Brown (see sketch). She made her home with her parents until her marriage. She is a graduate of the Nebraska City High Schools, and of the Schonenberger Hall, and is eminently fitted to occupy any position in either the social or domestic circles.
   The subject of our sketch has always taken a lively and active interest as a young man in questions of political and governmental interest. He is a member of the Republican party, and usually votes the ticket of the same. In the social societies also he is most favorably known, and holds membership in the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W.. He is a man generally respected and esteemed in the county, by his genial affability and uniform courtesy winning many friends to his side.

HARLES H. KRESSEN is at the head of one of the most important enterprises of Nebraska City, viz, that of the manufacturing of plows and other agricultural necessaries. He was born in Prussia, on the 6th of February, 1845. His father, George Kressen, followed agriculture as his chosen occupation, and never left his native country. Two brothers and a sister of our subject, viz, Martin, Mike and Susannah, came to America in the year 1881.

   Until he was about fourteen years of age the subject of this writing was allowed the privilege of attending school, after which he was his father's help upon the farm for about a year, and then commenced to learn the trade of a blacksmith, which, having learned, he continued to follow until 1865, when he came to this country. He had saved enough of his earnings to bring him over, and also to assist his brother, but that left him without capital to start in the New World.
   In starting in this country our subject had a rugged frame, good health, and a thorough knowledge of a good trade, but no finances. Our subject started to work in Chicago, but not meeting with anything in his line, he engaged in a lumber-yard, working for a time until he found an opening in that with which he was more familiar. He worked for one year, and then came to Nebraska City, and followed his trade, working first by the day until he was able to start in business for himself. He leased a lot, erected a frame building, and started as a general blacksmith, until his business was well established, and then he turned to the manufacture of plows. He was a splendid workman, and speedily built up a fine reputation.
   The business of Mr. Kressen constantly extended and grew more and more profitable to him, until it has taken the shape of the present large establishment, which is one of the institutions of the city, and is located on Fifteenth street and Central avenue, stands 24x8O feet, and is well supplied with all needed machinery for turning out the very best possible work. Adjoining this building is another of the same ground measurement, which is used for the manufacture of the plows used and sold by him. His plows are in large demand throughout Kansas, Nebraska, Dakota, Washington Territory and elsewhere; he also has a large trade in carriages and wagons.
   In 1872 our subject became the husband of Anna Schrittr, a lady of Australian birth, but of German parentage, who was most admirably fitted to fill any place in society, as well as the more important though limited circle of home. She has presented her husband with seven children, who bear the following names: Emile, Katie, Frank, Emma, Annie, Ella and Stella.
   The subject of our sketch has become one of the wealthy citizens and much respected members of Nebraska City and society, and one cannot but admire the push and enterprise as well as excellent judgment of this gentleman, who, while building for himself a profitable business, has also brought to the agriculturists of the West an almost perfect implement for their arduous labor.

HARLES B. CHAPMAN, who is so successful as a general merchant in Nebraska City, and in that connection very favorably known throughout a large section of the county, was born in Backer-Box, Gloucestershire, England, Nov. 16, 1834. His father, Joseph Chapman, was born in Devonshire, of the same country. When a young

man he received the appointment of a revenue officer, and for several years was appointed to service in Gloucestershire, and filled the position until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Felicia Ham, was a native of Fowey, Cornwall. She came to America in 1872, and spent her last years with her children, in Howard County, Iowa. Her father, the grandfather of our subject. was a ship's chandler, in which business he was obliged to keep in stock almost everything a vessel might need, from the outfit of the cabin boy, the supplies for the men, Captain or passengers, to the most complete furnishing of everything throughout the vessel. He became largely interested in the shipping trade, and part owner of several vessels. He grew to be wealthy, and at the time of his death, in 1848, was one of the rich men of the community.
   The family of which our subject is a member included nine children, whom we mention as follows: Elizabeth, who became the wife of Joseph Millward, now living at Minneapolis; Mary, who is the wife of Benjamin Millward, and who resides in Minneapolis; Jane, who was married to George Hayden, and died in England; Edward, one of the successful merchants of Halifax, N. F.; John, who died in England; our subject; William, in Washington Territory; Joseph, in Kansas, and James still in England.
   In the matter of education the subject of our sketch was favored in being privileged to attend school quite regularly until his father's death, in the year 1848. He was then apprenticed to the trade of auger-maker, and served the usual term of seven years, and being very steady and quite a lover of work, he made unusually satisfactory progress. He was required to work ten hours per day, and it was not unusual for him after he became better acquainted with his business to do considerable overtime work.
   In 1856, accompanied by his wife, Mr. Chapman made his way to this country. Landing at the city of New York by no means wealthy, but ready to do good work, he proceeded to Mauch Chunk, Pa., and there found employment in a mill, and there continued for about a year; then he and his brother received word that they would do better in the city of Philadelphia, and accordingly went there, opening a wire factory for a company, and remained there for a year. There he met with an accident and concluded to leave the mills, and again accompanied by his brother, he went to Howard County, Iowa, and located at Cresco, the county seat, and then the western terminus of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. Shortly afterward he purchased 160 acres of unimproved prairie, built a dwelling, and started to improve a farm; but one year of farming in what was then the Far West about satisfied his ambition in that direction, and he wrote to his former employer for his former position, and almost immediately received an earnest request for his return. This he did as soon as he could settle up affairs, and was made foreman of the shops, a position he held for eight years, after which he returned to his farm, where he remained until 1882. He then sold his property and came to Nebraska City, and during two years engaged in farming in the vicinity, when he embarked in general mercantile business, which he has continued prosperously engaged in until the present.
   In 1856 Mr. Chapman was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Butler, who was born in the city of Birmingham, England, on the 24th of November, 1834. After a very happy wedded life, which, however, was not without its trials and difficulties, she died on the 28th of August, 1886, leaving two children, who received the names Felicia Mary and George Edward. These were born in England, and are now living with their father.
   The subject of our sketch is an ardent member of the Baptist Church, and has been such since the year 1855. He is a strong temperance man, is identified with temperance work locally, being quite enthusiastic and held in high esteem throughout the community.

LIE N. NELSON, senior partner of the firm of Nelson Bros., boot and shoe dealers of Nebraska City, stands at the head of one of the principal mercantile establishments in the place, and is numbered among its self-made men. who, beginning life dependent upon their own resources have attained to an enviable position socially and

financially. He was thrown upon his own resources early in life, with a limited education, but has developed remarkable business abilities, which, combined with his sound common sense and a fund of general information, have placed him upon a substantial footing and given him a loading position among the representative men of Otoe County.
   Mr. Nelson is of Scandinavian birth and parentage, his early home having been in the city of Stockholm, Sweden, where his birth took place April 11, 1859. His parents, Nicholas P. and Mary (Kalson) Nelson, emigrated to America with their family in the spring of 1865, and coming directly to the West located in Nebraska City, but later removed to Eastport, Iowa, where Olie N. spent a part of his boyhood. His first business engagement, when a youth sixteen years of age, was with Blum & Co., at Nebraska City, with whom he remained for one and one-half years. He has spent no idle days since that time, having been steadily engaged in business in Nebraska City. The stock and trade of Nelson Bros. is surpassed by no firm in the city, and they have received many commendations for their excellent management, their promptness in meeting their obligations, and the manner in which they have generally distinguished themselves as business men. In the sketch of the younger brother, J. W., found on another page in this volume, will be noted further mention of the parents, who are now residents of Nebraska City.
   Mr. Nelson identified himself with the Masonic fraternity in 1883, in the Western Star Lodge No. 2, in Nebraska City. He takes a warm interest in the success of Masonry, with whose principles he is entirely in sympathy. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, but has no desire for office, preferring to give his attention to his business concerns. He makes his home with his parents in Nebraska City.

OHN T. BEETEM, proprietor of 240 acres of land on section 3 in Hendricks Precinct, the whole of which he operates, is recognized as one of the most enterprising farmers of this locality. This property lies one-quarter of a mile from the town of Hendricks, and is consequently quite valuable. The buildings are tasteful and substantial, and everything about the premises is indicative of thrift and prosperity.
   The subject of this sketch was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, Nov. 1, 1847. His parents, John D. and Mary (Burnum) Beetem, were natives of Kentucky, the father born in 1809. His paternal grandfather served under Washington in the Revolutionary War, and his father later fought in the Black Hawk War. At the close of the latter the father removed across the Mississippi into Missouri, where he carried on farming several years, then moved to Van Buren County, Iowa. From the Hawkeye State he went to Wisconsin, locating near Shellsburg, where he was engaged in mining. This venture not proving successful he removed to Dubuque County, and carried on farming there five years.
   The father of our subject now decided to try the soil of Allamakee County, Iowa, where he purchased 600 acres of land, and there spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1869, at the ago of sixty-three years. The mother is still living, making her home with our subject, and is now sixty-nine years old. The household circle included eleven children, of whom the three elder, Seadford, Adam and Edward, are deceased. Those surviving are: John T. (our subject), Joseph, George, Frank, Louisa, Sarah and Rolf.
   Our subject continued at home with his parents until reaching his majority, acquiring a common-school education and becoming familiar with the various employments of farm life. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company F, 6th Iowa Cavalry, and was mustered into service at Davenport, going from there with his regiment to the frontier upon an expedition against the Indians; he participated in the battle of Bad Lands. He gave to his country a service of over three years, being mustered out at Sioux City, Iowa, in 1865.
   Upon retiring from the army Mr. Beetem began farming in Allamakee County, Iowa, where he continued until the fall of 1870. Then, coming to this county he located upon the land which he now occupies in Hendricks Precinct, and upon which he has made all the improvements which we now be-

hold. He subsequently added eighty acres to his first purchase. The fields are divided by a handsome hedge fencing, and seven acres have been planted to trees, forming a fine grove. He has an orchard of 100 apple trees, and other choice fruits on the place. The farm is supplied with running water and native timber.
   Mr. Beetem while a resident of Iowa was married, in Delaware County, that State, May 8, 1868, to Miss Catherine, daughter of John and Katie (Boyne) McPherson. The parents of Mrs. B. were natives of Scotland, whence they emigrated to America in 1849. The mother departed this life at her home in 1869. The father is still living, and a resident of Hendricks Precinct, being now seventy-seven years of age. Their family consisted of six children--Jeanette, David, Jane, Robert, Margaret and Catherine.
   The wife of our subject was born in Scotland, in 1846. and came to America with her parents. She was given a good education and developed into a schoolmistress, following the profession of a teacher before her marriage. Her union with our subject has resulted in the birth of seven children, who are all at home with their parents. Mr. Beetem, politically, is an uncompromising Democrat, and, with his estimable wife, a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Hendricks. He has been Moderator in his district four years, and as an ex-soldier belongs to the G. A. R., Post No. 54, at Palmyra.

ILLIAM I. McKEE, a resident of thirty years' standing in this county, came with his mother's family to Syracuse Precinct when a lad nine years of age, and retains ownership of the homestead which they then began building up. This comprises 186 acres of good land on section 7, together with a comfortable farmhouse and the adjacent buildings necessary for the successful prosecution of agriculture. For the past few years Mr. McKee has given his attention principally to stock-raising, which has netted him handsome returns annually. He is ranked among the leading representatives of the farming district, a man in whom his neighbors have confidence, and whose career his been such as to gain him the esteem of all who know him.
   Morrow County, Ohio, was the early tramping ground of our subject, where his birth took place June 2, 1848. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Kelley) McKee, were natives of Delaware, and the father died in Ohio when his son, William J., was only four years old. The mother five years later came with her family to Nebraska, and passed to her rest at the homestead, in the fall of 1873. The parental household consisted of nine children, of whom five are living.
   Mr. McKee continued under the home roof during his childhood and youth, acquiring his education in the common schools. At the age of nineteen years he was united in marriage with Miss Esther E., daughter of Jacob and Mary (Dunlap) Sollenberger. This lady is also a native of Ohio, and came with her parents to this county in 1858. The family at first located in Nebraska City, but later moved to a farm in Syracuse Precinct, where the father followed agricultural pursuits until 1883. The parents then retired from active labor and took up their residence in the town of York, where they now live.
   Mr. and Mrs. McKee after their marriage resided on the homestead until the spring of 1884. Our subject then going into Holt County, purchased 480 acres of land, and engaged extensively in stock raising, buying and shipping. In March, 1888, he returned to the old homestead, where he has since lived, although still retaining possession of his Holt County farm. His home circle now includes six interesting children, one son and five daughters, namely: Della, Mattie, Elizabeth, Mary, Frank and Edna. The eldest is twenty years of age and the youngest ten, and all continue at home with their parents. Mr. McKee votes the straight Republican ticket, and socially, is a Knight of Pythias.
   Jacob Sollenberger, the father of Mrs. McKee, was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1825, where he grew to manhood and learned the trade of a carpenter. He married Miss Mary Dunlap, a native of the same State, and soon afterward they settled in Shelby County. Thence, in 1856, they removed to Richland County, Wis., and fifteen months later came to Nebraska. Mr. S. subsequently home-

steaded a farm near Syracuse, where he resided until his removal to his present home in the town of York, here he now follows his trade. The parental household consisted of nine children, seven of whom are living, namely: Esther E., the wife of our subject; Ann Belle, Mrs. David Brakeman, of York, Neb.; Ona, Lincoln, Etta, Grant and Maggie at home with their parents.

ENRY HUCKINS, editor of the Unadilla and Nebraska City Times, established the Journal-Times, which he now conducts with great ability, in the winter of 1884. In its first issue it appeared as a small daily, three-column folio, called the Daily Stock Journal Times, and its modest request for the encouragement of the public met with a most generous response. It is now recognized throughout the State as a fearless and outspoken paper, independent in politics, but leaning toward Republican principles. Shortly after its first issue it dropped its first title and appeared, greatly enlarged and improved, as the Daily Evening Times. It was the first paper in town to use other than hand power in propelling its presses, and connected with it now is one of the most complete job departments in the county. It is always in the lead in any project to advance the interests of the city and county, and is enjoying a steadily increasing circulation.
   The main points in the family history of our subject are essentially as follows: He is the son of Daniel and Polly (Banghart) Huckins, who were natives of the Dominion of Canada, both born in 1820. There also they were reared, and were married in the city of Westminster. The paternal grandfather, a native of New Hampshire, served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and spent his last years in Lexington, Mich.
   The father of our subject, at the age of seventeen starting out for himself, made his way to Port Huron, Mich., in the vicinity of which he purchased eighty acres of land, which he occupied and cultivated for a period of thirteen years. His experience as a pioneer was not unlike that of others who settled in a wild country and battled with the privations and hardships incident to that region. From 1838 to 1869 the elder Huckins was employed at clearing land and shoemaking in and about Lexington, Mich., then determined to cast his lot with the people of the young and growing State of Nebraska. He made the journey to this county overland with teams, and settled in the embryo town of Nebraska City, where he followed his old trade of shoemaking, and in 1874 established in business for himself. In October, 1888, he took up his residence in Unadilla, where, with his estimable wife, he is still living, and engaged in stock-raising on a small scale.
   The parental household included six children, namely: Sarah, who died when four years of age; Roy died at the age of four years; Pembroke also died at the age of four; A, B., M. S. and Henry are those who still survive, and all are residents of Otoe County. A. B. is renowned as a prohibition singer, and M. S. follows his trade of painter. Henry, our subject, the youngest child, was born in St. Clair County, Mich., Dec. 26, 1858, and was eleven years of age when his parents came to Nebraska City. He still recalls many of the incidents preparatory to the removal, and the after experience of pioneer life. He completed his education in the High School of Nebraska City, and began to learn the printer's trade when a boy of fifteen years, four years later escaping from the confinement of the office. and engaged as agent for the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company. His forte, however, seemed to be the newspaper business, and he soon returned to his legitimate trade, establishing, as we have already indicated, the paper which he has since conducted with such success. In April, 1887, he enlarged it to a five-column folio, and in November following added still another column to its size. On the 14th of July, 1888, he removed to Unadilla. In the meantime, in the month of April, 1886, he had established a weekly in connection with the daily, conducting both for a time, then discontinued the daily and enlarged his weekly. The business office in Nebraska City is on Central avenue.
   Our subject was married, on the 1st of February, 1887, to Miss Lovina Retherford who was born in Licking County, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1858. Her parents are now deceased. Of this union there is one child,

a son, Clarence Leon, who was born Oct. 5, 1884. In addition to his office and material, Mr. Huckins owns twenty-five acres of valuable land adjoining the town of Unadilla, besides a house and lot in Nebraska City. He reflects with pardonable pride upon the headway he has made in his publishing business during the last three years, and which less been the result of great industry and perseverance.

UGUST BESCH. The large and finely improved farm of the subject of this sketch forms one of the most attractive features in the landscape of Russell Precinct, being conspicuous for its improvements and its general air of thrift and prosperity. The proprietor, who is of German birth and ancestry, is one of the best representatives in this part of the State of a nationality which has done so much toward the development of the Great West.
   Our subject was born in Prussia, Dec. 25, 1845, and is the son of Henry and Olrika Besch, who were of pure German ancestry, and the latter of whom died when her son August was a child two years of age. The father was subsequently married to Caroline Schaeffer, a native of his own country, and they are both still living. Of the first marriage there were two sons, our subject and his elder brother, Ferdinand, who is now a resident of East Troy, Wis. Of the second marriage there were also born two sons, Charles and John, who continue upon their native soil.
   Our subject, in common with the children of the Fatherland, was given an excellent education in the parish school, and when fourteen years old commenced an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked until the age of twenty-three. He had been a bright and ambitious lad, and now determined to seek his fortunes on the other side of the Atlantic.
   Young Besch embarked on board a sailing-vessel at the port of Bremen in 1868, and seven weeks later landed in the city of Baltimore. Thence he proceeded by rail directly to Milwaukee, Wis., and shortly afterward secured employment as a farm laborer in the vicinity of Racine, being engaged with one man a period of four years. Upon coming to Nebraska in 1872 he first took up his abode in the vicinity of Grand Island, but not being pleased with that section went into Muscatine County, Iowa. There he worked on a farm five years, then commenced farming on rented land for himself, being thus occupied until the spring of 1883.
   Our subject now returned to Nebraska, and settled upon 120 acres of land in Russell Precinct, this county, which he had previously purchased, and which he has since occupied. The improvements which the passing traveler views to-day with admiring interest are all the result of the industry and perseverance of the present proprietor. He has set out groves and an orchard of 100 trees, planted hedge fencing, enclosed some of his fields with wire fencing, has put up a house and barn, and the other structures necessary for his convenience. He could now comfortably retire from active labor, and have sufficient to keep him in his old age. The long habit of industry, however, with which he has been imbued and which he has exercised so many years, will probably cling to him as long as he lives, and just so long will he be busily engaged with hands or mind. In the building up of one of the best homesteads in Russell Precinct he has added so much to its real-estate value, and especially to the value of the property around him.
   Mr. Besch was married in Muscatine County, Iowa, March 14, 1878, to Miss Caroline, daughter of August and Fredricka (Herwig) Fricke. Mrs. Besch was born in Muscatine County, Oct. 2, 1856, and was the eldest of seven children comprising the parental household, which included six daughters and one son, of whom we name: Caroline, Lizzie, Annie, Henry, Mary and Emma. Those surviving are residents of Iowa.
   The parents of Mrs. Besch were natives of Prussia, the father born in 1824, and the mother in 1829. Mr. Fricke came to America when twenty-two years of age, in time to serve as a soldier in the Mexican War. He participated until the close of that conflict, and then settling in the city of St. Louis, Mo., engaged at his trade of carpenter, Later he recrossed the Atlantic, and spent one year among the friends and associates of his youth. Upon returning to the United States he lived for a