to the half formed hope that it only some day serve to unlock the mystery of his birthplace.
   The orphan child, after the death of his mother, was legally adopted by a family of the same name, who had afterward one daughter, Frances Grace, who is now Mrs. Sanson, of East Orange, N. J., the wife of a lawyer of New York City. When our subject was ten years old the McPhersons removed to Saratoga County, that State, settling in Galloway Township, where Mr. McPherson, the elder, operated a hotel. Later, however, the family returned to Schenectady, where Mrs. McPherson died first, and Mr. McPherson a few years later. John, who had been taught to call them father and mother, left the roof of his foster parents when it youth of eighteen, in the fall of 1855. Joining one of his young acquaintances in Bellevue, this State, they wintered in a tent at St. Mary's, Iowa, and waited there until the snow should disappear, so they could locate in Nebraska.
   Our subject, as soon as winter broke, repaired on the 1st of April, 1856, to Omaha, and began running on a ferry boat, which was the initiation of a long and successful career as a pilot on the Missouri River. His first experience was as a common deck hand, but by faithful attention to his duties he worked his way upward, and in a few months was made master of the ferry boat "Nebraska, No. 1." He continued in the employ of the Nebraska Ferry Company until the spring of 1858, when he made his first trip down the river as a watchman on the "Watasa," plying between St. Joseph and Omaha. He operated as a pilot up and down the Missouri for a number of years, and about 1865 built the boat "P. F. Geise," designed to run on the Missouri River, fitting it up with machinery at Wellsville, Ohio. Later Mr. McPherson bought the transfer boat "H. C. Nutt," the first of its kind at Omaha, to which he brought it from St. Louis. He operated on various transfers, steamboats and ferry boats on the Missouri thereafter until about 1888, making his home in the meantime at Omaha, Plattsmouth and Nebraska City, becoming the employe of the Union Pacific Company, running the old "Matamoras," which conveyed the first locomotive into Nebraska at Omaha. He continued in the employ of the Union Pacific about two years, and until the railroad bridge across the Missouri was completed at Omaha. Afterward he plied from Omaha to Sioux City.
   Becoming aware of the fact that the transfer and steamboat business would eventually give place to more expeditious methods of travel and transportation, Mr. McPherson turned his attention to a totally different occupation, embarking in the grocery business at Omaha. This venture, however, not proving successful, in fact, being attended by severe loss. He returned to river life, and resumed his occupation of pilot for the "Vice President," a transfer boat conveying merchandise and cars from Omaha to Plattsmouth. Upon the completion of the railroad bridge at Plattsmouth they took the "Vice President" to Nebraska City, and Mr. McPherson continued pilot until March, 1888. He then engaged in the lumber business with his present partner, Mr. E. C. Coleman.
   Mr. McPherson has piloted thousands of cars across the Big Muddy, as many as 300 in one day. In company with Capt. Butts he built the steam ferry "Capitola Butts," and later sold out his interest to the son of Mr. Butts. Both the "Vice President" and "Capitola Butts" are now (November, 1888) lying dormant at Nebraska City. Mr. McPherson during his thirty-two years' experience as a Missouri River pilot was uncommonly fortunate, never having lost more than two boats, and strange to say, without loss of life or limb. He, himself, however, sustained quite serious injuries one day on the "Vice President," having both legs broken. By skillful treatment, however, he recovered.
   Upon the building of the "Q" bridge at Nebraska City Mr. McPherson spent the greater part of the winter of 1887-88 in looking up another point at which he might carry on his business. Greatly to his disappointment and regret, however, he was forced to abandon his purpose, and the employment which notwithstanding its dangers and responsibilities possessed for him a strange fascination. He has been enabled to save a snug sum of money, and the prospect is that his venture in the lumber business will be successful. He is a man genial and companionable, and one who naturally makes friends wherever he goes.
   Our subject was first married at Omaha in 1861,

to Miss Susanna Shull, and they became the parents of one child, whom died at the age of six months. The wife and mother died soon afterward, a few weeks prior to the accident which befell Mr. McPherson, and by which his legs were broken, proving in his case the maxim "that misfortunes never come singly." He contracted a second matrimonial alliance in the fall of 1880, with Miss Lottie, daughter of Jacob and Charlotte Leesley. This lady was born in Canada. Her parents were natives of England, and are now dead. Of this union there were born three children, one son and two daughters, Charles, Frances and Edna. The second wife of McPherson died in March, 1887, at their home in Nebraska City. Our subject now makes his home with his children at Greenwood.
   In the fall of 1858 Mr. McPherson, while watchman on the "Watasa," received news of the discovery of gold on Cherry Creek in Colorado. His former chum, Will Preston, had a severe attack of the gold fever and urged Mr. McPherson to accompany him to that region. The latter very reluctantly consented, and they equipped themselves for the journey, gathered together three yoke of cattle, a wagon and a year's provisions, and started for the Eldorado. There journeyed with them two others, Ben. Bittis and Fred. Cruise. They crossed the Platte River at Ft. Kearney, and journeyed westward over the plains, reaching Cherry Creek the last day of October, 1858. They rolled up snugly in their blankets at night under a moonlit sky, clear and cloudless, and awakened in the morning to find themselves under a foot of snow, which had fallen during the night. The weather, however, in due time enabled them to proceed with their operations, and they employed themselves in lumbering and prospecting (in the meantime building themselves a log house) until February, 1859. Will Preston and our subject also put up a huge log house for Messrs. Curtis & Cartwright on the present site of the business part of Denver, for which they received fourteen lots there.
   It is hardly necessary to say that at that time Denver gave little indication of its present importance. Our subject had his mind on the river much more than on the gold mines. It was otherwise with his companion, Will Preston. Mr. McPherson desired to return to Omaha, but this scheme did not meet with the approval of Will. Each was bent on persuading the other to accede to his particular wish. The arguments grew urgent, and began to develop traces of anger on both sides when Fred. Cruise stepped in and asked our subject what he would take for his Denver property.
   In the space of a few minutes Mr. McPherson had sold out his interest in lots for Cruise's navy revolver, which subsequently served him well in expounding and maintaining the dignity of "unwritten law," as alone and on foot he made his way back over the plains to Omaha. In this journey he encountered various tribes of Indians, among whom were the Arrapahoes, who for several weeks during the winter had besieged and threatened the whites in Cherry Creek. Arriving at Omaha our traveler began his river experience, and during the years which followed became immensely popular among the people of the three cities of Omaha, Plattsmouth and Nebraska City. Few people along the western line of Cass County are not familiar with the name and fame of John P. McPherson.

ENDEL HEIL. The well-regulated farm of our subject which he purchased in the spring of 1869, occupies the southwest quarter of section 22 and 160 acres in the northwest part of section 27, in Eight Mile Grove Precinct, and with its appurtenances comprises one of the most valuable estates within its limits. For this land Mr. Heil paid the consideration of $35 per acre, about half of it being in an uncultivated condition. He at once began its improvement and cultivation, and the erection of the necessary buildings, the planting of trees, the laying of fences, and the other miscellaneous labor necessary in the construction of the complete homestead. No one can deny that his industry has met with its reward, for the farm is now numbered among the best along the northern line of the county, and its owner as one of the representative agriculturists and stock-raisers. To the latter industry he has given his especial attention.
   The birth of our subject occurred March 12, 1848, in the Province of Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger-

many, his parents being Adam and Magdalena Heil, the latter of whom died about July 14, 1851. The father come to America with his wife in 1831, and is now a resident of Eight Mile Grove Precinct. The parental household included five children. Wendel was a little lad three years of age when his parents emigrated to the United States and settled in Tazewell County, Ill. There our subject developed into manhood, becoming familiar with farm pursuits, and resided there until coming to this county. He received a limited education in its primitive schools, which were carried on in a manner far different from those of the present day, but his native intelligence sufficed to provide him with a good store of general information, and he launched out upon the more serious business of life with a fair idea of its requirements and the health and strength which were the natural results of temperance and correct habits.
   To the mother of our subject there were born two sons only, Wendel and his brother William. The latter is now living in Eight Mile Grove Precinct. The father was subsequently married a second time, and six children more were added to the parental household, three of whom survive, namely: George, Henry and Elizabeth. These are now residents of Eight Mile Grove Precinct. and settled in comfortable homes of their own. Adam Heil is now in the seventy-fifth year of his age. He has been a man who has done a large amount of hard labor, and is now the owner of a good property, able in his declining years to surround himself with all the comforts of life. A man careful and conscientious in his daily walk, he is a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church. His property embraces a fine farm 320 acres in extent, upon which he settled in 1870, being among the leading German pioneers in his neighborhood.
   Wendel Heil, our subject, was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Meisinger at the home of the bride in Cass County, Neb., March 26, 1873. This lady was born in Tazewell County, Sept. 10, 1855, and is the daughter of Michael and Catherine Meisinger, the latter of whom died April 21, 1884. at their home in this county. Mr. M. came to Nebraska with his family about 1869, and settled among the pioneers of Eight Mile Grove Precinct. He is still living and a resident of the city. To the parents of Mrs. Heil there was born a family of seven children, of whom five survive. Lena, the eldest, is the wife of John Wallinger, and with her brother Henry is a resident of Eight Mile Grove Precinct; Anna married Charles Reifenstahl, of Pekin, Ill.; Emma, Mrs. George Weitman, lives in Plattsmouth, this county; Mrs. Heil is the youngest living of the children.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Heil there have been born eight children, seven of whom are living, namely: John. George, Henry, Carrie, Eddie, Ida, Philip and William, the latter of whom died when eighteen months old. Our subject, politically, is an uncompromising Democrat, and with his estimable wife a member of the Lutheran Church, attending services at Eight Mile Grove, and taking an active interest in its prosperity. Considering his nationality he could not be otherwise than in favor of the establishment and maintenance of schools, and serves at present as Moderator of the district. The family represents the substantial element of citizens along the northern line of Cass County.

EORGE L. BERGER. There came to Louisville Precinct during its pioneer days the subject of this sketch, casting his lot among the other adventurous spirits bent upon investigating the resources of Nebraska Territory. He was amply fitted for the task before him, being the offspring of a hardy race, and possessing the elements of character most needed in subduing the soil of a new section of country. Coming here in his boyhood he completed his education in the primitive schools, rounding up with two terms at Plattsmouth, and then, with the spirit of adventure strong within him, engaged first as a freighter across the plains. This occupied his attention, however, only a year, when he resumed the farm pursuits to which he had been accustomed, operating first on rented land, and the year following purchased that which he now owns and occupies.
   A native of Mercer County, Pa., our subject was born at the farm of his father near Greenville, Sept. 4, 1849. The latter, Jacob T. Berger, was a

native of Germany, and married Miss Margaret Waltenbugh, after coming to the United States. The mother of our subject was born in Mercer County, Pa., and departed this life at her home in Louisville Precinct, in August, 1886. She had survived her husband some years, Jacob Berger having died in 1872, at the age of sixty-eight. They were the parents of three sons and two daughters, and only three of the family survive. The family came to Nebraska in 1857, and settled one-half mile south of the farm now occupied by our subject. Here the latter was reared to man's estate, and may properly be termed as one having grown up with the country.
   Mr. Berger labored many years in the opening up of his farm, bringing the soil to a state of cultivation, and erecting the buildings needed for his convenience and success. His residence, a substantial stone structure, was built in 1886, and he has also a stone barn flanked by stables, a corn house, and the other requisite buildings for his convenience. The farm with its appurtenances presents a picture of plenty and content, which is most delightful to look upon.
   When twenty-one years of age Mr. Berger took to himself a wife and helpmate, being married, Nov. 3, 1870, to Miss Florinda Kilgore, who was born in Indiana, and is the third child of six children comprising the household of Jesse and Ann (Smith) Kilgore. Her parents were natives of Kentucky and Maryland; the father is now living in Nebraska, but the mother is deceased. Our subject and his estimable wife took up their abode in Louisville Precinct, of which they have since been residents, and they are now the parents of seven children, namely: Ella J., William H., Anna May, Harry E., Flora J., Jesse T. and Bertha M.
   Mr. Berger cast his first Presidential vote for U. S. Grant, and since attaining his majority has been an active supporter of Republican principles. He has been an active member of his community, serving as School Director for the last nine years, and representing his precinct in the County Board of Supervisors. Of late years he has given his attention to the breeding of swine, which has been the source of a snug sum of money. He commenced for himself at first principles, without other resources than his own industry and perseverance, his worldly goods a suit of clothes costing $6, and thereafter employed himself by the month until he could gather together sufficient capital to begin operations for himself.
   The paternal grandfather of our subject, Christian Berger by name, was a native-born German, and emigrated to the United States late in life, coming to the West and making his home with our subject until his death. Jacob T., his son, and the father of our subject, met his death, it is supposed, by the hand of an assassin, in the fall of 1872, while on a trip to the mountains, via the Bear River Valley. He took with him upon leaving home between $4,000 and $5,000 for the purpose of establishing a cattle ranch in Colorado, and was accompanied by a young man. They were last seen following a path leading up the valley section among the mountains, and a few days later the young man was seen with the pony, saddle and outfit owned by Mr. Berger. Upon being questioned as to the whereabouts of the latter he replied he had bought him out, and that was the last ever heard.
   The Berger family made the trip from Pennsylvania to the West overland by wagon to Rochester, which was a small town on the Ohio River, whence they made their way by boat to St. Louis, and from that point up the Missouri River to Plattsmouth. The latter place was then a settlement of one frame house, three log cabins and three or four tents.

HEODORE STARKJOHANN stands among the foremost of the successful and enterprising farmers of Plattsmouth Precinct, and his farm on section 4 has been developed by his energetic and able management into one of the finest estates in this locality. Our subject was born in Hamburg, Germany, Aug. 10, 1852. His parents, Thies and Maggie (Timm) Starkjohann, were natives of Holstein, Germany. and were there reared and married. In 1850 they removed to the city of Hamburg, where they lived until 1866. In that year they came to America with their family of four children, making the voyage on the steamship

"Borussia," in ten days. They landed at New York City slid immediately came to this State, and made their home in Weeping Water, Cass County, until the spring of 1869, when Mr. Starkjobann bought 160 acres of land, comprising the farm on which our subject now lives. There was a small frame house on the place, and about seventy acres of the land had been plowed, and the father immediately set about its further improvement. and by his well directed toil greatly increasing the value of the farm in the few years that were spared to him in his new home in his adopted country. He had not reached old age, but fifty-five years having passed over his head, when, Feb. 17, 1872, he was called to a better world, leaving his family to mourn the loss of a good husband and kind father. The mother of our subject, a most estimable lady, still lives on the homestead, a welcome inmate of her son's home. She has three children besides our subject, namely: Mary now Mrs. Philip Tritsch, of this county; William and August. The latter is dead.
   Theodore Starkjohann was married in February, 1881, to Miss Mary, daughter of Philip Horn, of whom see sketch on another page. Two children complete the pleasant household circle of our subject and his wife: Lula, born March 10. 1883, and Henry, born July 1, 1885. Mr. Starkjohann, with characteristic energy has continued the improvements begun by his father, until his farm is numbered among the finest places in the township. He has erected a splendidly built and commodious frame house, a good barn, corn cribs and granary; has planted an orchard of about 150 fruit trees of choice varieties, and has at least 1,000 forest trees. This well fenced farm, with its neatly painted buildings, beautiful trees, and well kept surroundings is one of the most attractive places in the vicinity -- is, indeed, a pleasant feature in the landscape, and is indicative of the taste, thrift, and wise management of the owner.
   A perusal of this brief outline of the life of our subject shows that he is a man of more than ordinary foresight, shrewdness and capacity, and that an indomitable will and incessant industry have been prominent factors in the success that he has achieved in his life work thus far, for, although he is yet a young man, his position among the leading farmers of his neighborhood is assured. His personal integrity is of a high order, and he is a devoted member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, which embodies the religious belief of his ancestors, that has descended from father to son for many generations. His political faith is that of the Democratic party, of which he is a stanch supporter.

ETER W. MARCELLUS, one of the leading photographers of Cass County, is the proprietor of the Weeping Water Art Studio. He is a young man of excellent business principles, with a thorough knowledge of his work, and displays much taste and ability in his chosen calling. He is a native of New York City, born Oct. 3, 1859, and remained there until he had attained his majority. He was educated in the public schools of that city. and after finishing his school life he worked at various occupations during his residence in the city of his nativity. Deciding to establish himself in some Western city he came to Nebraska, and engaged in farming in Brock, Nemaha County, remaining there three years. Having no special taste for agriculture, Mr. Marcellus turned his attention to photography, and in Southern Kansas learned the business he has since followed. From Kansas our subject came to Nebraska, and opened a gallery in Stella, where he met with much success. Desiring a larger field for his operations, our subject next moved to Fairbury, where he carried on the same business. In December, 1887, deeming Weeping Water an excellent place for his branch of business, he established himself here, his being the oldest establishment of the kind in the place, and he is now doing a thriving business. During his short stay here he has earned the reputation of being a first-class artist, sending out none but work of the first quality, done after the most approved methods of the times.
   John Marcellus, the father of our subject, was born in New York May 25, 1807, and lived there until his death, May 16, 1868. He was three times married. Of his union with the mother of our subject, who was his second wife, there were born six

children, four of whom are still living, namely: Thomas J., of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Martin L., of New York City; Edward, of Lancaster, Wis., and Peter W. Mrs. Marcellus, whose maiden name was Eliza Waldron Byrne, died in December, 1863, aged about forty years. Our subject was then four years of age, and some time after his father married again, and his widow is still living in New York City. Mr. Marcellus was a cabinet-maker by trade, and lived an honest and honorable life, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and faithfully lived up to his belief. The subject of our sketch is also a communicant in the church to which his father belonged, and in his daily walk exemplifies its teachings. He is a strictly temperate man in all his habits, and a Good Templar.

EORGE HEIL. In the subject of this biography we find one of the most prominent and successful farmers of Eight Mile Grove Precinct. His property is finely located on section 21, and embraces 160 acres of good land, which, under careful cultivation, produces abundantly, and is amply adapted to the purposes of general farming. Mr. Heil came to this region in the spring of 1870, accompanied by his parents, and has since made his home within the limits of this county, identifying himself with its interests, morally, socially and financially. He bears the reputation of an honest man and a good citizen, one who has contributed his quota to the development of the general resources of Southern Nebraska.
   A native of Illinois, our subject was born near the town of Pekin, in Tazewell County, May 1856. His parents were Adam and Mary (Lautenschlag) Heil, who were natives of Germany, and are now numbered among the well-to-do residents of Eight Mile Grove Precinct. George was a lad of fourteen years when they crossed the Mississippi, and in the meantime had received the greater part of his education in the district schools of his native county. His boyhood and youth were spent after the manner of most farmers' sons, making himself useful as he had opportunity, and becoming imbued with those principles which form the foundation of all manly character. He was nearly twenty-eight years old at the time of his marriage, which occurred in Eight Mile Grove Precinct, Feb. 28, 1884, Miss Maggie Stoher being the bride-elect. Mrs. Heil was born Feb. 5, 1865, and is the daughter of, Christian and Lizzie Stoher. who were natives of Germany, and are now living in this County not far from the home of our subject. A sketch of them will be found on another page in this volume.
   Mr. and Mrs. Heil commenced their wedded life at their present homestead, and here have been born two children: Henry E., May 18, 1886, and Mary L., March 1, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. H. were reared in the doctrines of the Lutheran Church, of which they are devout members, and our subject, politically, gives his support to the Democratic party.
   Mr. and Mrs. Stoher, the parents of Mrs. Heil, upon leaving their native land and coming to the United States settled in Tazewell County, Ill., where the father carried on farming, and where they lived until the spring of 1882. They then came to Nebraska, settling in Eight Mile Grove Precinct, where they still live and are prospering. They are the parents of a large family of children, eight of whom are living. George and Philip continue residents of Tazewell County, Ill., near Pekin; Conrad is carrying on his own farm in Eight Mile Grove Precinct. this county; Alice, Katie, Louisa and Adam continue under the home roof.

OHN PHILPOT, JR., a pioneer farmer, residing on section 33, Mt. Pleasant Precinct, was born in Jo Daviess County, Ill., April 19, 1851. He is a son of John and Sarah Philpot. (See sketch of John Philpot, Sr., elsewhere in this work.) Our subject attained man's estate in his native county, and from his early boyhood has been inured to farm labor. He received his education in the district schools of the day, which he attended during the winter months, when he could do nothing else. The summer was devoted to the various duties pertaining to farm life. He possesses a studious and observing disposition,