cinct, Otoe County, where he had resided a period of fifteen years. He settled in that county in the spring of 1869, and built up a good homestead from the uncultivated prairie. His arrival in Nebraska was the completion of a long journey from New England and the Green Mountain State, where he was born in Windsor County, Sept. 27, 1839. His father. Joel Sheldon, was a well-to-do Windsor County farmer, who later migrated to Michigan in 1830, where he spent a few years, then returned to his native haunts, and in 1869 came to Nebraska with his two sons, and died here in March, 1875, at the age of seventy-four years. He was born in February, 1801, and was the son of Jacob Sheldon, a native of either Vermont or New Hampshire, and who married a Miss Lovejoy. They afterward lived in both Windham and Rutland Counties, Vt., and passed their last days in the latter county. Joel Sheldon, the father of our subject, upon reaching manhood was married in Windsor County, Vt., to Miss Fidelia Pettigrew, who was born and reared there. She is yet living, and makes her home with her son, Lawson Sheldon, in Nehawka Village, this county, and is now arrived at the advanced age of eighty-three years.
   The subject of this sketch is one of twins, the two youngest of six children born to his parents, and he lived with them until reaching his majority. He was a single man upon coming to Nebraska, but found a bride in Otoe County, being married Sept. 3, 1874, to Miss Celia Ellis. This lady was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., Sept. 5, 1852, and came to Nebraska with her parents in her girlhood. The latter were Lathrop and Elmeria (Ward) Ellis, who settled in Otoe County about 1866. The father is still living on a farm there, and is now past his threescore years and ten. The mother died in middle life in 1862.
   Mrs. Sheldon received a very good education in the schools of her native county, pursuing her studies for a time in Oshkosh, Wis. Later she developed into a teacher, and followed this profession in Wisconsin and Nebraska City before her marriage. Of her union with our subject there are three children -- Carrie I., Esther C. and Lucian A. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon are favorites in the social circles of their community, and their home forms one of its most pleasant places of resort. Mrs. Sheldon is a member in good standing of the Congregational Church, attending services at Avoca. Mr. Sheldon, politically, is a solid Republican; giving his undivided support to the principles of his party. He has officiated as Assessor of Avoca Precinct, and socially, belongs to Lodge No. 29, I. O. O. F.

ANIEL D. ANDRUS is extensively identified with the agricultural interests of Cass County, owning one of the largest and best managed farms in Centre Precinct. Its 600 broad and fertile acres. lying on sections 15, 16, 21 and 22, are all under good tillage, yielding abundant harvests, and the fine pastures support large herds of well-graded stock.
   The subject of this biographical notice was born in Orleans County. N. Y., Nov. 13, 1835. His father, A. B. Andrus, was born in the same State in 1811, and lived there until 1852, when he went to California by steamer, and staid there until 1856. During his sojourn in that Eldorado he made good use of his time secured a good share of gold dust. After his return to his old home he went to Iowa and lived for several years. He subsequently came to the home of our subject, and died here in 1885. His widow is still living in Iowa. Her maiden name was Olive Bradway, and to her and her husband were born five children, two of whom are living.
   Daniel Andrus was reared in his native county to a stalwart and vigorous manhood, remaining an inmate of his old home until he was twenty years old. At that age he went to Jones County, Iowa, arriving there in January, 1856. He there engaged in farming and stock dealing quite extensively. While a resident of Iowa Mr. Andrus met and married Miss Louisa Ewing, and to them have come six children, five of whom are still living, namely: Charles B., Clifton M., Daniel D., Jr., Fred W. and Olive E. All are at home. They have been given excellent opportunities to secure an education, and have been trained to good and honorable lives. Mrs. Andrus was born in Pennsylvania, June 1, 1840, and lived there until about 1859, when she

accompanied her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ewing, to Jackson County, Iowa, and from there to Bowen's Prairie, Jones Co., Iowa, where she lived until her marriage.
   Mr. Andrus came to Nebraska in 1864, and spent the ensuing years in Omaha and Grand Island. In 1868 he came to Cass County and bought a farm in Eight Mile Grove Precinct and made his home on that for a short time. Finally, after several charges, he came here in 1875, and bought the land included in his present place, which was then mostly wild prairie. He has since added to it until he now owns one of the largest farms in the county. He has set out a fine grove, embracing about eight acres, including a good orchard. In 1876-77 he erected a substantial residence, and has made many other valuable improvements. The farm is well cultivated and is devoted to raising stock and grain.
   As Mr. Andrus has been a powerful factor in developing the agricultural resources of this precinct, he is naturally a man of weight and influence in its public affairs, and he has often been called upon to hold both precinct and school offices, his fellow-citizens gladly availing themselves of his counsel and wisdom in carrying out schemes for the improvement of the township, or for the advancement of education within its limits. He is a man of far-reaching foresight, with business talents of a high order, and superior powers of judgment. He is independent in his political views, but generally casts his vote with the Republicans.

HOMAS MITCHELL, who worthily represents the industrial interests of Plattsmouth as a carpenter, was a pioneer of this city and county, and has contributed his share in developing them from the wild, sparsely settled prairie that he found on his arrival here in the days of 1857. He was born near Xenia, Greene Co., Ohio, Aug. 27, 1811. His father, James Mitchell, was a native of Pennsylvania, but it is not known where his grandfather, David Mitchell, was born, only that he was of foreign parentage. He was for several years engaged in his occupation of farmer in Pennsylvania, but in 1792 he removed from there to Kentucky, and was one of the pioneers of Fayette County in the time of Daniel Boone's residence there. The Indians were then numerous and hostile, and at one time, while Mr. Mitchell was out with a scouting party, in quest of a party of savages who had stolen some horses, the latter lay in ambush, surprised the white men, and killed some of them. Mr. Mitchell was severely wounded, but managed to escape alive. He moved with his family to Ohio in 1802, and was an early settler there. He took up a tract of timber land, from which he commenced to develop a farm, and continued to reside there until his death, June 10, 1817, in his eightieth year. Margaret Mitchell, his wife, died Feb. 4, 1825, and they now be peacefully sleeping in Massie's Creek Cemetery, near Xenia.
   The father of our subject went to Kentucky at the same time that his parents did, and also accompanied them to Ohio a few years later. He bought a tract of timber land near Xenia, and built a log house thereon for the shelter of his family, and in that humble dwelling our subject was afterward born. Mr. Mitchell cleared a farm and lived on it some years, when he had an opportunity to trade it for one nearer to his father's land, and there he made his home until his death in 1850. He had gone to Greene County as a pioneer in the early days of its settlement, and in the forty-eight years that he passed there, years fraught with labor and hardships at first, wherein he had won a comfortable competence, he witnessed great changes, and was himself one of the factors in bringing them about. In the early days there were no markets anywhere in that section, and after the completion of the canal Dayton was the nearest market for some years. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Martha Espy, and she was born in Pennsylvania. Her father, Josiah Espy, was, it is thought, a native of Pennsylvania. He moved from there at the same time the Mitchell family did to Kentucky, and there died in November, 1801. His wife, Elizabeth Epsy, died in Ohio, Nov. 19, 1809. The mother of our subject resided with her parents until her marriage, and was carefully trained in the art of spinning flax and wool. She was an excellent housewife, and in the days

when stoves were almost unknown did her cooking by the fire in the huge, old-fashioned fireplace. She died at the home of a daughter in Xenia, Ohio, in 1863, at the venerable age of eighty-six years. There were thirteen children born to her and her husband, all of whom grew up and eleven of them are married. Their names are Margaret, David, Eliza, Ann, Maria, James E., Josiah, Martha, Thomas, Sarah, Robert A., Francis P. and Samuel K.
   Thomas Mitchell was reared in his native county, and there learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, following it in different parts of Ohio, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and New York. In 1839 he located in Warren County, Ohio, and resided there until 1850. From there he went to Loveland, Clermont Co., Ohio, and at the expiration of four years' residence there went to Cincinnati, where he was actively engaged at his trade until 1857. Shrewdly foreseeing that in a newly settled Territory like Nebraska his work as a carpenter would be in great demand, he resolved to locate here, and in the month of May came to Plattsmouth with his family, by way of the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The land here was at that time nearly all owned by the Government and for sale at $1.25 an acre. There were but few inhabitants here, and only a short distance to the westward deer, antelopes and other wild game roamed the prairies. He immediately entered land from the Government, but he never resided on it, as he commenced to work at carpentering that summer in Plattsmouth, and has been a continuous resident here since; and thus he has witnessed the entire growth of the city, and has aided it not a little, as he was considered a very skillful and faithful workman, and his services were in constant demand as a builder. By his industry and the judicious management of his monetary affairs he has been enabled to lay up a competence, so that his declining years may be spent free from care.
   Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Jane Clendenin, Aug. 12, 1841, and for twenty years they faithfully shared life's burdens, and were then called to part, she dying in 1861. She was a native of Warren County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Samuel and Cynthia Clendenin. She was an exemplary woman, and her death was felt far beyond the family circle by the many friends who had been attracted to her by her genial disposition. Ten children blessed her union with her husband, seven of whom grew to maturity, three dying in infancy. The names of the former are Cordelia, James, Martha, Francis L., Cynthia; George W. and Charles.
   Mr. Mitchell is a straightforward man, whose word is considered as good as a bond, and in him the Presbyterian Church finds a valued member, who cheerfully aids all schemes for the moral elevation of society. He is a thorough believer in the policy of the Republican party, of which he has been a member since its formation. Before that time he was a Whig, and cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison, of Tippecanoe fame, in 1840, and after a lapse of forty-eight years voted for that illustrious President's grandson, the Gen. Harrison of the present day.

ENJAMIN F. LANG, M. D., the only homeopathic physician in Weeping Water, enjoys an extensive and lucrative business, and bears the reputation of being a conscientious practitioner and valuable as a member of the community. He was born thirty-three years ago on the rugged New England Coast in Somerset County, Me., Dec. 12, 1855, and lived there until reaching man's estate. Upon leaving the primary schools he entered the Friends' Classical School at Providence, R. I., where he was a student four years, taking the full course, and acquitting himself with great honor. Soon after leaving school he became private tutor in the family of Moses Bailey, of Winthrop. Me., and a year later entered upon the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Byron Porter, one of the most prominent and successful physicians of Newport, Me. He remained a resident of his native State some time thereafter, and took lectures in Bowdoin Medical Institute and the Cincinnati Medical College, from which latter institution he was graduated in 1883.
   Dr. Lang, when leaving New England and after completing his medical studies, began the regular practice of his profession in Bainbridge, Ross Co.,

Ohio, of which he remained a resident until coming to Nebraska in September of 1886. In his introduction of the homeopathic system of practice, he finds many adherents and a generally favorable feeling toward the simple methods of this school. His success has naturally been largely influential in building up this feeling among the people in the central and southern portions of the county, where he numbers a large list of patrons. Although his residence here has been comparatively brief, his labors have met with a most generous response. His main office is located in the new Gibson Block, on I street. and he has an elegant home, a very large two-story residence, which he has built since coming here, and which is the result of his two years' work -- a showing which he may justly look upon with pride.
   Dr. Lang was married in Shreve, Wayne Co., Ohio, Dec. 6, 1883, to Miss Clara Hughes, who was born at Moreland, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1855, being married on her birthday. They have had two children, but only one is living, Edith May, who was born Nov. 13, 1885. Mrs. Lang received a good education, being graduated from the High School in her native town, and thereafter followed the profession of a teacher for a period of thirteen years. Her parents were John and Susan (Caveny) Hughes, the former a native of Wayne County. Ohio. They are both living, making their home in Shreve, of which place the father is at present the Mayor. He was for many years engaged as a merchant, but is now retired from active labor. Both parents are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their son James is Judge of the Circuit Court at Mattoon, Ill., and another son is a successful practicing attorney of David City, this State.
   Dr. Lang and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Weeping Water, in which the Doctor officiates as chorister of the church and Sunday-school. He is a solid Republican politically, although carefully avoiding the cares and responsibilities of official honors, preferring to give his time and attention to his profession. He is prominently connected with the Homeopathic State Medical Society of Nebraska.
   Hon. Peter H. Lang, the father of our subject, was born in Palmyra, Me., March 4, 1828, and lived there all his life, engaged mostly in farming and stock-raising and also in general merchandising. He was married to Miss Nancy E. Farnham, in 1852, and they became the parents of five children. The parents in religious matters belong to the Society of Friends. Peter Lang was elected to the Maine Legislature in 1881, serving his term acceptably, and has held various offices in his county, officiating as Sheriff, Justice of the Peace, and in other positions of trust. Samuel S. Lang. the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Bath, N. H., and spent his life from the age of twenty in Maine.

USSELL A. ASHMUN. In the career this gentleman we find an excellent example for young men just embarking in the field of active life, of what may be accomplished by a man beginning with modest means, but honest, prudent and industrious. He came to Nebraska in June, 1869, two years after it had been admitted into the Union as a State, and settling on section 12. Weeping Water Precinct, proceeded to construct a farm from the elements of the primitive soil. It required no small amount of energy and perseverance during the first years of his residence here to combat the various difficulties which beset him, in common with his neighbors, but he has come out of the strife with flying colors. He now has one of the best regulated farms in the precinct, the improvements of which he has brought about mostly through his own personal efforts, and which consist of a good set of buildings, a flourishing apple orchard four acres in extent, a grove of forest trees of his own planting, substantial fencing, a goodly assortment of live stock, and the farm machinery indispensable to the progressive agriculturist. The present residence was completed in the summer of 1888, and is in modern style of architecture, forming, with its surroundings, one of the attractive homes along the southern line of the county. His farming operations include the breeding of cattle, including blooded Holsteins and Short-horns, and he also has some first-class horses, both roadsters and for farm purposes. The prem-

ises form a scene delightful to the eye, and as an illustration of industry and perseverance most pleasing to contemplate.
   William Ashmun, the father of our subject, lived for many years on a farm northeast of what was called Talmage Center, Talmage Township, Summit Co., Ohio, and at this homestead the subject of our sketch was born, Sept. 25, 1847. He pursued his first studies in the little school-house at the "Four Corners," and later attended the academy at the "Center," completing a practical education. He remained at the homestead until a young man twenty-two years of age, then turned his face toward the farther West, and across the Father of Waters, resolving to cast his lot among the pioneers of Nebraska. Here also he found his bride, being married, Nov. 20, 1872, to Miss Ella Weaver. Mrs. Ashmun is also a native of Ohio, and was born Feb. 5. 1853, in Tuscarawas County. She lived there until about three years old, and then removed with her adopted parents to Missouri, from there to Iowa, where she lived until the fall of 1870, when they took up their residence in Weeping Water Precinct, this county. Her adopted parents are Jacob and Emile (Weaver) Walter, natives of Ohio, and the father a harnessmaker by occupation. They are residents of Denver, Colo. Of this union there have been born eight children, six of whom are living, namely: Edward, Frank, Charles, Royal, Walter and Sterling H. In the sketch of Henry Ashmun, a brother of our subject, and which will be found on another page, is noted the parental history. The Ashmun family is widely and favorably known throughout the northeastern part of Ohio as belonging to the best element of that section, being generally people well-to-do, highly intelligent, and prominent in their community.

OHN M. FOWLER. The subject of this biography, as a son of one of the earliest pioneers of Cass County, and one who has borne worthily the mantle of his honored sire, deserves more than passing mention. He is pleasantly located on a good farm of 160 acres on section 6, one and one-half miles east of Weeping Water. This land was secured by his father as a pre-emption claim in 1858, nine years before Nebraska was admitted into the Union as a State.
   Charles Fowler, the father of our subject, here began life as a pioneer, giving to his homestead his best efforts, and remaining upon it until his death, which took place April 21, 1884. He was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., in 1825, and traced his ancestry to the Empire of Germany. When he was a mere boy his parents removed from New York State to Pennsylvania, settling in Mercer County, where Charles was reared to manhood and married Miss Esther A. Brakeman. This lady, the mother of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, and of Holland-Dutch descent.
   After their marriage Charles Fowler and his young wife began life together on a farm in the Keystone State, having little besides their courageous hearts and strong hands with which to labor. After the birth of three children, the father, desirous of bettering his financial condition, resolved upon seeking the Far West. Disposing of his interests in Mercer County, Pa., he started overland with his little family to Nebraska, which became the field of his future operations through life. He was prospered in his labors as a pioneer and an agriculturist, securing a competency for his old age, and retired from active labor about six years before his death, leaving the farm and taking up his abode in Weeping Water. There the mother is still living, occupying a comfortable home in Park addition, and is now fifty-nine years old. She is a lady widely respected, and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Charles Fowler, politically, was a lifelong Democrat, a man of decided views, and one who kept himself well in. formed upon matters of interest to the intelligent citizen.
   The subject of this sketch, the third child of the parental family, was born in Mercer County, Pa., June 14, 1856. He came with his parents to Nebraska Territory when but a lad, and was reared to manhood in this county. He became at an early age familiar with the various employments of farm life, and has been content to make of agriculture his independent vocation. He found his wife in Avoca Precinct, being married Dec. 10, 1877, to

Miss Laura J. Compton, one of its most estimable young ladies. Mrs. Fowler is a native of Tama County, Iowa, where her birth took place March 15, 1858. She came with her parents to Nebraska in the spring of 1875. The latter, Elias and Nancy A. (Jenkins) Compton, are now living on a farm in Avoca Precinct, of which they have been residents for the last thirteen years. They are natives of Ohio, and are numbered among the highly respected citizens of this county.
   Mrs. Fowler was educated in the Hawkeye State, and received careful home training from an excellent mother. She remained under the parental roof until her marriage. The household circle of Mr. and Mrs. Fowler was completed by the birth of six children, namely: George L., Alice M., Eddie L., Mabel A., Myrtle M. and Charles. The homestead with its appurtenances suggests the idea of plenty and comfort, and is noticeable among the other well-regulated farms along the southern line of the county. Mr. Fowler uniformly votes the straight Democratic ticket, but further from this takes no part in politics, preferring to give his undivided attention to his farming interests.

OHN B. HOLMES. The subject of this sketch has built up one of the finest estates in Rock Bluff Precinct, which comprises one of the most valuable farms within its borders, embellished with substantial buildings, including a very handsome and commodious two-story brick residence, constructed in modern style of architecture. There is probably not a more attractive home along the eastern line of the county, and its inmates are people of more than ordinary intelligence. There are four children at present under the home roof, namely: Willie A., John H., Alvin A. and Elizabeth. The eldest daughter, Christina, is the wife of C. W. Nix, and lives in Custer County, this State.
   Our subject traces his ancestry to Scotland, of which his paternal grandfather, John Holmes, was a native, and was born near the city of Glasgow. When reaching man's estate he married a lady of that city, and they emigrated to the United States about 1805, locating in Delaware County. N. Y., in the midst of a timber tract, from which the hardy Scotch pioneer built up a good homestead, and there with his estimable wife spent the remainder of his days. They were the parents of five children, of whom the eldest, a daughter, Mary, remained in Scotland, and as far as known is still living. When quite young she was adopted by a wealthy aunt, a Mrs. Miller from whom she inherited a large property. One of the sons, Robert, lived in Scotland until he became the father of grown sons, Harry and Robert, Jr., whom he subsequently accompanied to the United States. They are living in New York, but the father returned to Scotland, looking his last upon the scenes of earth in his native country, where his bones were laid to rest. The other son, Walter, the father of our subject, was a lad six years of age when he came with his parents to America. He was reared to manhood on the farm in Delaware County, N. Y., and married Miss Elizabeth Blair. He took his bride to the old homestead, where they lived until after the death of the wife and mother. Of their children, thirteen in number. John B. was the fourth in order of birth, and of that large family only five survive. Three brothers, Thomas, Archibald M. and John B., reside in this County. The two sisters still live in Delaware County, N. Y. R. Elizabeth is the wife of William Blair, and lives in Hamden; and Agnes is the wife of Samuel Terry, living in Walton.
   A few years after the settlement of the Holmes family in New York State our subject began to assist his father in the various employments of the pioneer farm, and upon reaching man's estate was married, Jan. 3, 1855, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Samuel and Pauline (Holmes) Law. Mrs. Holmes was born Dec. 18, 1830, in Greene County, N. Y., and spent the years of her childhood and youth under the parental roof, acquiring her education in the district schools. Her parents were natives of New York. Her father died in 1888. Her mother is still living. Their family consisted of nine children, five of whom are yet living, three in Nebraska and two in New York State.
   Mr. Holmes in the spring of 1865, leaving the Empire State, came to Nebraska Territory, and the year following purchased 160 acres of land on