discharge with his regiment in July, 1866, and then returned to Plattsmouth. He was engaged in the drug business in Omaha until 1867, when he obtained a commission as Second Lieutenant in the regular army, and was attached to the 41st Regiment, which was afterward consolidated with another, and became the 24th Regiment. In 1869 our subject was made Adjutant of the regiment, and served in that capacity three years, when he resigned the position, and subsequently he served with his command the greater part of the time in Texas until his resignation from the army in 1878 to accept his present position.
   Capt. Donovan was married, in 1850, to Catherine Keife, a native of County Dublin. She was a woman of many lovable qualities, who held a warm place in the hearts of many friends, and her death in 1882 caused sadness in other households besides that of her own family, To her and her husband four children were born -- Robert, Katie, George and Flora C. Katie married John M. O'Grady, and died in Plattsmouth at the age of twenty-two. Our subject and his family are all communicants of the Episcopal Church. The Captain combines the quick wit, the warm and generous heart, and the never-failing courtesy and tact, of the true Irish gentleman, and he is popular with all.

HRISTOFF MEYER. The enterprising German citizen is to be found all over the United States, pushing his way into new sections, and. planting his stakes, usually abides, distinguishing himself for his thrift, industry and prudence, and so laboring as usually to obtain a competence. His children who come after him will proudly repeat the story of his life, and thus he has his reward.
   The subject of this sketch, a true son of the Fatherland, is substantially located on a good farm on section 4 in Avoca Precinct, where he has now 158 acres of thoroughly cultivated land. His original purchase embraced 165 acres, a portion having been cut off by the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which runs across a corner of his farm. He settled here when the land was in its primitive condition, without a building upon it, and unfenced. The labor of years has resulted in one of the most finely improved farms in this section, with an imposing two-story stone dwelling, erected in 1880, and the outbuildings naturally arising to meet the requirements of the modern farmer who keeps track of the improvements of the day, and operates accordingly. None but he who has performed it can gain a correct idea of the labor involved in the construction of the well-regulated farm, and in addition to this there has been no small amount of hard cash expended in connection therewith. This, however, has proved a safe investment for capital, being out of the reach of the defaulting bank cashier.
   The Atlantic Ocean separates Mr. Meyer from the home of his childhood, he being a native of the Empire of Germany, and born Dec. 23, 1824. He was reared under the paternal roof, and received an excellent education in his native tongue. At an early age he distinguished himself as a natural mechanic, being able to handle all kinds of tools with facility, and this gift has been the means of saving him hundreds of dollars in connection with his farming operations.
   The parents of our subject were Charles and Lucy (Newe) Meyer, also natives of the Empire of Germany, and who spent their entire lives in their native land, dying at a ripe old age. Their family consisted of two sons and four daughters, of whom Christoff, our subject, was the only one coming to the United States. He was unmarried at this time, making the journey in the summer of 1854. Soon after landing upon American soil he proceeded to Washington County, Wis., settling among strangers and without means. His honest face and evidently correct habits soon procured him friends and employment, and he lived in Wisconsin until the spring of 1860. In the meantime he was married, Sept. 18, 1858, to Miss Ellen Halmas.
   Mrs. Meyer, also a native of Prussia, was born April 24, 1841, and came to the United States with her parents when a young girl of thirteen years. They also located in the Badger State, living in Oconto County until after the marriage of their daughter Ellen. Later they removed to Chicago, Ill., where the father died in middle life. The

mother subsequently came to Nebraska, and died at the home of her son Nicholas, in this county. She was about seventy-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Halmas were the parents of five children, all of whom are living and located mostly in the United States.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Meyer there have been born thirteen children, two of whom, Lucy and John, died at the ages of one and six years respectively. The survivors are Nicholas, Mathias, Mary, Margaretta, Susanna, Peter, Charles, Lizzie, August, Henry and Joseph. Mathias is married and living in this county; Mary, Mrs. Jergonson, is a resident of this county; Margaretta is the wife of J. Denne, and makes her home in Otoe County. Mr. Meyer, politically, is a stanch Democrat, and both he and his estimable wife are members of the German Catholic Church. They are people of Standing and importance in their community, and are amply worthy of representation in the ALBUM of Cass County.

R. JOSEPH E. HALL, a regular practicing physician and surgeon of good standing in Weeping Water, located at this place about 1881, and during his seven years' residence has built up a remarkably fine business. He bears an excellent reputation as a citizen and a practitioner, and enjoys in a large degree the confidence and esteem of the people of this vicinity. He is a gentleman of marked ability, a close student, and conscientious in the discharge of the duties of his profession.
   Dr. Hall first set foot upon the soil of Nebraska June 17, 1881, and at once took up his location in Weeping Water, of which he has since been a resident, attending strictly to business. In 1887 he completed a fine residence on South Randolph street, which, with its surroundings, forms one of the attractive homes of the city. In its enterprises and improvements he has taken an active part since becoming a resident here, serving on the School Board three years, and has held the office of County Physician two years, also for two years that of surgeon of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company. Socially he is a K. of P., and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, holding various official capacities in his lodge at Weeping Water.
   Dr. Hall was born in Alexandria, Ind., April 24, 1858, and lived there until he was a young man twenty years old. He had in the meantime received a good preliminary education, and now began the reading of medicine with Dr. J. W. Perry, of the same place, continuing with him one year, and spending the year following with Drs. Chittenden & Jones, of Anderson, Ind. Later he entered upon a course of lectures in the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis, from which he was graduated with honors March 3, 1881. He still belongs to the Sydenham Society of that college, and is also prominently connected with the State Medical Society of Nebraska, and the Railroad Surgical Society of the State.
   Dr. Hall, after being graduated, established himself at once in Weeping Witter, where he has one of the finest equipped offices in the city, and a remarkably complete assortment of surgical instruments and appliances, together with a library and everything else needful for the successful prosecution of his practice.
   Our subject, on the 4th of May, 1882, was united in marriage with Miss Rosetta J. Blake, of Alexandria, and they are now the parents of three children, two sons and a daughter, namely: Virgil, Ethel and Homer. Mrs. Hall was born March 27, 1858, in Markleville, Ind., and is the daughter of W. P. and Isabella (Williams) Blake, who are now living upon a farm in the vicinity of Alexandria. She was carefully trained and educated, and taught school a period of four years before her marriage. They have a snug home in the central part of town, and enjoy the society of many friends.
   Jesse H. Hall, the father of our subject, was born in Highland County, Ohio, Nov. 22, 1822, and lived there until a lad of eight years. He then removed to Indiana with his parents, they settling in Madison County during its pioneer days. Upon reaching man's estate he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ellis, and they became the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom lived to mature years, and six sons and two daughters are still living. Mr.

Hall was successful in his labors as an agriculturist, and carried on farming extensively in his adopted State during the latter years of his life. In early manhood he was engaged as a teacher a period of twelve years. He is a very intelligent man, one who keeps himself well posted upon current events, and is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, in whose principles he trained his sons, and of which our subject, the Doctor, is an equally ardent advocate. Both parents have been for many years connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and from their sterling worth and integrity of character stand high among the people of their community.
   Joseph H. Hall, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Ohio, whence he removed to Indiana about 1830, where he spent his last days, dying at the old homestead in Madison County, in February of the year 1872, when sixty-six years old. Dr. Hall's wife is a member of the Baptist Church in Weeping Water, of which they are regular attendants, and to which they contribute a liberal support.

EORGE OBERLE, a well-known and successful agriculturist of Tipton Precinct, has a well-regulated farm pleasantly located on section 30, and which embraces 250 acres of good land. Upon it are neat and substantial buildings, including a fine new residence, commodious and built in modern style of architecture, which has been but recently completed, and is the admiration of the country around. Our subject belongs to that nationality to which the Great West is largely indebted for its growth and development, and was born on the beautiful Rhine River, near the village of Ottenheim, March 9, 1840.
   Mr. Oberle spent his boyhood and youth in his native Province, acquiring, in common with the young people of Germany, an excellent education in the public schools. Afterward he employed himself mostly at hunting and fishing, remaining on his native soil until 1867. In the meantime he entered into partnership with his brother and other men, they being engaged in building a stone wall on the River Rhine, to protect the land. In 1866 our subject entered the army during the war between Germany and Austria, and was under the enemy's fire in many a battle. After a service of six months he returned to his old business, but in the April of 1867 resolved to seek his fortunes on the other side of the Atlantic. Repairing to Havre, France, he made his way by steamer to Liverpool, and there embarked on the ocean vessel "WaIda," landing in New York City after a voyage of eighteen days.
   Our subject tarried a very little while in the metropolis, then proceeded westward to St. Clair County, in Southern Illinois, and in the vicinity of Belleville found employment as a farm laborer, and sojourned in that locality a period of five years. In the spring of 1872 he made his way west to Nebraska City, and the year following came to this county and homesteaded a tract of land in Tipton Precinct, which is included in his present farm. He commenced at first principles in the construction of a homestead, there having been no attempt, whatever, at improvement. His first business was to cultivate a portion of the soil, after which he commenced fencing his land, putting up buildings, planting trees in groves and orchards, and gradually gathered around himself the comforts and conveniences which have made his homestead a noticeable feature of his precinct. Later he added to his first purchase as follows: Fifty acres on section 29, eighty on section 30 and 130 on section 31. It has all been brought to a productive condition, and is amply watered by the Little Nemaha. Mr. Oberle gives considerable attention to stock-raising, producing excellent grades of horses, cattle and swine, having usually a herd of forty cattle, sixty hogs and ten head of horses.
   Mr. Oberle was married, in Nebraska City, March 15, 1873, to Miss Mary Stolz, a native of the same Province as her husband, and born in April, 1847. Mrs. Oberle came to America in her girlhood with friends. She is the daughter of George Stolz, who was of German ancestry, and whose family consisted of four children. Three of these are living, located in the old country. The parents are deceased.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Oberle there have been born

five children, namely: George, Jr.; Carl, who died when about six years old; Frederick, Rudolph and Emil. Mr. and Mrs. O. are Lutherans in religion, and our subject, politically, is a solid Republican. His parents were Deibold and Anna (Hauser) Oberle, who were natives of the same place as their son. They spent their entire lives in their native Germany, and the father was by occupation a fisher, hunter and trapper. He served for a time in the German Army, and after rounding up a ripe old age passed away in 1880. The mother survived her husband four years, dying in 1884. They were members of the Evangelical Protestant Church. Their family consisted of eight children, of whom our subject was the fourth child born. They were named respectively: Deibold, George, Carl, Frederick, Annie M., Kate, Christina (who died when about thirty years old) and Lena. Three sisters of these came to America.

LBERT E. LEWIS is a prosperous young farmer who came to Nebraska in February, 1880, and settled on eighty acres of land on the southern half of the northwest half of section 31, Elmwood Precinct, to the improvement of which he has devoted his entire time and attention. Coming to Nebraska without any great financial means, in fact, a poor man, he has done exceedingly well, and the various improvements which he has planned and begun making bespeak a future replete with comfort and happiness, should his life be spared to realize a full fruition of all his hopes.
   Mr. Lewis was married in the fall of 1880 to Miss Lydia E. Hite, the daughter of David and Mary (Curyea) Hite. Her father was a native of Ohio, and her mother of Virginia, and she was one of a family of nine children born to her parents: John M, now deceased; James Alva, Theodore J., Flora B., Charles F., Lydia E., Nellie M., Lenora M. and Alice M. Mr. Lewis is the youngest of three children. The other two were named Elizabeth and William R. He was born on the 28th of July, 1850, in LaSalle County, Ill. He evinced a great love for study and books at an early age, and never lost an opportunity of attending the schools near his home. The father of Mr. Lewis came to Illinois in 1838. He died in 1871, sixty-five years of age. The mother, Eliza A. (Holder) Lewis, died at the age of forty-one years.
   Mr. Lewis is a man who aspires to attain the highest place among his fellows, and should he continue to live in the years to come as he has lived in years that have gone, there is no question but that the fondest aspirations of his heart will be fully realized in this direction. He has been in his present location eight years. During that time, by strict integrity of purpose, and a close attention to all the details of farm life he has been enabled to build a snug little home. Although small in extent, there are none showing a greater amount of happiness and home comfort, and giving a better promise of brighter days in the future. All the avenues leading to a snug competency are open to him, and we find him most zealously pursuing his way to reach that goal. In his wife he has a true and in fact a genuine helpmate, always ready and anxious to share every burden and ever care, and bestow every joy and comfort of which she is capable. A lady of refinement and taste, her home shows evidence of her skill as a housewife. Together they are a most estimable couple, and deserve all the good things that can come to them. In politics Mr. L. acts with the Democratic party. For a sketch of the lady's ancestry see the history of David Hite, Esq. As to the ancestry of the gentleman's mother, refer to the sketch of William R. Lewis.

ILLIAM MARSHALL, manager of the boot & shoe house of Charles Marshall, in Weeping Water, has charge of one of the largest concerns of the kind in the city. The business was established by the father of our subject in September, 1872, and has been familiarly known as Marshall's Shoe Store ever since that time, although having been owned by different members of the same family. Its success is indicative of the good judgement and discretion which have characterized its management from the beginning.
   The subject of this sketch was born in Yorkshire,

England, April 17, 1862, and came to America with his parents when a little lad ten years of age. After landing upon the soil of this continent they made their way directly westward to this county, settling in Weeping Water, where the father engaged in the boot and shoe trade, and where our subject was reared to manhood. Here also he completed a practical education. and spending much time during his youthful days in his father's store, became at an early age familiar with all the details of the business. He assumed the management in July, 1886, and is keeping up the reputation of the family and the house in the old-time manner.
   Mr. Marshall was married, Nov. 19, 1885, to Miss Ella B. Savage, who was born in McDonough County, Ill., Dec. 16, 1863. James Savage, the father of Mrs. Marshall, was one of the solid farmers of that county, his property being located within the township limits of Macomb. He came to Nebraska about 1882, and purchased land in Hamilton County, where his death took place in July, 1884. Mrs. Savage is still living, and makes her home with her daughter Ella in Weeping Water.
   Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are the parents of one child, a son, Spencer J., who was born Sept. 4, 1886. Mr. M. belongs to the I. O. O. F., the K. of P. and the Modern Workmen of America.
   John Marshall, the father of our subject, was born in Yorkshire, England, April 18, 1830, and lived there until 1872. He married Miss Charlotte Day, a native of Worcestershire, and they became the parents of ten children, six sons and four daughters, who, with one exception, all came to America with him. Weeping Water at the time of his settlement here was a little town of 400 or 500 people, and he established his shoe store on the corner of Randolph and I streets, where it still remains. In due time there was a sign put out having upon it Marshall & Son, and later, as the father withdrew from the active business, and the sons took his place, it was changed to Marshall Bros. The first two brothers assuming charge of the business were John T. and William. Next the former withdrew and William and Arthur U. conducted the business. It is now the property of Charles Marshall, who makes his home in Syracuse, Neb.
   John Marshall and his sons are equal to several full teams in their advocacy of the principles of the Republican party. They meddle very little with politics, but keep themselves thoroughly posted upon State and National events, and wield a silent influence which has its weight. They are first-class business men, attending strictly to the details of their trade, are prompt to meet their obligations, and in both the business and social circles of Cass County are marked a No. 1.

ICHOLAS HALMES, one of the most liberal and public-spirited citizens of Plattsmouth Precinct, is pleasantly located on a good farm occupying a portion of section 8, and may be properly ranked among the self-made men of Cass County. Of German birth and ancestry, he is a native of Prussia, where he was born Aug. 15, 1831. His parents were Martin and Mary (Newell) Halmes, the mother a native of the same Province as her son; they spent the latter part of their lives in Wisconsin and Nebraska. Both are now dead.
   Martin Halmes, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, was born in the Province of Elza, France, where he married, and where Martin, Jr., was also born. The latter in 1814 joined the French Army, and the year following was taken prisoner by the Prussians into their country, and subsequently served in the ranks of the Prussian Army a period of three years. At the close of the war he married a Miss Newall, and was a resident of Prussia until the year 1853.
   In the year above mentioned Martin Halmes, Jr., accompanied by his wife and five children, emigrated to America, and proceeding westward located in Wisconsin, where he followed farming until 1857. He then retired from active labor, and was making his plans to come to Nebraska and live with his son, our subject, when his death occurred in 1860, after having spent a few months in Chicago with his daughter, Mrs. Margaret Craig.
   After the death of his father our subject brought his mother home, and she lived with him until her death, which occurred in the year 1878. Mr. Halmes came to Nebraska Territory in 1857, locating in

the vicinity of the present town of Weeping Water, pre-empting 160 acres of land, which he occupied until 1866. Then selling out he removed to his present home on sections 7 and 8. Here he purchased 200 acres, twenty acres of which had been broken, but further than this there was little improvement. He at once put up a stone house and began farming. He was prospered in his labors, and invested his surplus capital in additional land, being the possessor of 1,010 acres, all of which is in a productive condition.
   For a man who landed upon the soil of Nebraska with a capital of $5 in his pocket, Mr. Halmes has certainly made a good record. A part of this he invested in a pair of boots, and then began working for the farmers around. The first $300 which he made he lost, being the victim of misplaced confidence. He secured unto himself a wife and helpmate in 1860, being married to Miss Henrietta Obernolte, of Plattsmouth. Of this union there were born seven children, namely: Mary, Nicholas, Peter, Lena, Rosa, George and Joseph. Mrs. Henrietta Halmes departed this life in 1880.
   The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married in 1881, bears the name of Henrietta Plager. This lady, as was the former wife of our subject, is a member of the Lutheran Church, while Mr. H. belongs to the German Catholic. He is a man of decided ideas and votes independently, aiming to support the men whom he considers the most trustworthy and efficient for office.

OBERT EMENS is a member of the firm of Gerardet, Boone & Emens, pioneer dry goods, grocery and notion merchants of the city of Weeping Water. These gentlemen are young, active and enterprising, and have a bright and promising future before them.
   Our subject was born in New Jersey, May 21, 1857, a son of Abraham Emens, who was born in the same State in 1830. The father was in business in Dayton until middle age, and there married Anna Van Arsdale, a most estimable woman, and a member of the Reformed Church. They are the parents of two children, Gertrude and our subject.
   Their daughter is now Mrs. F. E. Adams, of Pekin, Ill. When Mr. Emens was about forty years of age he abandoned his native State, and the home of his birth, with all its associations, to begin life again in the Prairie State, and settling in Pekin, Ill., established himself in the mercantile business, which he carried on for three years with good success. After that he turned his attention to farming, and he now owns a fine farm eight miles west of Pekin, where he and his wife make their home. He is a man of prominence in that locality, and has held several township and county offices. His father, Jonathan Emens, was a native of New Jersey, where he carried on farming and was also engaged in other business.
   Robert Emens was twelve years old when his parents became residents of Illinois, and he completed his education in the excellent High School of Pekin. After leaving school he engaged with his father on the farm until he attained manhood, and he then started out in life for himself. He remained in Illinois until 1882, when he came to Weeping Water. For some years he acted as clerk for different merchants in this State, a part of the time for Mr. Gerardet, his present partner, who was then manager for Wessel & Kohn, of Nebraska City. After the big fire of 1887 our subject, with other members of the firm, opened a new store, the doors being first opened to the public Jan. 10, 1888, since which time they have done a good and promising business. Their establishment is well fitted up and neatly arranged, and every department is well stocked with goods, the best in the market, and at reasonable prices.
   Mr. Emens was married to Miss Cora Boone, of Utica, Neb., Nov. 26, 1884. To this union have been born two children -- Sterling, Jr., and Hazel. Mrs. Emens was born in Manito, Ill., in 1863, and is a daughter of Thomas and Harriet (Robinson) Boone. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and in later life he moved to Illinois, where for some years he was engaged in farming, and there his death occurred. His widow moved to Utica, Neb., where she lived until the marriage of her daughter Cora, and is now living here with her.
   Our subject is a wide-awake man, of good business principles and exceptional habits, and his