city of Bloomington when it was a small village. Here our subject was reared, and received his education in the common schools. In 1855 he drifted westward to Nebraska Territory, a single man, and taking up his abode near the present city of Plattsmouth when it was a hamlet of a few houses, employed himself working on a farm.
   The same year of his arrival here young Mayfield engaged in border warfare with the Indians, under the command of Gov. Thayer, proceeding up the Loup and Elkhorn Rivers to protect the settlers from the threatened outbreak of the savages. He was thus occupied three months, during which time he took part in two or three skirmishes with no very serious results. Upon returning to this county he stationed himself at Plattsmouth, and later assisted in the establishment of the Republican, of Weeping Water, with which he was connected about one year. From that time until 1883 he was occupied at Weeping Water as above stated, then coming to Louisville he started the Observer, of which he is making a success.
   Our subject found his bride in this county, being married, in 1858, to Miss Emeline Todd, a native of Nebraska, and the daughter of Jefferson and Mary E. Todd. This union resulted in the birth of eight children, who are located as follows: Clarence G. is engaged in farming in Louisville Precinct; Eugene is editor of the South Omaha Times; Winnie is the wife of Frank Secord, agent of the Union Pacific Railroad at Galatia; Albert U, is publisher of the Elmwood Echo; Leroy J. assists his father in the publication of the Louisville Observer; Valentine, Georgia and Oland are at home with their parents.

EORGE T. CUTLER. The industrial interests of the western part of this county find an admirable representative in the subject of this sketch, who, in addition to being the manufacturer of bee-hives, is a dealer in beekeepers' supplies, and also the proprietor of a gristmill and carriage-shops at Greenwood. He came to this place in March, 1879, and settled first on a farm in the vicinity of the village. Four and one-half years later he practically abandoned the pursuits of agriculture, and by degrees turned his attention to his present enterprises. He is a gentleman of remarkable industry and forethought, of an inventive turn of mind and more than ordinary business abilities. Personally, he is of commanding stature and fine intelligence, and with all these qualities combined it is but natural that he should be a leader of his community.
   The origin of family names is a question which is frequently discussed, and the name of Cutler centuries ago was applied to an English family of prominence in the Old World, who evinced particular adaptation for the manufacture of that article of commerce suggested by the patronymic. The branch from which our subject sprang, the records indicate, were from the beginning notable for their fine proportions physically. and no less for their intelligence and moral worth. While they performed feats of extraordinary strength and daring, they were alike high-minded, and possessed great integrity of character, scorning a mean action. These qualities, handed down from father to son, seem to be in nowise dying out, for the present generation is probably as noted as were those of ages gone, both in this respect and as regards mechanical genius.
   Of New England ancestry and a native of the Bay State, our subject was born in Bernardston, Franklin County, Aug. 18, 1844, and is the son of Zenas and Lucy (Wood) Cutler, the former a native of Vermont. The paternal grandparents during the early years of their married life lived in Guilford, that State, but later removed to Wilmington. Grandfather Thomas Cutler was a typical Green Mountain boy, and one of nine brothers, all of whom were of unusual stature, strong of muscle and brave in disposition, None of them were less than six feet in height, and none weighed less than 200 pounds. Thomas Cutler traced his forefathers to one of three brothers who emigrated to America from England during the Colonial times. Zenas Cutler died at Greenfield, Mass., in January, 1881, at the age of seventy-six years. In early manhood he had operated a saw and grist mill at Northfield, Mass., but later purchased and lived upon a farm. The mother passed away after the decease of her husband that same year, in March, at the age of

seventy-three, and the remains of both were laid to rest in the same grave at Bernardston, Mass. Their household included seven children, namely: Lucy J., George T., Leroy Z., Nhum S., Laura S., George T., our subject, and Ella B. Of these four are living and located mostly in Massachusetts.
   Mr. Cutler spent his boyhood and youth at the homestead farm in his native county, a period of his life which was more than ordinarily frolicsome and overflowing with good spirits. Much to the regret of his excellent parents, he was a boy who did not take remarkably kindly to his books, preferring to be abroad in the fields or engaged in athletic sports. He assisted his parents around the homestead until a youth of twenty years, and then began an apprenticeship at carriage-making. It was not long before he developed unusual mechanical genius, and he did not by any means confine himself to the one department of labor. He remembers hearing his mother tell of the time before he could speak plainly, when he used to hang to her skirts and point to the hammer, which in New England style had its separate place on the kitchen wall. He would not be appeased until she took it down from its place and gave it to him. He would then amuse himself for hours by driving nails into the walk. A little later he began using other tools, and has kept up the habit to this day. When sixteen years of age he was considered a master mechanic.
   A few years later young Cutler took a position with the Wauseon Car Company, at Springfield, Mass., where he distinguished himself as a competent artisan, receiving many compliments for the beauty-and correctness of his work. His father's declining years finally necessitated his presence at home, and about 1865 he returned to the farm and assumed its responsibilities. In the meantime, however, he did not abandon the use of tools, and put up his first wagon-shop in his native village. This structure occupied an area 22x34 feet, and had in connection with it a blacksmith-shop. In the year 1867, having in view the establishment of a home of his own, Mr. Cutler was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Goodenough, and soon afterward they removed to Montague, Mass., where Mr. Cutler was tendered a position in the Goss piano case factory, where he continued a period of five years. Here his skill and industry obtained ready recognition, and in due time he was given the position of general foreman in the veneering department.
   After occupying the above-named position a period of one and one-half years, Mr. Cutler was solicited by his brother Nhum S. to become a partner with him in a boot and shoe manufacturing enterprise. George T. was to have charge of the machinery of the establishment, and his brother was to assume the business management of the concern, which was located at Burriston. They operated very successfully together until the panic of 1873, when collections were extremely difficult to make, and the business suffered greatly thereby. In addition to this, the confinement of the shop had its effect upon our subject, and resolving upon a change of scene and occupation, he turned his eyes toward the young and rapidly growing State of Nebraska.
   Not long after Mr. Cutler was stricken with the Western fever we find him snugly located upon a tract of land in Greenwood Precinct, this county, which, he states, proved a great contrast to life in New England. In most respects it was for the better, and he remained upon the farm a number of years. The habits of his youth, however, still controlled him, and he longed to again exercise his mechanical skill, which years of experience and observation convinced him would enable him to outstrip his former efforts. Accordingly, in the spring of 1884, he selected a building site in the village of Greenwood and put up his present shop. This is a substantial frame structure of commodious dimensions, and is equipped with the various appliances necessary for the several departments of the industry in which he is engaged. There is a steam engine and an abundance of wood-working machinery, and in addition to the manufacture of bee-hives and carriage-making, there is a feed grinder and corn-sheller, and the manner in which they are patronized by the people along the western line of the county indicates their importance and usefulness.
   In addition to the manufacture of road and farm vehicles, Mr. Cutler is the agent of outside parties,

carriage and wagon manufacturers of the East.
   Greenwood only needs a few more such men as Mr. Cutler to quickly raise it to the standard of a first-class city. Progressive and liberal-minded, he takes a genuine interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his adopted State, and has borne no unimportant part in developing the best interests of Greenwood Precinct. He votes the straight Republican ticket, and is a man of progressive views, one who keeps himself well posted upon current events and possesses an admirable fund of information.
   Mrs. Nancy (Goodenough) Cutler was born at Brattleboro, Vt., July 5, 1844, and is a lady of fine culture and accomplishments. In fact, we are assured that her husband has found in her the qualities suggested by her maiden name. She is the off-spring of an excellent family, the daughter of Simon F. and Emily F. (Chase) Goodenough, who were natives of Vermont. Mr. G. was a farmer by occupation, and, with his excellent wife, is now deceased. Their family consisted of six children, four of whom are living, and located mostly in Vermont.
   The family represents all that is intelligent and praiseworthy, people who, as far as the record goes back, have been celebrated -- the women for their virtues, and the men for their fine business qualifications and usefulness as citizens and members of society. Mr. and Mrs. Cutler occupy a pleasant home, which is the frequent resort of hosts of friends. They have no children.

EORGE PHILLIP NICKEL, a prosperous farmer, located on section 32 of Elmwood Precinct, where he owns and operates 160 acres of land, in addition to which he leases forty acres, is the oldest son and second child in a family of seven children born to his parents, He was born Sept. 25, 1838, in Germany, where he lived with his parents until he was fourteen years of age, when he came to America, being induced to make the change by his uncle, George P., who resided in Pekin, Ill., but is now deceased. After his arrival in this country he worked at the blacksmithing trade, but this proving injurious to his health he abandoned it, and at the age of seventeen began farming for himself. In 1867 he was married to Catherine Eidenmiller, who was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. Her parents, with their family, came to America when she was but six years old, and settled at Little York, Pa. Removing from there they went to Illinois in 1865.
   Mr. Nickel came to Nebraska on a prospecting tour in 1873, where he purchased land from the Burlington & Missouri River Railway Company, and came out with his family in 1875, which at that time consisted of his wife and five children. They endured many hardships and privations, were eaten out by grasshoppers, but did not become discouraged, but kept at work on their home, feeling sure that their perseverance would be ultimately rewarded. On account of his inability to raise any crops for two or three successive years, he was not able to meet the demands of the railroad company for the payment of their land, so he was obliged to surrender his home to them.
   A family of ten children have been born to our subject and his wife, named respectively: Mary E., now dead; Anna C.; George P., Jr.; Martin and Emma L. born in Illinois; William, Edward H., Charles C. (deceased), Irene Mabel and Nellie May, were born in Nebraska. The father of our subject, John, and mother, Christine, were born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. His father died in 1856, fifty-three years of age, and his mother still lives in the old home in Germany, and is now seventy-seven years old.
   In the face of many discouragements and trials Mr. Nickel has succeeded in securing for himself and family one of the most eligibly located and well-improved farms in the precinct. To bring the land to its present high state of cultivation has required, at the hands of the owner, the most strict economy and thorough application. His well-kept fences, and comfortable and conveniently arranged buildings, bespeak a man thoroughly informed in the business in which he is engaged. It is not intended to give Mr. Nickel individually the full credit for this most desirable state of affairs, for his good wife has borne an equal amount of the privations and labor required to bring it about.

She is a lady who has always been found by her husband's side, sharing equally with him the burdens of a pioneer's life, and she has contributed her portion of labor which is required to make the desert blossom as the rose, Her husband recognizes this fact, and it is only one of the many illustrations we have before us of the truism that "'tis the hand that rocks the cradle that moves the world." Mr. N. has served his neighbors as School Treasurer, that being the extent of his public services to date. In politics he is a straight Republican.

NDREW PITTMAN. The southeastern portion of this county contains many fine farms, but none probably more attractive or valuable than that belonging to the subject of this sketch, He is a man of energy and enterprise, and in addition to general agriculture, has built up quite a reputation as a stock-raiser. His land comprises 250 acres, lying on sections 4 and 5, Liberty Precinct, and most of which is under a fine state of cultivation, fertile, and well adapted to general farm purposes. The buildings compare favorably with those of the neighboring agriculturists, while the fat cattle of the Holstein breed, together with the horses and swine, the ample stabling room, the farm machinery, and last but not least, the comfortable and commodious residence, form a picture of country life delightful to contemplate.
   The improvements which are noticeable upon the farm of Mr. Pittman have been brought about by his own efforts, he having come to the place when it was little removed from its primitive condition, He had prior to his arrival in Nebraska been a resident of Harrison County, Ind., whence he removed in 1876. In Heth Township, that county, occurred his birth, Sept. 1, 1831. His father, David Pittman, also a farmer by occupation, was a native of Shenandoah County, Va., and the son of John Pittman, who was also born in the Old Dominion. The latter married a Virginia lady, and they lived in Shenandoah County until after the birth of all their children. Thence they migrated to Harrison County, Ind., settling among the earliest pioneers, of Heth Township, about 1820, before Indiana had become it State. There John Pittman and his estimable wife spent the remainder of their days, and passed peacefully away at the homestead which they had built up from the wilderness, dying at a ripe old age.
   The Pittman family is of Holland-Dutch descent, and the grandparents of our subject spoke mostly in the language of their native country. Their son David in his boyhood attended the pioneer schools of Harrison County, Ind., where he was reared to man's estate. He married Miss Catherine Eddleman, who was of Pennsylvania birth and parentage, her progenitors having been residents of the Keystone State through many generations. Her parents removed to Indiana when she was a young lady, and there she met her future husband.
   After marriage the parents of our subject began life together on a new farm, and in due time the household circle was completed by the birth of five children, of whom Andrew was the third. The wife and mother departed this life at the birth of her last child, about 1834, when in the prime of life. She was a lady possessing all the Christian virtues, and her name is held by her children in most affectionate remembrance. David Pittman was in due time married the second time, his wife being Miss Mary Young, and they are both now deceased. In 1873, leaving Indiana, they came to this State, settling in Liberty Precinct, and here spent their last days, both dying in the same year, 1881. The father, politically, was a strong adherent of the Democratic parry, and a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church.
   Our subject grew to man's estate in his native county, and was there married to Miss Elizabeth Conrad, who was born not far from the home of her husband, in Harrison County, Ind., May 19, 1831. Her parents, George and Nancy (Wiseman) Conrad, were natives of Pennsylvania, and like the Pittmans, of Holland-Dutch stock. They come to Indiana in their youth, and were married in Harrison County, where the husband took up land, and where both parents spent the remainder of their lives, dying well advanced in years. Mrs. Pittman was one of the younger members of a large family. Two brothers and two sisters are yet living. She

was educated in the district school, and remained under the home roof until her marriage.
   To Andrew Pittman and wife there were born six children, two of whom are now deceased. George married Miss Nevie Koontz, and became the father of two children, Glenn and Jessie, and died at the age of thirty-three years. The other child deceased was a daughter named Emma A., who passed away at the tender age of three years. Of the survivors the record is as follows: Thomas married Miss Sarah M. Smoots, and they live on a farm in York County, this State; Charles W. married Miss Fannie Ham, and is engaged in the livery business at Waco, this State; Jacob H. took to wife Miss Anna Mauck, of Harrison County, Ind.; they have one daughter, Gertie, and he is operating the farm of his father; this son is also owner of eighty acres elsewhere in the precinct. Hattie M. is yet at home.
   Mr. Pittman, politically, is a Democrat. While in Indiana he and his wife joined the German Reformed Church, of which they continue to be members. A view of the homestead of Mr. Pittman is shown on another page of this work.

OHN A. HENNINGS. Not a farrow had been turned upon the present farm of our subject when he settled upon it in the spring of 1874, and no buildings. He realized that there was before him an Herculean task, but he was possessed of that sturdy and persistent courage which led him to believe that from it he could construct a homestead in due time which would serve to shelter him in his later years, and prove the source of a comfortable income. Happily his anticipations have been realized, and he is now the owner of one of the best farms in the northeastern part of the county. He has the manliness to acknowledge that his labors in their results might have been far different had he been possessed of a companion and helpmate less capable and efficient than the lady who has borne his name and stood by his side for a period of fifteen years. Mrs. Hennings has been in all respects the equal of her husband in diligence and industry, while her careful management has had a vast influence over the happiness of the home and the success of her husband.
   The Hennings homestead comprises 280 acres of land, and is finely situated on section 21, Eight Mile Grove Precinct. The proprietor, a native of Germany, was born near the famous old city of Hamburg, March 21, 1848, and is the son of John and Sophia Hennings, who emigrated to America fifty-one years ago, and are now living not far from the homestead of their son. Both have passed their threescore years and ten. Of the children born to them there are living, John A., our subject; Charles, Henry and Ferdinand, all living in the same precinct. John A. was in the sixth year of his age when he crossed the Atlantic, and the family first settled in Washington County, Wis. He was there reared to man's estate amid the wild scenes of pioneer life, when Indians were their neighbors for a number of years. He thus received only a limited education, but he grew up strong of muscle and stout of heart, and was well fitted for life's future duties. He was at an early age taught to make himself useful, and acquired those habits of industry and economy which in later life proved the key to his success.
   Mr. Hennings came to this county in the fall of 1871, and purchased eighty acres of land on section 21, paying therefor the sum of $580. It was considered very good land, but had never been cultivated. Our subject, still in the enjoyment of single blessedness, proceeded with the improvement of his purchase, and in due time found himself in a condition to establish domestic ties. He had made the acquaintance of Miss Margaret Jerdine in this county, and they were married at her home, Feb. 10, 1874. Mrs. Hennings was born in Hartford, Conn., Sept. 2, 1855, and is the daughter of David and Margaret Jerdine, the former of whom died in this county about 1864. The mother is still living, making her home with her sons in this county. The Jerdine family originated in Scotland, and there the parents of Mrs. Hearings were born. The father emigrated to America when a boy, and the mother when a young girl fifteen years old. They lived in Connecticut some years after their marriage, but came West in 1856, taking up their

abode in this county among its earliest pioneers, and eleven years before Nebraska was admitted into the Union as a State. The father secured a tract of land in the vicinity of the present flourishing city of Plattsmouth, when there was probably upon its site not a solitary building. He was only permitted to live eight years thereafter, his death taking place Dec. 20, 1864.
   Mr. and Mrs. Jerdine were the parents of five children, of whom Mrs. Hennings was the eldest born. Her sister Mary is the wife of August Bomahk, of Centre Precinct, this county; Ellen married Henry Kahne, and lives in Centre Precinct; David and Alexander are residents of this county. To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born eight children, namely; Henry J. and John W., deceased; Charles H., Emma M., Maggie J., William C., John E. and Louis.
   Mr. Hennings cast his first Presidential vote for Hayes, and has since been a stanch supporter of Republican principles. He has served as Moderator in his school district, and is in favor of every measure to improve the county and elevate society. Mrs. Hennings is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, attending services at Eight Mile Grove.

ILLIAM SNYDER, one of the honored pioneers of Nebraska, settled in this county in May of 1859, improved a tract of land, and battled successfully with the difficulties of life in a new settlement. He is now in possession of a comfortable property, and has contributed his full quota to the growth and development of Southern Nebraska.
   A native of the Old Dominion, our subject was born in Highland County, Jan. 1, 1830, and lived there until September, 1857, being then a young man of twenty-seven years. His parents, Abraham and Susan (Heavener) Snyder, were also natives of Virginia, to which the paternal grandparents had removed from their native State of Pennsylvania, being among the earliest settlers locating at the head of the Potomac River.
   Mr. Snyder acquired a common-school education in his native township, and before leaving the Old Dominion fortified himself for the further struggle of life by taking to himself a wire and helpmate, being married, Dec. 20, 1855, to Miss Elizabeth Beverage. This lady was the daughter of George and Hannah (Heavener) Beverage, also natives of Virginia, where they were reared and married and became the parents of ten children. Of these Mrs. Snyder was the third in order of birth, and besides herself six others are living, being residents mostly of Nebraska and Virginia.
   About two years after his marriage, Mr. Snyder, accompanied by his young wife and his parents, started for Scott County, Iowa, Sept. 15, 1857, making the journey overland, and being five weeks and three days upon the road. They settled upon a tract of wild land, upon which they labored two years, and then in April, 1859, set out for Nebraska Territory, making the journey by teams, as before, and arriving at the embryo town of Plattsmouth May 13 following. There were then but a few houses to mark the site of the present flourishing city, The Snyder family rented a house on the farm of Mr. A. B. Taylor, about two miles west of town, and our subject commenced working by the day, laboring thus for a period of two years.
   At the expiration of this time Mr. Snyder purchased eighty acres of land on section 27, in Plattsmouth Precinct, where he has since resided. Upon this no attempt whatever has been made at improvement. Mr. S. and his father put up a small frame house, and began in earnest the cultivation of the soil. They had brought with them one horse and an old carriage, which our subject traded as part pay for his farm. Their dwelling was built of cottonwood lumber, Mr. S. cutting the tree and hauling the logs with his father's team. He and the latter worked together in the improvement of a farm until the death of the father, which occurred April 2, 1872, when he was seventy-three years old. The mother is still living, having now arrived at the advanced age of eighty-two years, and makes her home with her children.
   The Snyder homestead embraces now 200 acres of finely cultivated land, with good improvements, including a substantial dwelling, barns, and the various other structures for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain. The estate is one of the