sippi River, and participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing and Shiloh, and took part in the many engagements which led to the evacuation of Corinth and Iuka.
   At the camp at Clear Creek our subject was attacked with the intermittent fever. He was removed to St. Louis, Mo., and placed in the Good Samaritan Hospital. remaining there for some time, and was finally honorably discharged on account of physical disability. At the time of his discharge he was so reduced in flesh that he was merely a skeleton, with an epidermis stretched over it. He rejoined his people in Nebraska, and remained under the paternal roof for two years, where the wonderful climate of Nebraska, coupled with strong recuperative powers of our subject, restored him to his former state of health. In 1866 he engaged in freighting from Plattsmouth across the plains. He would occasionally meet armed bands of Indians, but they never interfered with him in any serious manner, although they would beg and steal any small articles they could secure. Exposure became so common to him, it was merely a continuation of his army life.
   In 1867 our subject homesteaded a farm of 160 acres in Salt Creek Precinct, near the stream of that name. He was very successful in his farming operations, so that soon afterward he purchased another tract of 160 acres. Dec. 26, 1867, he was married to Miss Nancy Jane Loder, who was horn in Cohocton County, Ohio. She came to Nebraska with her parents when she was a child, in 1863. The children born to them are as follows: Cassie M., Hettie G., Ella H., Loy L., Ada F., Isa Lola, Mattie, Lula; William E., deceased; Myron and Elmer Chalker.
   Our subject's father, Elic Chalker Coleman, Sr. was a farmer, and born in Connecticut; his mother was Catherine (Beiler) Coleman, and was a native of Maryland. The Coleman family were among the earliest settlers in Connecticut, and the father of our subject went to Ohio when he was a boy, in the neighborhood of 1812. He attained to years of manhood, and was married there, and removed to Iowa in 1850, settling in Henry County, near Mt. Pleasant. In 1860 the family came to Nebraska and settled in Salt Creek Precinct, and were among the earliest settlers in that precinct. Here the father entered a homestead in the year 1863. He prospered, and lived on the farm until he died in 1878, at the age of sixty-nine years. The mother died in 1885, aged seventy-nine years. They were the parents of eleven children, namely: Jane, deceased; Matilda, Ebenezer, Mary, Lucy, William, John H., Amy, Elic Chalker, our subject; Amanda and Martin Luther. Henry resides in Colorado; the remainder of the children live in Nebraska.
   Mr. Coleman continued operating his farm until in 1887, when he moved into Greenwood. During this year he traveled through Eastern Colorado. In 1888 he entered into his present business, as the senior partner in the firm of Coleman & McPherson, dealing in lumber and coal, in which they transact an extensive business. our subject has disposed of a portion of his holdings, but he still owns a well-improved and valuable farm of 120 acres in Salt Creek Precinct. He and his family reside in a pleasant and comfortable home in the northwestern part of the village.
   It is to such men as Mr. Colman that the lasting prosperity of our nation is due. It is they who open the wild, unsettled plains of the country, and make way for the advancement and progress of civilization and the fine arts. It is to the patriotism of such men that we owe our existence as a nation to-day. in no other country under the sun do we witness the spectacle of beardless youths eager to enter the service of their native land in times of need and peril, yet he, with thousands of others, did this, and endured without a complaint the terrible experiences had on the fields of Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing and Iuka. Returning home he suffered for years, broken in health, but not in courage or spirit, and we find him entering on the perilous tasks of the freighter across the trackless plains of the West. facing new and unseen dangers from the hand of the treacherous Indian. But those times have passed, taking with them their dangers, and what was then to be dreaded is as safe and pleasant as the walks in our thickly populated cities.
   When that organization of old soldiers, the G. A. R., was organized, we find our subject entering zealously and whole souled into the project, and he is now Commander of Mission Ridge Post No. 149

composed of twenty-two members, all old veterans. He is also a prominent member and Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pythias of Greenwood. In politics he is a Republican, and takes a lively interest in the success or his party. He has been delegate many times to the different County Conventions of that party, and was delegate to the State Convention in 1886, and assisted in the nomination of Gov. Thayer. Himself and wife are esteemed members of the Christian Church.

ILLIAM SHEFFER, deceased. The name of this honored pioneer of Cass County is familiarly known to the people of Salt Creek Precinct and vicinity as that of the very first man to locate on the creek, which was then called the Saline River on account of the quality of its waters. Mr. Sheffer landed here on the 18th of July, 1856, while Indians were still roaming over the country and wild game was abundant. It was nearly eleven years thereafter before Nebraska was admitted to the Union as a State.
   The subject of this sketch living here from that time until his death, Jan. 26,1889, had thus had an experience rich in variety, as the country around him slowly developed from an uncultivated waste into the abiding-place of a prosperous and civilized community. A native of Lycoming County Pa., he was born near the city of Williamsport, July 10, 1804, and at the time of his death was over eighty-four years of age. His father, John Sheffer, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and married Miss Susan Reynolds, a native of the same county. The paternal grandfather, John Sheffer, Sr., carried a musket during the Revolutionary War, under the direct command of Gen. Washington. He was a native of Georgia and after the war settled in Lancaster County, Pa., where he spent the remainder of his life.
   On the mother's side grandfather William Reynolds came over from England at an early period in his life and also entered the ranks of the army as a Revolutionary soldier. After the war was over he turned his attention to farming, and spent his last years in Tioga County, Pa. His son John, the father of our subject, upon approaching manhood learned the trade of a tailor, and after his marriage settled in Lycoming County, Pa. Later he removed with his family to Tioga County, and changing his occupation took up agricultural pursuits and became the owner of a farm of 100 acres. Upon this he spent the last years of his life, passing away in 1830 at the age of sixty-one years. The mother survived her husband until about 1862, her death taking place when she was seventy-five years old.
   To the parents of our subject there were born twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, of whom four survive. William, the subject of our sketch, was the second born and spent his childhood and youth on the farm in the Keystone State. In common with the young people of that time and place his educational advantages were limited to the evening fireside and the New Testament, and such was his application to his only text book that he in time became a theologian of no mean abilities. He possessed a good memory and was able to quote profusely, being often able to jog the memory of the preacher in this respect. Upon the necessity arising for him to make himself useful, he began learning the tailor trade of his father, which, however, he was forced to abandon ere long, on account of the confinement, which threatened to throw him into consumption. He then began working on a farm, and when twenty-six years old set about the establishment of domestic ties of his own, being married Dec. 28,1828, to Miss Elizabeth Kehler, who was also a native of Pennsylvania and born in Northampton County, Nov. 30, 1801. Her parents were Abraham and Elizabeth (Shelley) Kehler, who were born near the city of Philadelphia. Their family consisted, of eight children, four sons and four daughters, of whom Mrs. S. was next to the eldest. The paternal great-grandfather of Mrs. Sheffer was of German birth and ancestry, and upon coming to the United States settled near Philadelphia, where he engaged in farming, and there he spent the remainder of his life.
   When Mrs. Sheffer was eight years of age her parents removed to Lycoming County, Pa., where she received careful home and religious training, her parents being devoted members of the Presbyterian Church. She remained a member of her

father's household until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Sheffer continued residents of their native State until coming to Nebraska Territory in July, 1856. The intention of Mr. Sheffer had been to settle in Illinois and secure land for his boys, who were fast approaching manhood. In the spring of 1856 he began making his preparations for removal, gathering together his household effects, loading them upon a wagon, and on the 28th of April he started with his family overland for the prairies. His destination was Freeport, Ill., where he proposed having his sons and son-in-law settle on rented farms in the vicinity of that then small hamlet. The boys, however, wished to take up land from the Government, so they, departed from the first plan and moved onward through Illinois toward the farther West.
   Upon arriving in Dubuque, Iowa, Mr. Sheffer ,visited the land office and found he could not locate land in that State without running a risk of settling on what might become railroad property. He therefore resolved that Iowa was not the place for him and decided to hunt until he found it. Crossing the Missouri at the present site of Plattsmouth, which was then marked by a few cabins, he moved on with courage until finding a place suitable in all respects, this being on the Saline River. There he took up a "squatter's" claim and for seven years lived on the east side of the creek. The land at that time had not been surveyed by the Government, but in 1857-58 it was marked off in sections. Mr. Sheffer turned the first furrow along the waters of Salt Creek, breaking five acres in the month of September, 1856. It is hardly necessary to state that he also built the first cabin, this being put up in August of that year.
   As time passed on and other adventurous men followed in the footsteps of our subject, the latter with his natural benevolence of character, began looking around in search of some good he might do among his neighbors. He had always been of a religious turn of mind and began as soon as he could gather together an audience to hold prayer meetings in his cabin. The worshipers were few in number, but they remembered the Scripture promise and were strong in faith. The first sermon listened to by the people of that region was preached by a missionary, Mr. Turman, who was sent into the Territory to "preach to the heathens" is he expressed it. Mr. Sheffer informed him that if it were heathens to whom he wished to preach he would have to go farther West, but if he would like to discourse to people from Pennsylvania his cabin should be thrown open to all who might wish to listen to the first sermon on Salt Creek.
   The first election in this country was hold on the wood pile of Mr. Sheffer. The authorities at Plattsmouth appointed him the Judge, in which capacity he served thereafter a period of nine years. The ballots were written with pen and ink and the pieces of paper deposited in the hat of Mr. Sheffer, which answered the purpose of the first ballot box in Salt Creek Precinct. There was very little trouble about the election returns, for the five votes cast were unanimously in favor of the same measures and the same officials.
   Mr. Sheffer planted the first cottonwood trees on Salt Creek and one of them is still living. This stood in front of his cabin, long since demolished, and has grown to be a monarch of its kind. He set out the first apple trees in the spring of 1860, the sprouts having been shipped from New York State. The first child born in the precinct was a son to Mrs. Elizabeth Farmer, the daughter of our subject. The mother is now deceased, but Mr. Farmer is living on the creek. The first school was taught by Mrs. Laughlin on the creek, in the house of a Mr. Callahan, not far from the Sheffer cabin. The first Fourth of July celebration in the western part of Cass County was held near Greenwood in 1858. This was made the occasion of much hilarity in pioneer fashion, and Mr. John Loder mounting a rude stand read with great dignity the Declaration of Independence. All present entered into the spirit of the occasion, and everybody retired from the scene of the festivities feeling that he had done his full duty as an American patriot.
   Those years to our subject and his estimable wife, although not devoid of pleasure, were plentifully besprinkled with hardships and privation, They had come to stay, however, and kept up their courage amid scenes and surroundings which would probably have dismayed the people of to-day. They lived not only to see their children grown and set-

tled in comfortable homes, but their grandchildren finally began to play around their door and in due time another generation; before Mr. Sheffer's death he and his wife had six great-grandchildren. Their own household included nine children, namely: Katie A., now Mrs. Ellis Callihan; Elizabeth already spoken of; Frances, now Mrs. L. K. Bell; John, Curtiss, Nelson, Abraham and Aaron. An unnamed infant is also deceased. These two latter, the eldest born, were twins and died in infancy. Mr. Sheffer was prospered in his labors as a farmer and in the building up of a comfortable homestead, which at his death became the heritage of his family and his faithful and devoted wife, who had lived by his side for more than sixty years. They were numbered among the oldest living residents along the western line of the county.
   Our subject hurrahed enthusiastically for Gen. William Henry Harrison in 1840 and cast his last vote with no less satisfaction for his grandson in the election of November, 1888. He had been a supporter of the Republican party since its organization. Both he and his estimable wife were members of the Christian Church, in which he had officiated as Elder for more than forty years, and up to the time of his death. He organized the first Sabbath School on Salt Creek and the first Christian Church in the Territory of Nebraska outside of Plattsmouth. Prior to coming West he had been Superintendent of a Sabbath School in Pennsylvania for a period of nine years.
   In the fall of 1856, a company of 500 Pawnee Indians came along and drove Mr. Sheffer and his family from their home, taking with them a horse and threatening to do violence if there was any resistance. The Sheffers sought refuge in Plattsmouth, where they remained during the winter. In the spring Mr. S. returned to his claim accompanied by about thirty men, fortified the house, and during the siege which followed captured one of the Pawnees, holding him until Gen. Thayer and his agents could come to their assistance. After the Indians had been driven off Mr. Sheffer went to Plattsmouth after his family, and thereafter they lived in comparative peace and safety.
   The first bridge across Salt Creek was built by Mr. Sheffer in the spring of 1857. This was afterward used as a crossing place for emigrants and freighters West, instead of the old Mormon and California trail. It was run on the toll system and proved a fine source of revenue to its architect. Mr. Sheffer came to Nebraska with considerable means, and possessing a strong constitution and an abundance of energy and perseverance, was one of the men most needed at that time in the development of the country. During his residence of over thirty years he had become known to most of the prominent people in the county, and his services as a pioneer and a citizen were fully recognized by those who have watched with intense satisfaction the rapid growth of this now great commonwealth. The death of this honored pioneer, when full of years and honors, though in the course of nature not unexpected, yet evoked much sorrow and sympathy from those who had known him so long and well.

EUBEN A. CHAPIN. Among the many solid and substantial citizens of Salt Creek Precinct, none are more favorably known or have a more enviable reputation than our subject, who is a carpenter and builder, is well as farmer, owning and operating a highly improved farm of eighty acres on section 33, town 12, range 9. This gentleman is a son of Ashur M. and Mary (Look) Chapin. The father was born in Hartford, Conn., where he was a prominent man, dealing in live stock: horses, cattle, hogs, etc. He died in Monmouth, Ill., aged seventy-six. His grandfather, Asa Chapin, was of Welsh descent. His grandmother's maiden name was Franklin, a direct descendant of the renowned philosopher, Benjamin Franklin.
   Our subject is the fifth child and fourth son in a family of twelve children. He was born Nov. 12, 1830, at Bath. Steuben Co., N. Y. When he was yet a boy his parents moved with their family into the heavy forests of Ohio. The place they selected for settlement was six miles from the nearest white man. When he was five years of age his parents removed to Knox County, Ohio, where he attended the public and subscription schools of the neighborhood, and the High School

at Mt. Vernon, acquiring a great desire for knowledge, which he has never lost an opportunity to gratify.
   After obtaining his education our subject thought it would be well to have a practical knowledge of some mechanical trade. He therefore entered an apprenticeship as a carpenter and builder in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, which trade he completely mastered in all its details. He resided there until he was married to Miss Larinda Chevrout. This lady was of French descent, the daughter of Lemuel Chevrout, of Greenwood, Neb. After his marriage he moved to Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, where in company with his two brothers he erected a planing-mill, manufacturing everything connected with the building business. This he followed successfully for three years, when he went to Saline County, Mo. There he engaged in business as a builder and contractor, employing steadily from fifteen to twenty men.
   About this time the war broke out and our subject, for his own safety and the safety of his wife. moved to Monmouth, Warren Co., Ill., where his father was living. At this place he entered the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway Company as bridge builder, where he remained for several years, when, feeling that the West offered better possibilities than he was able to secure where he then was, he came to Plattsmouth, Neb., with $5 in cash, which sum represented his entire fortune. In December of the same year he came to Salt Creek Precinct, where he built the flouring mill for Messrs. Reed Bros., of Weeping Water. In 1864 he took up a homestead claim of 160 acres. He hired a man to work the farm until his boys became old enough to take charge of it.
   Our subject is the father of four children -- Eva, Kate, Milton and Edward E. Eva died in Mt. Vernon, Ohio; Milton died in Missouri; Kate married John Beiler, a merchant in Greeley County, Kan., and is the mother of five children living. They are named as follows: Ethel, Bert, Pearl, Verned and Raymond. Edward is a noted operator now at Bradshaw, York Co., Neb., is married to Miss Jessie McKibben. and they have one child, Fred. Mrs. Chapin died in 1869. After a season he married a Miss Teresa Mefford, a resident of Iowa; she is the daughter of James P. Mefford, now a resident of Salt Creek Precinct. By this union he is the father of six children, three of whom, Jesse O., Ira F. and Tacy A., are living. Lillie, William P., Charles and Sallie are deceased.
   There are very few men engaged in the business followed by our subject that have a better or more complete knowledge of it than he. By a systematic course of study and reading, as well as a close observation of the work of other matters in the same line of business, he keeps fully abreast of the times, and is thoroughly informed of all the improvements and details made in his favorite profession. Among all the many fine iron buildings that do credit to the city of Omaha, our subject can lay claim to the honor of erecting the first iron building in the city, which has been followed by so many magnificent specimens of the builder's art, but none are more substantially built or better designed than the first one.
   Mr. Chapin recalls many incidents and episodes relating to the old "hard cider" Harrison campaign of 1840, in which he played the role of drummer boy. In his later years he has not forgotten the precepts inculcated by the orators during that campaign, and has ever since been true to the discipline of that party. He has been a Deacon of the Christian Church at Greenwood for six years, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace, being the only public office he has ever filled, preferring to devote his time exclusively to the prosecution of his business.

OHN H. HASEMEIER is a representative German-American citizen, residing on a valuable farm of 260 acres on section 29, in Eight Mile Grove Precinct, where he settied in 1867, at which time the land was in a perfectly natural condition. He is a native of Hanover, Germany, where he was born Jan. 15, 1815. He is the son of John and Catherine Hasemeier, both natives of Germany. When our subject was about eight or nine years of age he lost his mother by death: he resided in the old country until he was about seventeen years old, when, with his father, one brother and two sisters, he emigrated to America, taking passage at Havre in a sailing-ship. After a

comparatively uneventful voyage of nearly nine weeks they landed at Baltimore, Md.
   From Baltimore our subject went to Franklin County, Pa., where he worked on a farm for $5 per month and board. He also performed a large amount of labor for daily wages, for which he received forty cents per day. He lived in Franklin County for a number of years. After he left his parents and brother and sisters in Baltimore, they are supposed to have gone westward to Missouri, where all traces of them are lost, although he has made strong efforts to ascertain their whereabouts, feeling that it would be a great source of consolation and gratification to know the results of their life in the country of their adoption.
   During the residence of our subject in Pennsylvania he was married to Mary Potter, Feb. 9, 1848. This lady was born in Washington County, Md., May 12, 1827. Her parents were Daniel and Catherine (Stewart) Potter, and were natives of Germany, settling in Maryland, where their decease occurred. She is one of a family of four children; the following named are supposed to be alive: Barbara, John, Mary and Lewis. Barbara is the wife of John Ray, and lives in Jefferson County, W. Va.; John resides in Noblesville, Ind., and Lewis is supposed to be dead.
   In the autumn of 1853 our subject with his wife and two children migrated to Henry County, Ind., where they resided until the fall of 1867, when he removed to Cass County. Neb., purchasing the 160 acres of land on which he now lives. At the time he acquired possession of the land there were no improvements of any kind upon it, but by perseverance and good management our subject has one of the best farms in the precinct. As he has prospered his adventures, he added to the original purchase at different times, until he now owns 260 acres. At the time of his marriage his entire worldly possessions consisted of $25 in cash, but with this slender start, and by the assistance and advice of his good wife, he has accumulated his present fine property.
   The family circle of our subject and his wife has been enlivened by the birth of eight children, four of whom are living, namely: Jacob A., Mary C., Benjamin S. and Charles D. Jacob is a physician in Louisville, Neb.; Mary C. is the wife of James Robertson, Superintendent of the Colorado & Nebraska Stone Quarry, at Weeping Water, Neb.; Benjamin S., resides in Louisville, this State, and Charles D. is at home. The deceased children were named Clara C., John F., William and Julia.
   Mr. Hasemeier has lived continuously on his original purchase of land, to the improvement and cultivation of which he has devoted his entire time and energies. The buildings are of the most substantial and solid character. The barns and other necessary out-buildings are well located, and very conveniently arranged for the purposes for which they are designed. His residence is finely located, large and roomy, neatly and tastefully furnished throughout, and is a place in which his good wife can take great comfort and satisfaction, which she has most certainly earned. For the past forty years she has been an able adviser and companion to her husband. cheerfully bearing her share of the burdens of life, and contributing largely to his success, besides devoting her motherly attention to her family, the surviving members of which do her great credit, and of whom she may well be proud. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the United Brethren Church, in which society they take an active and substantial interest. In politics he is thoroughly Republican. Public-spirited, he is a hearty supporter of every proposition designed to advance the prosperity of the people.

EONARD C. W. MURRY is a pioneer of Cass County of 1855. The pioneer element of Cass County has no more worthy factor than the subject of this biography, who, with his estimable wife, began housekeeping on an 80-acre firm four miles south of the present city of Plattsmouth in the spring of 1870. They lived there until 1882, then moved to a farm on section 30, in Plattsmouth Precinct, where they have since resided. This embraces 160 acres of good land, which, with the exception of having been plowed, was at the time of purchase destitute of improvement, there being no buildings. Mr. M. has put up a comfortable residence, a barn and other out-buildings, planted an orchard, fenced the fields, and by degrees added the