cuse, where he operated successfully for a period of fourteen years. He crossed the Mississippi poor in purse, even obliged to borrow money to get his family to their destination. His possessions to-day are the result of his own resolute industry. He has made it a point to live within his income, has been prompt in meeting his obligations, and thus gained for himself a solid foundation financially and in the opinion of his fellowmen. He was one of the pioneers of his neighborhood. His settlement here was rather the result of accident than intention, as he had started for California. In passing through Nebraska City he saw on exhibition specimens of potatoes, corn and other products grown in this State. and being informed that he could secure a homestead, and in due time produce the same, determined at once to make settlement. He has never repented of his decision, and declares that in all his travels he has found no section of country equal to Nebraska. A pleasant, genial and companionable man, he has made hosts of friends wherever it has been his lot to dwell, and none have been warmer or more sincere than those west of the Mississippi.
   Mr. Sugden for a number of years was a supporter of Republican principles. During the campaign of 1884 he felt that he would be justified in changing his allegiance, and accordingly wheeled over into the ranks of the Democracy. He, however, meddles with public affairs very little, preferring to give his time and attention to his farming interests.

 J. SCHOMERUS is one of the leading boot and shoe dealers in Nebraska City. He has a commodious, well-appointed store in the Grand Pacific Block, carries a large and well-selected stock, and does an extensive business. He was born May 28, 1831, in Hanover, Germany, and is a son of Christian and Famkam Schomerus, both natives of Hanover. The father was a grocer, and spent his entire life in his native land, dying when but fifty years of age. The mother is now spending her declining years with our subject, and notwithstanding that she is in her ninety-seventh year, she is strong and vigorous, both physically and mentally. There were eight children born to her and her husband, seven of whom grew to maturity: John Herman, Henry M., John Conrad, Christian A., Johanna M., our subject and Fredericka. Henry died in Germany, but the remaining members of the family came to America. Herman located in St. Louis and died there; the others settled in Nebraska City. Johanna was first married to George Strechan; her second husband was Jacob Atkin, who is still living; she died in this city. Fredericka married Frederick Zuck, and lives in Otoe County.
   The subject of this sketch obtained a good education in the schools of his native land, which he attended until he was sixteen years old. He then learned the trade of cotton weaver, and was engaged at that in the old country until 1858, when he came to America, where he hoped to be able to earn more money in payment for his labors, and so be able to establish a comfortable home. He landed at New Orleans, and thence proceeded by a steamer up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. He disembarked in that city a stranger in a strange land, without money and without friends, and laboring also under the further disadvantage of being unable to understand the language of the people. But with all these discouragements the heart of the sturdy young man beat high with hope and a firm resolve to make life a success in this to him unknown country. He was endowed with plenty of strength and muscle, and knew well how to use them, so that he did not have great difficulty in securing work, finding employment in Columbia, Ill., with a farmer, receiving as payment the sum of $9 a month and board. His next place of employment was at Alton, Ill., for a few weeks. He then took a job of splitting rails, and as this was entirely new work for him, he could only earn his board that winter. In the spring of 1859 he came to Nebraska City, and shortly after hired out to a German farmer who lived twelve miles southwest of the city, and he worked for that man until the fall of the year, for $12.50 a month. Wishing to become more conversant with the English language. He engaged with an American that fall, for $9 a month, and worked with him that winter. In the spring of

1860 he crossed the plains to Pike's Peak with ox-teams, and there he secured work in a sawmill until fall, at $25 a month and board. In the fall he returned to Omaha, and then came to Nebraska City to work on a farm in this vicinity. In the spring of 1861 he came to Nebraska City, and was employed in a livery stable for a few months prior to his enlistment in the 2d Nebraska Cavalry, with which regiment he went to the frontier, and did gallant service in suppressing the Indian outbreak. He was present at the battle of Whitstone Hill, and continued in the army until the fall of 1863, when he was honorably discharged with his regiment. He was then employed in a restaurant and confectionery store until the spring of 1864. He then went to St. Louis, where he hoped to obtain more profitable work, but being disappointed in that, he enlisted in Company I, 41st Missouri Infantry, and from that time did garrison duty until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged with his regiment. and once again came to Nebraska City. While he was in the army he hid been prudent and economical and had wisely saved his earnings, so that on his return here he had enough to buy a good breaking team, consisting of five yokes of oxen, and he then engaged in the profitable work of breaking prairie at $4 an acre. He followed that business two seasons, but in the fall of the year 1866 he abandoned that to form a partnership with George Bartz, in opening a confectionery store. In 1867 Mr. Schomerus left his partner in charge of their business, and went back to his old home in Germany, in very much more prosperous circumstances than when he left there ten years before. Having had a very pleasant visit among his old friends, he returned to his adopted country in the fall of that year, accompanied by his betrothed and a brother and his family. In the following year he bought his partner's interest in the business, which they had been conducting together, and carried it on alone for a few years. He then sold out and bought a farm nine miles northwest of the city. He did not move onto his farm, however, but continued his residence in the city, and in 1877 formed a partnership with John H. Minke, to engage in the boot and shoe trade. They were associated together for about five years, and then divided the stock, our subject retaining the old stand, and he is still carrying on a flourishing business.
   Mr. Schomerus has been twice married. His first marriage, which took place in New York City in 1867, was to Miss M. E. Wilkan, also a native of Hanover. After a pleasant married life of ten years, she died Oct. 14, 1877. Mr. Schomerus was married to his present estimable wife, formerly Miss Anna Hobbe, of Oldenburg, Germany, Sept. 19, 1878. They are respected members of the Lutheran Church, and are foremost in its good works. They are kind and charitable toward the poor and unfortunate, who find in them true friends in the hour of need. Mr. Schomerus is a loyal citizen, as was proved by his course during the war and by his conduct since. He was a Republican until 1872, when he went with the liberal party, and he now affiliates with the Democrats.

RANK C. RICHARDS, junior member of the firm of Dundas & Richards, publishers of the Talmage Tribune, conducts with his partner one of the best local papers in this county, and a journal which is duly valued by the people. it is a five-column folio, issued every Friday, and fulfills in a praiseworthy manner the object for which it is intended, as a dispenser of local news. It was established in March, 1882, under the editorial management of other parties, later became the property of the Talmage Publishing Company, and came under its present management in July, 1888. Mr. Richards has done his full share in placing it upon a sound basis, financially, and it is in the enjoyment of a healthy and steadily increasing circulation.
   Mr. Richards began life in Grant County, Wis., Nov. 13, 1861, the home of his parents at that time being in the vicinity of Georgetown. The latter were John S. and Louisa (Daigh) Richards, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Illinois. They became residents of the Badger State at an early period in their lives, and there their marriage took place. The father engaged in. farming, and after the birth of a part of their family the parents removed to Christian County, Ill., lo-

cating near Grove City, where they built up a good homestead and lived until coming to Nebraska in 1861.
   The parents of our subject after crossing the Mississippi located first in Nemaha County, this State, and in the fall removed to a farm in Douglas Precinct, that county, where they still live. John Richards is a man of note in his community, a good citizen. and politically, a solid Republican. He is about sixty-three years of age. The mother, a most estimable lady. is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their family includes eight children, all of whom are living, and are residents of Nebraska.
   The paternal grandfather of our subject, also John Richards by name, was a farmer in the Old Dominion. He became imbued with the spirit of emigration, and some time in the forties left Virginia with his family and lived for a time in Ohio. Later he removed across the Mississippi to Iowa, and finally to Grant County, Wis., where he spent his last days, yielding up his life at a ripe old age. He had married in early manhood Miss Mary A. Cordell, who died in Greene County, Iowa, about 1884, at the home of her daughter, when about eighty-four years old. These excellent old people, who had been careful and conscientious in all their dealings with their fellowmen, were members for a long period of the Methodist Church.
   On his mother's side the grandfather of our subject was John Daigh, a Virginian by birth and a farmer by occupation. He emigrated to Ohio during its pioneer days when a single man, and there married Miss Sarah Porter. Later they came west to Illinois, and settled among the earliest pioneers of Sangamon County, whence they removed to Christian County. there they resided until the discovery of the lead mines at Galena. Grandfather Daigh, however, with a desire to see something more of the world, again changed his residence, this time to Grant County, Wis., and located in the vicinity of Jamestown, about eighteen miles north of Galena, Ill. In 1867, however, he moved back with his family to Christian County, and in 1882, when quite aged, he and his estimable wife crossed the Mississippi into Nemaha County, this State, locating in Douglas Precinct, where his death took place Jan. 27, 1886, at the age of seventy-eight years. As the result of a temperate life and good habits he continued hale and hearty until the final summers came. Grandmother Daigh survived her husband but a few months, her death taking place in August following, when she was sixty-nine years old. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
   Frank C. Richards, our subject, continued a member of the parental household until approaching manhood, pursuing his studies first in the common schools of Grove City, Ill. Later he became a student of the Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind. He came to Nebraska with his parents, and on the 4th of August, 1887, was married, in Douglas Precinct, Nemaha County, to Miss Harriet E. Bishop. This lady was born near Wyoming, this county, April 12, 1864, and is the daughter of Rev. James and Mary A. Bishop, the former of whom was a native of Virginia, and died at his home in Glen Rock in 1884, when past eighty years of age. Mrs. Bishop is still living, and makes her home on her farm at Glen Rock, being now about sixty years old.
   Mrs. Richards removed with her parents from Otoe to Nemaha County when a little child, and was educated in the public schools. She is a cultivated and intelligent lady, and takes great interest in State and National affairs, coinciding with her husband in his Republican principles. Mr. Richards spent his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, and soon after leaving school began teaching in Douglas Precinct, Nemaha County. Later he embarked in the grain trade at Glen Rock, Neb., where he was occupied successfully a period of three years in the interests of the firm of Spear & Hulburd. Later he resumed teaching, and finally became Principal of the Johnson schools, of which he had charge two years. He took a warm interest in the educational affairs of that locality, and by the exercise of great perseverance succeeded in establishing the Teachers' Association and Institute. He was urged to accept the Presidency of this, but declined in favor of Prof. Charles Fordyce, an old and experienced teacher of many years' standing.
   Mr. Richards, in 1884, identified himself with the Masonic fraternity, and is a charter member of Blue Lodge No. 124, of Auburn, also a member of

the I. O. O. F. of that place, being connected with Mayflower Lodge No. 76. He has filled the various offices of the order and takes a warm interest in its success. He is rapidly becoming identified with the most important interests of Talmage, where he is recognized as a capable and efficient journalist, as well as a valued member of society.

HARLES G. FISCHER is one of the worthy representatives of the German-American citizens of Nebraska City. He was born on the 21st of August, 1843, in Saxony, Germany, which was the native place of his father, Frederick Fischer, and also indeed of his family so far as it can be traced. His grandfather, Nicholas Fischer, was a small but successful farmer there, while the father of our subject learned and followed the trade of slate-roofing, and later also learned the trade of a tailor. In 1856, accompanied by his wife and five children, he came to America, by way of Hamburg to Hull, England, across that country by rail to Liverpool, and thence by steamer to New York. Leaving that city the little family of Mr. Fischer went to Cincinnati, where he followed tailoring until his death from cholera in 1866. His wife, whose maiden name was Caroline Lehmann, who was, we need hardly add, a native of Saxony, bore bravely the trouble that fell upon her household, and did her best to meet the case. She is still living in Cincinnati. Their family included eleven children, only five of whom, however, now survive. These are Mollie, Charles G., Mary, Clara and Otto.
   The subject of our sketch was thirteen years of age when he came with his parents to this country. He had attended the schools of the Fatherland, and also joined the classes of the public schools of Cincinnati, continuing for about two years, when he went to learn the trade of a machinist in the shops of the Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. He remained there for four years and then worked in various shops until 1861.
   On the 13th of June, 1861, the subject of our sketch enlisted in Company C, 28th Ohio Infantry, and continued in the service until 1863. Among the many engagements in which he took part were those of Fredericksburg, Harper's Ferry, on the Galler River, Va., where he was wounded by a piece of a bursting shell, injuring him in the right arm, thus disabling him from further service. He was therefore honorably discharged in October, 1863, and returned to Cincinnati.
   Our subject returned to his old trade and continued to follow it in Ohio until 1869, when he came to Nebraska City and engaged in a furniture store, where he worked until the 27th of July, 1871, when he entered into business for himself, continuing until July, 1875, when his business was destroyed by fire, then going to Colorado. After four months in the mountains he returned to Nebraska City, where he was shortly afterward appointed engineer of the City Fire Department, which he held for one year and a half.
   In 1880 our subject opened his meat-market on Central avenue, which is still his place of business and the center of quite an extensive trade. He is well respected in the community, both as a citizen and business man. He is a worthy member of the William Baumer Post No. 24, G. A. R., and also the Schiller Lodge No. 23, K. of P., and Frontier Lodge No. 3, I. O. O. F.
   On the 14th of April, 1864, Mr. Fischer was united in marriage with Barbara Swan, who was born in Bohemia, and came to America with her parents when about six months old. They have become the parents of five children, who bear the following names: Edward, Hart, Robert, Willie and Lulu.

REDERICK W. SCHROEDER, who has become widely known as the proprietor of the Short System Roller Mill of Syracuse, which he purchased in 1887, is a native of Germany, and was born on the 3d of September, 1835. It was his misfortune to be left an orphan quite early in life. When seventeen years of age he commenced working in a mill, at which occupation he continued, employed for various persons until 1869, acquiring in the meantime the trade of a millwright.
   Our subject emigrated to the United States in

1869, landing at New York, and proceeded at once to make his way as rapidly as possible toward the West, finally stopping in Nebraska City. He soon obtained work in a mill at Peru, and although, perhaps, in some few minor details the labor connected therewith was different from that to which he had been accustomed in his native country, he proved himself an able workman. The following year he took a homestead in Buda Precinct, Lancaster County, this State, which he proved up, and later ran a mill in Nebraska City for two years. When the mill was burned, at the end of that period, our subject rebuilt and continued business as before. In 1878 he built a mill at Roca, in Lancaster County. This mill had a capacity of forty barrels per diem. It was destroyed by fire on the 6th of July, 1887. The company in which the property was insured failed, and Mr. Schroeder consequently did not obtain the $3,000 which his policy called for.
   The subject of our sketch finally came to Syracuse and purchased his present property, which was then idle and out of repair. He built a dam and has put the whole equipment into splendid working order, expending upon it $4,000. The mill manufactures some of the finest flour of the State, and has a capacity of thirty-five barrels daily. Mr. Schroeder is building up a lucrative patronage, and his customers appreciate his high sense of honor and general business integrity.
   The interesting event of the marriage of our subject was celebrated on the 31st of July, 1868, a short time before he came to this country. The maiden name of the lady who then linked her life and interests with his was Anna Dorethea Damien. They became the parents of three sons: Fred W. C., Gustave H. and Fred William, all of whom, by a kindly Providence, are still spared to the father. Mrs. Schroder departed this life on the 9th of January, 1887, sincerely mourned by her family and friends as one who had been in the highest degree faithful to the responsibilities and duties of life, a true wife and mother.
   The subject of our sketch is a devout member and able supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is deeply interested in every department of its work. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, and in all points connected with the various issues at stake endeavors to advance the interests of his party.
   The view of the homestead and mill property of Mr. Schroeder will be found on another page. The whole is very neat, pleasant and tasteful -- a goodly sight to the eye. It not only adds beauty to the landscape, but value to that section of country.

OHN O. FARMER is one of the most promising, enterprising and practical young farmers and stock-raisers of South Branch Precinct, and operates 160 acres of splendidly improved land on section 24. He is the son of Elias and Mary N. (Wolf) Farmer, who were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. They were married in the latter State, and there continued to make their home until the husband and father died in the year 1862, after a severe sickness, the cause of death being black erysipelas. After this event the mother of our subject was married to Mr. William DeVolt, a gentleman of French family, residing at present in South Branch. Of her union with Mr. Farmer two children were born, our subject and Nathan M. After her marriage with Mr. DeVolt she gave birth to two other children--Elmer E. and Eva E.
   The place of the nativity of our subject is Knox County, Ohio, the date of that interesting event Feb. 6, 1860. His father died when he was about two years of age, and he continued to live with his mother until he was ten years of age, and then started in life for himself. He began by working out upon a farm, by which he managed to support himself, and being allowed the privilege of attending school during winter, which he did until he was sixteen years of age, he succeeded in obtaining that indispensability of a successful life, a good practical education.
   Mr. Farmer came to Nebraska when eighteen years of age, settling first in Omaha in 1878, and later in Nebraska City, and thence coming out to his present place, which was purchased by the brothers; later he bought out his brother, and since that time continued it alone. He has made all the

improvements on the place; the grove he set out carefully, the hedges and fences he has planted and trimmed, stretched and kept. The orchard he has been careful to select and put out and tend, the house and buildings are also largely his own work. These are substantial, commodious and convenient. The home is in point of fact a bright, cheery place, that can be appreciated no less by the visitor, to whom a cordial hospitality is always shown, than by the owner of the property.
   On the 16th of October, 1884, at Tecumseh, Mr. Farmer and Emma A., daughter of Frederick and Caroline (Miers) Watermerer, were united in wedlock with happiest results. They are the parents of two children: Lola M., born Aug. 13, 1885, and Rosa E., Nov. 10, 1887. The parents of Mrs. Farmer were born in Germany, and upon coming to the United States settled first in Wisconsin, and later in Illinois. Her father was a professor of German and English, and was teaching in Cairo, Ill., when he died in 1874; her mother, who is still living and has reached the advanced age of sixty-seven years, makes her home with our subject. She is the mother of two children: Emil T., and Emma A., the wife of our subject, who was born on the 10th of March, 1862, at the Wisconsin home.
   The subject of our sketch has served as Constable, and is also now the School Moderator of this district. Politically, he is Democratic, and takes a lively interest in politics. With his wife, he attends the Baptist Church, and in that, as in every other relation in life, both are held in much esteem. There is evidently a future before Mr. Farmer that will be worthy of his character, power and energy.

ETER SCHARP. Among the intelligent and thrifty German farmers of Wyoming Precinct none held a higher position among their fellow-citizens than the subject of this sketch, who departed this life after a long and painful illness, on the 17th of March, 1888. A native of Holstein, Germany, he was born Jan. 24, 1841, and emigrated to America with his parents in 1856. The latter were Timm and Mattie Scharp, who were also of German birth and parentage, and whose family consisted of six children. Soon after setting foot upon American soil they made their way directly to the West, settling in Wyoming Precinct, this county, where their son Peter grew to manhood and received a common-school education. The death of the father occurred about 1883. He was accidentally killed, having been thrown from a wagon which was struck by a runaway team. Mr. Scharp was hurled with much violence to the ground, and instantly expired. The mother is still living on the home farm with her son Timm.
   Upon reaching manhood our subject started out for himself, and managed to secure 160 acres of land on section 21, upon which there had been no attempt at improvement. He began in earnest the cultivation of the soil, but feeling the need of a wife and helpmate was in due time united in marriage with Miss Johanna Guencel, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride in Wyoming Precinct, Oct. 29, 1868. The young people commenced the journey of life together in a manner suitable to their means and station, and labored with one mutual purpose in the building up of a home and the-development of a farm. Their first dwelling was a small frame house, which, in 1883, was replaced by the present fine residence.
   Mrs. Scharp was born in Gorlitz, Prussia, on the 14th of August, 1840, and is the daughter of Carl and Christiana (Frenzel) Guencel, who were natives of the same, and of pure German ancestry. They were reared and married in their native Province, the father in the meantime serving three years in the German Army. Later he established himself upon a farm, and spent his entire life upon his native soil, his death occurring in 1874, when he was sixty-five years old. Both parents were reared in the doctrines of the Lutheran Church, of which they became members at an early age. The mother is still living in Germany, being now seventy-eight years old.
   Mrs. Scharp lived at home with her parents until the spring of 1868, and then came alone to the United States, joining her brother, Ernest Guencel, in Nebraska City, where she lived until her marriage with our subject. Of this union there have been born nine children, two of whom, Mattie and Timm, died at the ages of five and two respectively.

The survivors, Mary, Peter J., Hannah, Ernest, Emma, John and Carl, are all at home with their mother. and form a very intelligent and interesting little family, being given the training slid education suited to their station in life.
   The Scharp homestead comprises 160 acres of land, and in addition to this property Mr. Scharp owned 180 acres elsewhere, including forty acres of valuable timber. Mrs. Scharp since the death of her husband has managed her affairs in a very intelligent manner, and kept up the reputation of the estate in a most creditable style. The farm buildings are first-class in every particular, and Mr. Scharp as a stock-raiser had gained quite an enviable reputation. He was a Republican in politics, and with his wife and children a loyal adherent of the Lutheran faith of his forefathers. His name is held in kindly remembrance by all who knew him, as that of a man honorable in his dealings with his fellow-citizens and one who did good service in the building up of one of the most intelligent communities of the West.

ACOB DIENER came to the southwestern part of this county in the spring of 1877, and settled upon a tract of rented land which he cultivated for a period of five years. In the fall of 1881 he purchased his present farm of 160 acres on section 6, South Branch Precinct, and the year following took possession. It was then raw prairie, and the homestead which the traveler views to-day with admiring interest, with its buildings. groves, orchards, machinery and livestock, has been the result of the persevering industry of the present proprietor, the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He has of late been giving his attention largely to fine draft horses and good breeds of swine. Of these he makes a specialty, and realizes therefrom a handsome income. Next in importance to the life and character of an individual is that of those from whom he sprang. The father of our subject, John Diener, was a native of Rhenish Prussia, and married Miss Caroline Reim, who was born and reared in his own neighood. The paternal grandfather, Phillip Diener, a native of the same Province, spent his entire life there. His son John, upon reaching manhood and being married. settled upon a small farm of sixty acres, the soil of which he tilled until 1835, and not being satisfied with the result, embarked with his little family for America. Here he located first in Carlisle, Pa., and was employed on a railroad. Thence he went to Pottsville, in Schuylkill County, and for a time was employed in coal mining. Later he took up his residence in Northumberlaud County, where his death occurred in 1874, at the age of sixty-four years. The mother, still continuing a resident of Pennsylvania, died in 1883, at the advanced age of eighty years.
   The seven children of the parental family were named respectively: Lena, Margaretta and Caroline, who are now deceased; Jacob, of our sketch; John, living near Syracuse, in this county, and Dorothy, a resident of Pennsylvania, Jacob, like his parents, was born in Rhenish Prussia, Aug,. 29, 1823, and until a lad twelve years of age continued with them on the farm in his native Province. Like most of the children of Germany, he was given a good common-school education, and he remembers the incidents of preparation for the long voyage across the Atlantic, together with their stormy passage over. They set still from Havre de Grace, France, encountering seven weeks of bad weather, and finally landed in the city of Baltimore.
   Our subject proceeded with his parents to Carlisle, Pa., and for several years thereafter was engaged in coal mining, during which time he met with many hairbreadth escapes incident to this often dangerous occupation. He was a workman of more than ordinary intelligence and ability, finally operated by contract, and upon several occasions sunk the trial shaft, a difficult proceeding, requiring great judgment and skill. In the spring of 1877, however, becoming very tired of mining and of the constant battle with falling slate and inhalation of gas which often threatened to destroy him, he resolved to change his occupation to something more pleasant and less dangerous.
   Putting his resolve into execution, Mr. Diener made his way across the Mississippi, and the first night spent in Otoe County was in the rapidly developing town of Syracuse. After locating upon