he worked at home with his father on the farm until he was twenty-one, when he began life for himself, and continued to work at home on and off until he was thirty-two years of age, when he was married, in 1869. The lady with whom he linked his life was Miss Dorotha Young, who was born in Middlesex County, Canada, and is the daughter of Warner and Christina (Mustetto) Young, who were natives of Canada.
   Mrs. Hunt was born on the 7th of May, 1843, at Dorchester, Middlesex County, and made her home with her parents until her marriage. They came to Nebraska shortly after their marriage, and settled in Palmyra Precinct, of this county, in 1871, and filed upon a homestead for eighty acres, which is part of the present home farm. The remaining eighty acres he purchased in 1882. He has always been a man active, diligent and enterprising, ready to make any improvements that are at all practical. and has given much attention to his orchards and groves, as well as to the more regular agricultural duties. He carefully studied the institutions of this country, and just as speedily as the National Constitution would permit became a citizen, tand (sic) from that time has been even more anxious than before to meet every responsibility of citizenship. During the years 1865 to 1868 he worked in the lumber trade in Sand Lake County, Mich., and became a thorough expert in the use of the ax. The religious associations of Mr. Hunt and his family are in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Democrat. There is no family more esteemed, and rightly so, in the district than our subject, who is an honor to the community, which is rightfully proud of so good a citizen,

ILLIAM J. ARMSTRONG became a pioneer of Nebraska during the early years of its settlement, when it was under Territorial government, and was sparsely inhabited, the most of the land then belonging to the United States, and before much was known of its marvelous agricultural resources. He has thus witnessed its growth from an insignificant Territory to a powerful State, and he may well be proud to be classed among the men who made this possible by their labors and sacrifices in the days gone by. His farm adjoining Nebraska City is one of the most valuable in Otoe County, being unrivaled for location, fertility of soil, state of cultivation, fine and commodious buildings, and the various other things that go to make up a model farm.
   Mr. Armstrong was born in Union Township, Warren Co., Ohio, July 26, 1819, and is a son of James Armstrong, a native of Delaware. When his father was a young man he went to Ohio and located in Warren County. He served in the Indian war under Gen. Wayne, and later, in the War of 1812 under Gen. Harrison. He was a farmer by occupation, and cleared a farm from the wilderness in Union Township, and resided there until his death in 1826. He was ever a loyal citizen, both in time of war and in time of peace, and his energy, prudence and wisdom made him respected of all men. His wife, whose maiden name was Isabella Liggett, was a native of Maryland, and her parents were pioneers of Warren County, Ohio. She died on the homestead in Union Township in 1860.
   The subject of this sketch was reared in native county, and he remembers well the incidents

of pioneer life there. His mother had no stove, and for many years did all her cooking before the open fireplace. His father kept sheep and raised flax, and his mother spun both wool and flax and made all the clothes used in the family, and used to make her own thread. He was one of nine children, six of whom grew to maturity, namely: John L., Rebecca, James, Rachel, William and Alexander. John L. and our subject are the only ones now living. The latter was but seven years old when his father died, but he continued to live on the old homestead with his mother and assisted in the farm work until he had grown to manhood. He was a resident of Warren County until 1856, when he came to this part of the country to seek a suitable location, having determined to try farming under the sunny skies of Nebraska, where were millions of acres of land owned by the Government, and since sold at $1.25 an acre. He journeyed on the waters of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Burlington, Iowa, and thence across the wild prairies of that state to Nebraska City. After buying his land he retraced his steps to Warren County, Ohio, and in the following spring started on his return to his future home on the prairies of Nebraska, accompanied by his family. They came as far as Hannibal, Mo., on a boat, from there by rail to St. Joseph, and thence to Nebraska City on a boat. At that time in the Territory of Nebraska were no villages in the interior, the settlements being confined to the river. Mr. Armstrong resided in the city until 1864, when he settled on the farm that he still owns and occupies. At that time his land was unimproved except that a few acres were broken, and he bought a building in the city and moved it to his farm, remodeled it, and added to it from time to time, and made it his home until 1882. In that year he erected his present residence, a large and handsome brick house, of a modern style of architecture, conveniently arranged and well furnished.
   Mr. Armstrong has been twice married, first in 1842, to Miss Mary Hall, a native of Deerfield Township, Warren Co., Ohio. She was a most excellant woman, and none knew her but to respect and esteem her, and her death in 1858 was a sad blow to her family and friends. There were five children born of that marriage: Isabella, wife of D. F. Benham, lives in Clarksville, Tex.; Peter lives in Syracuse, Otoe County; Melville lives in Nebraska City; Albert lives at home with his parents; Mollie is the wife of N. A. Duff, and lives in Syracuse.
   Mr. Armstrong's second marriage, which took place Aug. 22, 1867, was to Miss Ann E. Stitt, a native of Deerfield, Warren Co., Ohio. She is a woman of much capability and decision of character, and of an amiable disposition, and to her sympathy, encouragement, and active co-operation in his work, her husband gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness for the comforts and pleasures of a cozy, happy home. Mrs. Armstrong's father, Isaac Stitt, was, it is thought, born in Deerfield, Warren Co., Ohio, of which his father, likewise named Isaac, a native of Pennsylvania, was an early pioneer. He cleared a farm there and spent the remainder of his life there. Mrs. Armstrong's father was reared and married in his native county, and farmed there until his death in his sixty-ninth year. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Eynon, and Cincinnati, Ohio, was her birthplace. Her father, Mrs. Armstrong's grandfather, Zebulon Eynon, was of Welsh ancestry, and was a pioneer of Hamilton County, Ohio.
   Mr. Armstrong has nearly reached the seventieth milestone of life's journey, and he can look back with satisfaction upon long years well spent, wherein he has ever been true to his responsibilities both as a man and as a citizen. Since his residence here he has identified himself. with the best interests of the community, and has liberally seconded every effort to promote the advancement of the city or of the county. In his political sympathies he is a stanch Democrat, and cast his first vote for Van Buren.

OBERT H. BELL takes his place among the enterprising, popular citizens of Delaware Precinct, and is the owner of a fine and well-cultivated farm of 160 acres, which he utilizes in the line of general farming and stock-raising. It is situated on section 23 of the above precinct. The subject of our sketch was born in

Muskegon County, Ohio, on the 24th of March, 1849, and is the son of E. D. S. and Elenor Bell. Mr. Bell, Sr., removed to Marshall County, Ill., in the year 1855. Our subject remained a resident of Illinois for about twenty-five years. He received his education in the common schools. He was reared upon a farm, and from his youth has been fully conversant with agricultural employments, so that he is a practical farmer in every department of such occupation.
   Upon beginning life on his own account the subject of our sketch went to Kansas and followed farming, and came to this county in the spring of 1881, settling upon the property he now owns. It was then but slightly improved, if indeed it could be called improved at all. He has, however, made it one of the most productive in the district, and is rising very rapidly in the scale of prosperity.
   In order to make his life the more livable, and that his home life might be the more complete, Mr. Bell was united in wedlock with Ida M. Davidson, the estimable daughter of William F. and Harriet (Dungan) Davidson, upon the 21st of April, 1875. The parents of Mrs. Bell had in their family circle eleven children, of whom seven only survive. Their names areas follows: Earl, James F., Thomas D., Stephen, Hattie, William and Maggie. Both Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are now deceased.
   Next to his home and farm our subject takes a chief interest in religious affairs. He and his wife are consistent and devoted members of the United Presbyterian Church, and both there and in the Sunday-school they are found among the able workers. They are much esteemed in this and in every other circle in which they move, and are worthy and valued members of the community.

ILLIAM D. ASHLEY. This gentleman is a member of a family that is of English extraction, but has been identified with the United States since the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, and has filled very important positions in history in other years. The first settlement was effected in Massachusetts. This is also true of the maternal ancestry in every particular. The father of our subject was an agriculturist, as had been his father and grandfather before him. He was very successful in life, and accumulated a fortune of over $250,000.
   The subject of our sketch was born on the 15th of May, 1834, at Springfield, Mass., to William and Eliza (Champion) Ashley. He is the third of nine children born to them, of whom but three are now living, viz: Eliza J., now Mrs. Nichols; our subject; and an elder brother Homer, who is Superintendent of the American Express Company at Boston. Mr. Ashley continued to reside with his parents until he was nineteen years of age, during which time he had been occupied in obtaining an education and becoming a practical farmer, but at that age he left home, and went to Chicopee to learn the trade of a machinist. There he remained working for seven years. At the end of that period he went to Boston for one year, then on to New York City, Bridgeport and Hartford, where he was in charge of a boiler and gasfitting works. At Meriden he had charge of making 50,000 guns for the Government, working for the Henry Rifle Company. He also worked in the Smith Rifle shops at the time when the shops were burned during the riot to resist the draft. He continued to follow his trade until 1866.
   When the subject of our sketch was about thirty-two years of age his father very much desired that he should take charge of his estate. This our subject did not see his way to do, and accordingly refused, and was at once disinherited; but as he had about $1,500 in money he brought the same Nebraska, and went to work on the homestead he now owns, and began to make varied improvements necessary. His success both here and in the cultivation of the soil has been more than could have been anticipated or hoped for. He is now possessed of a valuable farm on section 31 of Syracuse Precinct, that is operated in the line of general and stock farming.
   The marriage of our subject was celebrated at Springfield, Mass., April 13, 1863. Then he became the husband of Addie B. Carpenter, who is the daughter of Samuel and Sarah Carpenter, of Brattleboro, Vt. She was born April 22, 1835, was carefully nurtured and brought up by her parents,

educated in the common schools of her native place, and finished her education in the Brattleboro Seminary, making her home with her parents until the happy day above mentioned. Of this union there have been born three children, viz: Dexter D., Lavern F. and Elsie Maud.
   As a general rule ever since he has held the power to vote Mr. Ashley has supported the Republican party, but has never done so excepting when he has been convinced that the candidate put forward by that body was a capable and worthy man; otherwise he has acted independently, and in fact has so governed all his political connections. He is a man who holds a prominent place in the community and is thoroughly trusted and respected by all.

ETER BERLET. In the present writing is presented an epitome of the history of the gentleman who holds the responsible and honorable position of President of the Bank of Talmage, which is a State institution established by James Sweet & Co. in 1883, and Mr. Berlet succeeded two years later to the business. From that time it has been run on a stock basis of $20.000, with a surplus capital of $4,000.
   Mr. Berlet and his cashier, Mr. Ferrick, have both been active in the endeavor to make the bank an institution worthy of the county, and have seen no little success attend their efforts. Our subject has also an interest in cattle raising, and is the owner of 1,120 acres, which is in one ranch, and is situated in Keya Paha County, this State. The ranch is thoroughly stocked, and that only with cattle of the best breeds and of high grade. This enterprise was commenced in the year 1882, and has since been managed by Charles F., the son of our subject, who makes his home at that place.
   Yet another place is owned by Mr. Berlet, and that is situated in Nemaha County, and comprises 840 acres. It was here that he settled in the spring of 1865, when the whole State was in a somewhat primitive condition, and contained few settlers. So little was that district known that it was generally believed, even at so late a date as that, that little if any rain fell west of the Nemaha River. But our subject was not the man to be scared at reports and vague rumors. He pushed out, determined to ascertain for himself, and was rewarded in his effort. His farm is one of the best in the county, which is saying a great deal. He has a fine residence and good buildings. He has never had a failure in the small grains, and only two slight and partial failures in corn throughout the twenty-three years of his occupancy. It is not, therefore, surprising that he is enthusiastically proud of his adopted State.
   The subject of our sketch came to this place from Hancock County, Ill., where he had resided for the ten years previously, during that time being engaged successfully in agriculture. He was born in Franche-Comte, in the east of France, on the 15th of September, 1841, to Francis and Catherine (Senoir) Berlet. He was but a lad when his parents brought him to this country in the early part of 1857, and his experiences at that time were the reasons for his being willing to send one of his sons, the third, for service in the late war. Accordingly Charles and Frederick offered themselves. Charles was drowned in the Mississippi River while on his way to the front, and was never attached to any regiment; Frederick became a member of the 32d Illinois Infantry, and served until 1865, when he died at Orangeburg, S. C., during the progress of Gen. Sherman in his world-famed march. He had seen much active service, and had the record of being a good soldier.
   After the family removed to this State the father made his home with his sons until his death, which occurred in 1886. He was then eighty-seven years. of age. After coming to this country he espoused the principles of the Republican party, and so continued until his death. The mother of our subject, who is still living, is seventy-eight years of age. She lives with her son, Emile Berlet, in Nemaha County. Like her husband, she has been from youth a member of the Lutheran Church.
   The subject of our sketch is the third child of a family of five, of whom our subject and his brother Emile are the only surviving members. He was first married in Jersey County, Ill., to Pauline W. Prevot, who was born in Switzerland, and was brought to this country by her parents in childhood. She died at the Nemaha County homestead,

of our subject in 1876, leaving two children: Charles F., who now manages the Keya Paha, ranch; and Lucille. who is the assistant cashier and bookkeeper at the bank. She is a well-educated, intelligent and accomplished young lady, and fills her position in a most admirable and complimentary manner.
   The present wife of our subject gave him her hand at Neuchatel, Kan., Oct. 13, 1879. Her maiden name was Laura Jeanuret. She was born in Neufchatel, Switzerland. She came to this country alone when sixteen years of age. This marriage also has been blessed by the birth of two children, viz: Minnie and Emma, both of whom are at home.
   Before the war Mr. Berlet was numbered among the stanch Abolitionists, but since the rise of the Republican party he has been one of the stanchest members of that party. He has taken a lively interest in political affairs, and has no little influence in the community, having the esteem and regard of all who know him. He has not been a central figure in political and official circles, although frequently called upon for that purpose. He has been a member of the Town Board, and while in that position labored faithfully for the interests of the people.

ILLIAM W. ADAMS. The career of this honored pioneer of Otoe County is one of more than ordinary interest. He came to the Territory of Nebraska in the fall of 1857, and secured first a tract of land in the central part of the county, upon which he effected a little improvement, but soon sold out and took up his residence in what was then the hamlet of Nebraska City, where he established a boarding-house and carried on farming combined upon land adjacent. In 1865, turning his attention more closely to the pursuit of agriculture, he selected a tract of land in Wyoming Precinct, where he took up his residence, and where he has since lived. His homestead is pleasantly located on section 10, and embraces 20 acres of land, which has been brought to a high state of cultivation.
   Mr. Adams, feeling that he had contributed his share to the development of Otoe County, has retired from active labor. He is the occupant of a most comfortable and attractive home, and is surrounded by the good things of life, to which he is amply entitled by a long life of labor and sacrifice. His buildings are substantial and kept in good order, and adjacent is a large apple orchard, containing, nearly a thousand bearing trees, while the smaller fruit trees yield in abundance for the use of the family. A goodly proportion finds its way to market. Mr. Adams, like the majority of the men around him, has been a hard worker, and no man has watched with warmer interest the growth and development of his adopted State.
   William W. Adams was born in Rockport, Southern Indiana, Jan. 1, 1820, and is the son of Joseph and Mary (Flemming) Adams, who were natives of Kentucky, and the father a farmer by occupation. The parents were reared and married in the Blue Grass regions, whence they migrated to Indiana, and taking up a tract of land lived in true pioneer style, enduring the privations and hardships of life in a new settlement. After the birth of seven children, Joseph Adams was gathered to his fathers about 1822. The mother with her children then returned to Kentucky, where she resided for a period of eight or ten years. She finally decided that there would be a better opportunity for her boys upon the soil of the Prairie State, and accordingly moved to Morgan County, Ill., afterward moving to Hancock County, Ill., where they all lived upon a farm a number of years. William W. was a child eighteen months old at the time of his father's death, and was about three years old when he moved with his mother to Illinois. The mother died in Hancock County in August, 1845, after attaining her threescore years. Mrs. Mary (Flemming) Adams was a lady of more than ordinary capabilities, very intelligent, a kind and tender mother, a devoted wife and a hospitable neighbor. After the death of her husband she devoted herself to the training of her children, who in remembrance of her affectionate care hold her name in the tenderest regard. Of these two are living. Her children all became well-to-do citizens and useful members of their community.
   Our subject was the sixth child of his parents, and was reared to manhood in Hancock County,

Ill., where he followed farming from his youth up, and when ready to establish a home of his own was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Sparks. This lady as born in Kentucky, in 1830, and removed with her parents when a child to Hancock County, Ill. She was given a common-school education and subjected to careful parental training, remaining under the home roof until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there were born two children, one of whom died in infancy. The mother passed away at her home in Wyoming Precinct, in May, 1881.
   Nancy M., the younger daughter of our subject, grew to womanhood, was married, and became the mother of four children, two of whom, Snowden and Belle, died when young. The mother soon followed her children, her death taking place in October, 1881, in Wyoming Precinct. Her two living children. Della and Lucy, now live with their grandfather, and are bright and interesting young ladies.
   Mr. Adams in early life, politically, was a Democrat, but about 1859 identified himself with the Republicans. He, however, votes independently, believing it right to support the men best qualified for office irrespective of party. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church near Augusta, Hancock Co., Ill., in 1835, over fifty years ago, and for this long period has adorned his profession by his Christian walk and conversation. He is a man held in high regard by his entire community, a peaceful and law-abiding citizen who has built up for himself a good record.

ENRY WATHEN. Among the honored pioneers of this county the subject of this sketch is entitled to a prominent place, being one of the very first settlers of South Branch Precinct, where he homesteaded a tract of land in the Spring of 1866, before Nebraska had been transformed from a Territory into a State. Then there were no neighbors within sight of the place where he erected his first rude dwelling, and the country around bore no evidence of having been trodden by the foot of a white man. A period of twenty-two years has worked vast changes, both upon his own property and that of his neighbors.
   Mr, Wathen has now a well-cultivated farm, with good buildings, groves of maple, cottonwood and boxwood trees, an orchard of 200 bearing apple trees with the smaller fruits, and a comfortable dwelling, with the barns and other outhouses necessary for his convenience. He was fortunate in his selection of land, the soil being well watered by running streams, and under his wise management has become highly productive. Mr. Wathen has signalized himself as an honest, hard-working man, of good business capacities, prompt to meet his obligations, and one entirely worthy of the esteem and confidence in which he is held. In his journey of life he has been accompanied by one of the most estimable and intelligent of ladies, who has been brave in the performance of her duties as the wife of the early pioneer, and borne her full share of the heat and burden of the day. Her father was one of the first settlers of Southern Nebraska, and she, with her husband, has watched the growth and development of this now important State with the interest which can only be felt by those who looked upon it during primitive days, ere the hand of the husbandman, holding the plowshare, had begun to turn its undisturbed soil to the sun.
   Our subject is the son of an old Kentuckian, George W. Wathen, who left the Blue Grass regions when a young man, and settled in Gallatin County, Ill. He was married in Gallatin to Miss Rebecca Pantier, who was born in Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Thomas Wathen, was a soldier of two wars, assisting the Colonists in their struggle for independence, and later fought during the troubles of 1812. He was a native of England, of robust frame and splendid constitution, and lived to the unusual age of one hundred and four years, spending his last days in Dubuque, Iowa.
   The parents of our subject were married in Gallatin County, Ill., where the father followed his trade of cooper, and also carried on farming. His sister had married unfortunately, having a husband who abused her, and in interfering in behalf of his sister Mr. Wathen was shot by his brother-in-law,

two years previously, in 1850. Four children were thus orphaned. namely; Joseph, Henry, Rebecca and Annie. Joseph, during the late Civil War, enlisted in the 114th Illinois Infantry, and was in the midst of many a fight during his army service. At the charges of Vicksburg and Ft. Jackson he was shot four times, but recovered; resumed his place in the ranks, and was mustered out at the close, in Springfield, Ill., in 1865. The sisters of our subject are Rebecca Nelson and Anna Sikes.
   Henry Wathen was born in Gallatin County, Ill., Feb. 14, 1841, and was a lad of eleven years at the time of his father's death. He was then thrown upon his own resources, and worked for farmers in his native county until reaching manhood. He was a man twenty-five years of age upon coming to Nebraska, and the year after his arrival was united in marriage, Aug. 4, 1867, with Miss Angelina, daughter of Stephen and Belle (Mapps) Powell. The wife of our subject was born Dec. 1, 1848, in Ohio. Her parents were natives of Ohio, where they were reared and married. Mr. Powell died in Nebraska about 1864. The mother is a resident of Johnson County, this State, being now seventy years of age. They were the parents of nine children, who are now mostly in Nebraska. To Mr. and Mrs. Wathen there have been born ten children, only four of whom survive, namely: Hattie, Jefferson, Thomas and Charles. The eldest is eighteen years of age, and the youngest one, and all except one make their home with their parents. Mr. Wathen is an uncompromising Democrat, politically, but has never sought the responsibilities of office. Aside from serving as a member of the School Board one term, he has given his undivided attention to his farm and his family.

OHN W. McCORMICK, whose farm and residence are upon section 7 of Syracuse Precinct, holds a high place among his fellow-citizens, and since his locating, in March, 1882, has been prominently identified with such projects and enterprises as have been for the advancement and progress of the district. He is of Scotch-Irish descent, and manifests the characteristic traits of those races, The grandfather of our subject, John McCormick, was a native of North Ireland, but while a young man he came with his parents to this country, settled in Pennsylvania, and made husbandry his chosen life occupation.
   The father of our subject, who was born and brought up in the Keystone State, also followed agriculture, in which he was quite successful. The companion of his life was Elizabeth Anderson, a native of the same State and county. They first settled in Pennsylvania, but later migrated to Ohio, locating in Hancock in 1854. Four years later they removed to Peoria County, Ill., and in 1866 to Montgomery County, Iowa. There they spent the remainder of life. The family circle included five children, viz: James, now a resident of Hitchcock County; Thomas J., of Montgomery County, Iowa; Benjamin F., of Page County, Iowa, and John W. There is one adopted daughter, Lavina Bradley, now living in West Virginia.
   The subject of our sketch was born in Beaver County, Pa., on the 17th of March, 1844; when his parents removed West he accompanied them. His education was obtained in the schools of Pennsylvania and Ohio. His marriage occurred in 1873, when he received the hand of Mary Ewalt, the estimable and accomplished daughter of Clem and Margaret Ewalt. This lady was born in Peoria County, Ill., in May, 1842. Her parents were natives of Ohio, who had migrated to Peoria County and taken land. Their daughter Mary was brought up and educated in her native place, and continued at home with her parents until the above event.
   Upon their marriage the young couple made their home in Montgomery County, Iowa, until the year 1882, when that property was sold to good advantage, and the present home and farm purchased. This includes 120 acres of land, all well-improved and highly cultivated, operated along the line of mixed farming. The buildings, although perhaps not so fine in appearance as those of more recent erection, are comfortable for the stock and convenient for the miscellaneous purposes incident to the farm.
   The home of our subject is one and happiest, and our subject an fathful (sic) wife are happy in being the parents of three