becoming a naturalized citizen, identified himself with the Republican party, and is one of its warmest supporters. From 1862 to 1865 he followed the river, being on the steamer "West Wind," which, in the fall of 1864, transported troops to Jefferson City. He fought the rebels along the river and at various places. Oct. 16, 1864, the boat was destroyed by the troops of the rebel Generals, Shelby and Clark. The prisoners, however, were not confined, and later were abandoned by their captors, who were attacked and dispersed by Union troops. Among the portraits given in this volume may be found that of Mr. Roddy.

OWELL F. ST. JOHN. The man who has been content to labor year after year, perhaps at first with scarcely perceptible results, but still undiscouraged and at last successful, deserves more than a passing mention. These few words give some idea of the career of the subject of this biography, a farmer and skilled mechanic combined, who has now arrived at the point where he can rest upon his oars, and may be pardoned if he looks around him with pride and satisfaction. In looking thus he has before him one of the finest homesteads in Otoe County, an area of land 240 acres in extent, and a set of handsome and substantial farm buildings. The fat cattle and horses grazing in the rich pastures add to the attractions of the scene, while the grain fields yield abundantly the richest products of Southern Nebraska. Adjacent to the building is a fine orchard, with trees of the smaller fruits, and, in fact, our subject and his family are surrounded by all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
   Mr. St. John took possession of the land which he now occupies when it was in a wild and unbroken condition, and its present state is due entirely to his industry and perseverance. He is an Ohio man by birth, having first opened his eyes to the light in Westfield Township, Medina County, that State, Feb. 14, 1836. Myron aid Philena (Alton) St. John, his worthy parents, were of old New England stock, and traced their ancestors back to the Pilgrims and the Colonial times. They removed with their parents from New England to New York State, and were reared and married in Onondaga County, N. Y. After marriage the father secured a tract of land in that county, where he lived with his excellent wife until after the birth of a part of their family.
   The father of our subject not making the headway he desired decided to push still further westward, and accordingly about 1830 moved from the Empire State, and took up his abode among the pioneers of Medina County, Ohio. The region thereabouts was then an unbroken wilderness, and the family established themselves in a little cabin in the woods, while the father proceeded to fell the timber around and bring the soil to a state of cultivation. He thus labored until advancing years compelled him to be less industrious, and died at the age of seventy-six years. He was a kind and indulgent father, a good neighbor, and in religious matters a member of the Baptist Church. During his early manhood he was attached to the old Whig party, but upon its abandonment identified himself with the Republicans.
   The mother of our subject survived her husband a number of years, and passed away at the ripe old age of eighty, in June of 1884, spending her last days in Ohio with her family. She was in all respects the suitable helpmate of her husband, and with him was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church. They were the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to mature years and were married. All the daughters and four of the sons are still living, being residents mostly of Ohio and Nebraska.
   Our subject was the sixth child of his parents, with whom he remained until reaching manhood, acquiring a common-school education, and becoming familiar with farming its carried on in the pioneer times. At quite an early age he developed unusual mechanical genius, and, although never serving at a regular trade, could fashion almost anything with a saw or a jack-knife. These qualities developed to his advantage later, and after coming to this county he became interested in hydraulic jetting well machinery.
   Mr. St. John in about 1862 changed his residence from Medina to Sandusky County, Ohio, of which

he was a resident fourteen years, engaged mostly in farming. He was married in his native township to Miss Jane Munn, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Dec. 10, 1840, and is the daughter of Bethuel and Arvilla (Jones) Munn, who are both now deceased, and who spent their last years in Ohio. They were natives of New York and New Jersey, and the father was a farmer by occupation for a number of years, although having a good knowledge of mill-wrighting, which he followed considerably in connection with farming.
   Mrs. St. John was reared and educated in her native township, completing her studies at Saville Academy. She has been a true helpmate to her husband, contributing her full share in the accumulation of the property, and exerting herself for the comfort of those dependent upon her. Of the five children born of this union, Arvilla, when thirteen months old, was taken from the household circle in 1863, and in February, 1888, a son, Mortimer, died at the age of twenty-seven years. Both were very promising, and their death was a sore affliction to the devoted parents. The son fell a victim of rheumatism of the heart and pneumonia, from which he suffered some time before his death, which took place at the home of his parents. The eldest living child, Clarence, chiefly assists his father on the farm, and the younger son, Charles, gives his attention to the machinery in which his father is interested. Genie D. is attending college at Nebraska City. Mr. St. John, politically, is a sound Republican, and A man whose opinions are generally respected.

GBERT L. ELLIS, whose property and residence is on section 1 of Syracuse Precinct, where he settled in May of 1885, is one of the capable and much valued citizens of the district. He was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., on the 28th of February, 1834, and is the son of Harvey and Sarah (Woodworth) Ellis, who were natives of New York.
   The educational advantages of our subject were those of the common school of his native place, which were supplemented by the initiation into the practical duties of farming. He remained upon the home farm until he attained his majority, and then emigrated to Michigan, and located in Eaton County, in the neighborhood of Charlotte. There he associated with his brother Edgar, and they worked together as carpenters and joiners, contracting for and putting up many of the best buildings of Charlotte, and others of minor mention. In the same neighborhood also he purchased, cleared and cultivated about seventy acres of land, put upon it an excellent set of buildings and a farmhouse of considerable pretensions, admirably designed and constructed, and for some time after bringing it to this desirable condition he continued to follow agricultural pursuits.
   Mr. Ellis sold the above property in 1885 and came to this State, taking up a farm of 129 acres which he has well improved. and provided with a good house and buildings, giving much more care than he had done upon his previous property. He has since that time been very successful in the raising of cattle and hogs, and usually has about fifty head of each upon the farm at one time.
   Our subject was united in marriage with Mary S. Conn., at Charlotte, Mich., Sept. 15, 1869. This lady is the daughter of Samuel and Orissavilla (Fowler) Conn. She was born at North Cohocton, Steuben Co., N. Y., upon the 2d of February, 1838. Her father, who was one of the prosperous and enterprising merchants of that place, was born on the 10th of September, 1809, at Bath, N. Y. In 1843 he migrated from the Empire State to Michigan. The first five years in the West were spent at Saline, then he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Lockport, St. Joseph County, where, in February, 1851, he was bereaved by the death of his wife. Subsequently he returned to Saline, where he died on the 23d of July, 1869. In politics he was an old-line Whig, and later became a member of the Republican party. He was one of the leading citizens wherever he might make his home, and was frequently called upon to fill local offices.
   The paternal grandmother of Mrs. Ellis was the daughter of Abijah Guile, who was born in West Winfield, N. Y., on the 17th of March, 1772. He built the first gristmill ever put up in North Cohocton, and was one of the prominent and public-

spirited citizens of that place in its early days. He was a lineal descendant of John Guile, who came from England in the year 1736, and settled in Dedham, Mass.
   The subject of our sketch is a stanch adherent and firm supporter of the Republican party. While living in Michigan he was called upon to fill various offices, which he always did in a most admirable and thorough manner. Although a firm believer in the Christian religion, he is not attached to any denominational system, but is somewhat inclined to favor Congregationalism. He has been a resident of this State for but a short time, yet he has made many friends, and has secured the hearty respect of the people; this is also true of Mrs. Ellis and their two children, Henry C. and Cora M. It is not improbable that in future years our subject may have an important place to fill in the history of the county should he be spared, as there is apparently every reason to hope he may be.

OHN T. ELLIOT. Among the practical and prosperous general farmers of McWilliams Precinct the gentleman whose life story is here presented must certainly be named. His farm and home are on section 28, McWilliams Precinct, and his property is some eighty acres in extent, all of which is under the plow. He has only owned the farm for about four years. Before that he had for twelve years resided in Rock Creek, and came first to Nebraska in 1870. He has an extensive knowledge of the Western country, having spent two years traveling here, there and elsewhere in the Great West.
   The subject of our sketch was born in Connecticut, near the city of Hartford, on the 6th of January, 1856. He was taken by his parents to Cass County, Ill., when about three years of age. There he was brought up and educated, and continued to make his home until he came to this State, where as a young man he has made a good reputation, both in regard to character and ability.
   Robert Elliot, his father, was by trade a farmer and miller, and learned both occupations before leaving Scotland, his native country. He was born and grew up in the vicinity of the city of Glasgow. There he married Jane Miller, a native of the Isle McGee. Shortly after the birth of their son James D., now a resident of Cass County, Ill., they came to this country and took up their abode in Connecticut, where the father applied himself to his trade, continuing until after the birth of their six children, of whom our subject was the youngest. Then, as mentioned above, a move was made to Cass County, where, in the year 1866, while yet in the prime of life, the wife and mother was removed by death.
   Mr. Elliot, Sr., was married a second time, the lady of his choice being Miss Nancy Davidson, of Cass County, Ill. Soon after the birth of their first child, and in the year 1870, they removed to Nebraska, and here Mr. Elliot began farming, but about live years later sold out and went to Kansas, locating near Superior, in that State.
   The subject of our sketch was educated in the schools of Illinois and this State, and from his youth has been more or less in daily contact with various farm employments. He was married in Tecumseh, Sept. 5, 1888, to Miss Jennie McClung, who was born in Fremont County, Iowa, in the year 1867. She is the daughter of Edward and Nellie (Young) McClung, who are now living at Talmage. Mrs. Elliot is a lady of education and careful home training, an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, where she is much esteemed. Our subject, who is yet a young man, has not taken a prominent part in political matters, but will doubtless figure in future years. He is a member of the Democratic party, and takes considerable interest in questions of political import.

HRISTIAN HUSTED, bookkeeper for J. H. Arends, in the city of Syracuse, and well known among the business men of his community, was born near the city of Veile, Denmark, on the 19th of July, 1844. His parents were Eric C. and Anna (Christensen) Husted, whose family consisted of two children only, our subject and his brother Hans, who still resides in his native country.
   Young Husted was educated in the schools of

Copenhagen, and lived near the place of his birth until a man twenty-eight years of age, being mostly engaged in teaching. in the spring of 1872 he emigrated to the United States, and after landing upon American soil, proceeded directly westward to Polk County, Wis., where he engaged in farming. In the fall of 1873 he left the Badger state, and, changing his occupation somewhat, engaged in newspaper work, and was for a period of ten years thereafter editor of the Danish Pioneer, the largest Scandinavian journal in the United States. In 1883, coming to Syracuse, he assumed the duties of his present position, and has now become one of the indispensable features of the house.
   Mr. Husted while a resident of Omaha was united in marriage with Miss Louise Jessen, the wedding taking place in the spring of 1877. Mrs. Hosted is a native of the same country as her husband, and came to the United States with her parents, Dr. H. Q. and Kirstine Jessen, when about sixteen years old. Her father is a well-educated man. a physician by profession, and is now practicing in Sacramento, Cal. To Mr. and Mrs. Husted there have been born three children -- Anna, Harriet and Ella, who are all at home with their parents. Mr. Husted in religion is a Lutheran, and politically, votes the Democratic ticket.

RANK J. CONKEL. There probably is in Rock Creek Precinct no farm under better cultivation than the land belonging to the subject of this sketch, and which is pleasantly located on section 25, embracing its southeastern quarter. The buildings are neat and substantial, there are shade and fruit trees, the land is well watered, and produces in abundance the rich crops of Southern Nebraska. The present proprietor came to Nebraska Territory in the fall of 1866, purchased his present land two years later, and in the same year put up his present dwelling. The premises wear that air of thrift and prosperity which it is delightful to contemplate.
   Our subject is an Ohio man by birth, having first opened his eyes to the light in Crawford County, that State, Dec. 9, 1843. His parents, George and Beulah A. (Vale) Conkel, were also natives of the Buckeye State, and the father all his life followed the peaceful pursuits of agriculture. The household circle included four sons and four daughters, of whom our subject was the eldest son and third child. Of his brothers and sisters five are living, mostly engaged in farming pursuits, and residents of Nebraska and Iowa. Our subject before reaching his majority removed with his parents from the Buckeye State to Logan County, Ill., about 1856, where he attained his majority. They finally left Illinois, and pushed farther westward to Fremont County, Iowa, where the father carried on farming successfully until his death, which occurred in the winter of 1879, when he was sixty-eight years old. He was a well-read man, of decided views, and a Democrat in politics. The mother is still living, and makes her home with her younger son, William, in Fremont County, Iowa.
   Upon reaching his majority our subject started out on his own account, and soon thereafter occurred one of the most interesting and important events in his life, namely, his marriage, Aug. 11, 1866. His chosen bride, Miss Elizabeth Duncan, was born in Gibson, Ind., in 1841, and is the daughter of Lloyd and Rosina (Lucas) Duncan, the former of whom died in Logan County, Ill., in 1862. He was a well-to-do farmer during his later years, although spending his early life in mercantile pursuits. The mother after the death of her husband joined her daughter, Mrs. Conkel, in this county, and subsequently took up her abode with her son Thomas in Delaware Precinct, where her death took place about 1884. Both Mr. and Mrs. Duncan were members in good standing of the Baptist Church.
   Mrs. Conkel was reared and educated chiefly in Southern Illinois, but before her marriage removed with her parents to Logan County. She is a lady of many estimable qualities, and has been the true helpmate of her husband in all his worthy efforts. Their union has been blessed by the birth of seven children, who yet form an unbroken family circle, all at home with their parents. They were named respectively: Rosa, Grayson, Edgar, Willard, Addie, Frederick and Ettie.
   Mr. and Mrs. Conkel after their marriage took pos-

session of a modest dwelling in this township, and in all the relations of life have signalized themselves as useful and worthy members of the community. Mr. Conkel's interest in the temperance movement led him, in 1886, to ally himself with the Prohibitionists. He came to this county with limited capital, which he was fortunate in investing very judiciously, and has left no stone unturned to surround himself and his family with all the comforts of life, and build up a homestead which should compare favorably with that of the enterprising men around him.

AMES LEWIS, who is one of the successful and enterprising agriculturists and stockfeeders of Palmyra Precinct, and operates 120 acres on section 26, was born in Wiltshire, England, near the town of Swindon, upon the Great Western Railway, on the 21st of July, 1848. He is the son of John and Sarah Lewis, and is the youngest of four children born to them, to whom were given the names subjoined, viz: John, Elizabeth, Joseph and James. His mother died when he was but a small child, and he has no recollection of her. He received his education in the parish schools, attending them until he was thirteen years of age, when he began to serve an apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner.
   When nineteen our subject made up his mind to come to the Western World, but being apprenticed until he was twenty-one years of age he had to pay his time from nineteen to twenty-one in order to be released from the articles of indenture. This arranged, he sailed from. Liverpool on the 1st of April, 1868, on board the good ship" France," whose powerful engines carried him swiftly over the Atlantic rollers, landing him at New York on the 11th of the same month. He came straight through to this State to his uncle, Joseph Green. At first he engaged to work at his trade in Nebraska City. In the fall of 1868 he went to Lincoln and began work on the State House, and afterward on the Insane Asylum, and the residences of Gov. Butler and Secretary Kennedy. He remained working for two seasons in and around Lincoln. The summer of 1871 he went to Syracuse, where he remained until after the Chicago fire. That, however, offered an unusual chance for employment, and he repaired to that city, remaining there about two years. He then returned to Syracuse, and was there through the winter of 1873-74. He then began contracting building upon his own account, and saw no little prosperity.
   At Palmyra, on the 9th of August, 1875, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Mary E. McAleer, the daughter of James and Catherine McAleer, who were both born in Ireland. Mr. McAleer was by trade a marble cutter, and was living in Rhode Island, where his marriage was celebrated, and had continued so to do for many years. His daughter Mary was the eldest of seven children, whose names are here recorded, viz.: Mary, James, Miles, John, Thomas F., Frances and Bernard. Mrs. Lewis was born on the 17th of June, 1854, and was eleven years of age when, with her parents, she came to Princeton, Ill., and was nineteen at the time the removal was made to this State. Her father settled on a farm in Russell Precinct in the fall of 1873. He died Sept. 16, 1888, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. Her mother, who is sixty-three years old, still lives upon the farm.
   For some years after his marriage our subject combined husbandry with carpentry, but since the year 1880 he has given his attention to stock farming. He is feeding from thirty to thirty-six cattle, and has on hand at least two carloads of hogs. In 1885 for one year he had an interest in a grocery business in Palmyra, and was successful while remaining in it, but his cattle business prevented his seeing his way so to do. There have come to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis four children, who bear the following names: Helen, James A., Mary M. and Eugene J.
   As Mr. Lewis at an early date conceived the idea of coming to America, he also realized his duty and privilege of becoming an American citizen, and he took occasion shortly after his arrival to declare his intention to enter into that relation with the people of this Republic, and he is to-day one of the most loyal and patriotic. He made good use of his homestead right, and entered eighty acres,

but after improving this somewhat sold it and purchased his present property, which was but then very slightly improved. To-day it is one of the most valuable farms in Palmyra Precinct, and his beautiful residence, which occupies an elevated site, overlooks the country for some distance. His pastures and cattle sheds show that he is thorough, practical and prosperous. His property is supplied with all the modern necessaries in the line of implements, machines and conveniences.
   Mrs. Lewis is a lady of education and refinement, and is a graduate of the Princeton High School of Illinois. Her home reveals the fact that she is in every way a lady of refinement. With her husband she is a member of the Catholic Church, and one of the earnest supporters of the same. Our subject is a Democrat in his political proclivities, and although not an office-holder takes the greatest interest in matters connected therewith. He sustains in the community at large a most enviable reputation as a man and citizen.

DWIN ANDREWS. Prominent among the citizens of Otoe County, where he resides on section 34 of North Branch Precinct, and in every way worthy of such a position, is the gentleman of whose life the more salient features are here presented. He is a representative of a very old Eastern family that has occupied a similar high station in other States. He is the son of Bartholomew and Amelia (Meriam) Andrews, both natives of Connecticut. The grandfather of our subject was by occupation a farmer. He removed from his home in that State to Onondaga County, N. Y., where he died. The parents of our subject were brought up in their native State and there married. Afterward they removed to the Empire State, and took up land and carried on farming for the remainder of their days. They were the parents of twelve children, all of whom grew to mature years. Their names are recorded as follows: Anna, Caroline, Lavina, Clarrissa, Alemenia and Curtis, all of whom are now deceased. Six are now living, viz.: Thomas, of Otoe County; Guernsey and Noah, both of Onondaga; Edwin, our subject; Titus, of Onondaga County, and Solomon, of Keokuk, Iowa.
   The early days of our subject were spent upon the home farm and in attendance at the common schools. From that time until he attained his twenty-first year he continued to assist his father upon the farm. Beginning life for himself, he commenced work as a carpenter in his native county, and was accounted a skilled workman. In 1852 he was united in marriage with Diana C. Weller. To them there have come nine children: Marsha, and Amelia, who married L. E. Sinsebaugh, are deceased; the surviving members of the family are Charles C., George, Warren, Albert; Eugenie, who is the wife of Clarence Francis; Genevieve and Hannah.
   Our subject purchased fifty acres of land from his father, which he later traded for another farm, and then gave his attention to the work connected therewith. He continued to make his home in his native county until he came to Nebraska. Here he purchased 200 acres of land, which is the property upon which he now lives. At that time it was nothing but raw prairie, entirely unimproved, and so far as the raising of crops was concerned, that was an impossibility. By careful, continued earnest labor he has made such a success of his work as to be able to purchase from time to time additional property, and now owns about 1,000 acres, all of which is thoroughly improved.
   Mr. Andrews devotes himself to stock-raising, and his reputation as a raiser of thoroughbred cattle and hogs is established, while as a breeder of fine horses there are few who surpass him. During the year 1887 he fed over 16,000 bushels of corn. His ranch has two sets of buildings and sheds, which are as good as any in the county, well built, conveniently arranged, and supplied with every modern convenient arrangement. His residence, which is in keeping with his position in the county and the financial world, was built in 1869, and is one of the finest in the county, and it was at that time by far superior to anything in the county.
   When Mr. Andrews came to Nebraska he purchased his land at the rate of $9 per acre, becoming the owner of 200 acres, and had to go in debt before he had completed his house, but as the years have passed he has been increasingly successful, and is