present Constitution, which had been remodeled and more fully adapted to the growing needs of the people. During his term also occurred the election of the Hon. Alvin Saunders, in which Mr. Bobbitt bore a prominent part. He was also a member of three of the most important committees, namely; Federal Relations, County Seat and Boundaries, Mines and Minerals.
   Although reared a Democrat, Mr. Bobbitt upon attaining years of discretion, felt that the principles of the Republican party more nearly coincided with his progressive ideas. With it he accordingly identified himself, and has been one of the most active workers in its ranks in Southern Nebraska. His services in that Legislature received much favorable comment by the leading journals of this part of the State. He has been a member of the Republican Central Committee; and has given of his time and means for the furtherance of the enterprises generally calculated to advance the interests of its people. Socially, he belongs to the K. of P. No. 104, at Eagle. He is a member of the Congregational Church at that place, and contributed generously toward the erection of the church edifice. He thoroughly believes in the religious education of the young, and has carried out his sentiments in this respect by officiating as Superintendent of the Sunday-School and studying to make this important subject a matter of interest to the rising generation.
   The parents of Mrs. Bobbitt were of English and German descent, the father a native of Ohio, and the mother of Van Buren County, Iowa. The paternal grandfather, a native of Germany, possessed more than ordinary musical talent, being a musician of considerable note, while he also prosecuted farming pursuits. On the mother's side, Grandfather Moss traced his ancestors to England, was one of the earliest settlers of Van Buren County, Iowa, and became the owner of a large tract of land both in that and Wapello County. John S. Phillips, the father of Mrs. B., was a well-educated man, and while conducting his farm occupied himself considerably as a teacher. He was one of the pioneers of Iowa, purchasing land from the Government and built up a good homestead in Wapello County, where he still holds property. His present home, however, is at Agency. He is sixty years old and his estimable wife is fifty-eight. They are the parents of twelve children, of whom Mrs. B. was the second born.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Bobbitt there have been born six children, namely: Charles E., John F., who died in infancy, Lewis E., William M., George D., and an infant son who died unnamed. The eldest son, Charles, is attending the academy at Weeping Water; the other children are at home with their parents. They are being carefully reared and will be given the education suitable to their station in life as the offspring of one of the leading citizens of Southern Nebraska.

EORGE W. BARRETT. The ordinary observer must admit that the life of a farmer, though attended with much arduous labor, surely has its compensations. Most forcibly is this suggestion illustrated in viewing the homestead of the subject of this sketch, which is finely located on section 29, in Mt. Pleasant Precinct. The buildings are neat and substantial, and the land, embracing an area of 110 acres, is mostly under a high state of cultivation, yielding under favorable circumstances the richest of crops of Southern Nebraska. The proprietor, a gentleman in the prime of life, bears the reputation of an industrious and persevering citizen, who has been the architect of his own fortune, and indebted to no man for his present position in life. From a worthy ancestry he inherited those qualities which have enabled him to labor to good advantage with his hands while his mind is a storehouse of useful information, and experience has been his safe guide through life's devious ways.
   Our subject, a product of the Empire State, was born in Jefferson County, Jan. 12, 1848, and is the son of Nial and Ruth (Coon) Barrett, who located in that county during the early years of their married life. Their household included five children, but three now living, namely: Laura A., Mrs. Henry Strouts, of Berrien County, Mich.; Charles a resident of Jo Daviess County, Ill., and George W.,

our subject. The family is of English-Irish descent, and farther than this Mr. Barrett knows comparatively little of his ancestors.
   When a youth of fifteen years our subject removed with his parents from his native State to Berrien County, Mich., where they have since resided. They are both now quite aged the father having been born in 1806, and the mother two years later, in 1808. Their lives have been distinguished by honest industry, and now in their declining years they are surrounded by hosts of friends, and are living in the enjoyment of all needful comforts. Young Barrett attained to manhood in the Wolverine State, and was educated in the district schools of Berrien County, being deprived, however, of many of the advantages enjoyed by the rising generation. In the fall of 1867 he began an apprenticeship at the trade of plasterer and stone-mason, which he followed much of the time since until within a few years. His preference, however, is for farming pursuits, and to these he has devoted himself mainly since coming to this country.
   Mr. Barrett was first married in Michigan, Feb. 13, 1869, to Miss Inez Pearl, daughter of Lewis and Julia E. Pearl, of Berrien County, Mich. Of this union there was born one child, a daughter, Ethel, who is now in Berrien County, Mich., and eighteen years old. Mrs. Inez Barrett departed this life at her home, in Michigan, Jan. 8, 1870, less than a year after her marriage. Our subject contracted a second matrimonial alliance, Dec. 25, 1873, with Miss Olive C. Wolcott, in Jo Daviess County, Ill. This lady was born in Jo Daviess County, Ill., Aug. 27, 1853, and is the daughter of Henry O. and Eliza A. (Williams) Wolcott, who were natives of Ohio. Mr. Wolcott was a wagon maker and farmer by occupation, and died at their home in Illinois about 1857; the mother is still living and a resident of Jo Daviess County, Ill.
   Mr. Barrett and his present wife are the parents of five children, namely: Lynn W., born Sept. 12, 1874; Laura M., Oct. 14, 1875; Loren A., May 5, 1877; Ralph L., Sept. 6, 1878, and Tina I., March 28,1881. Mr. Barrett resided in Jo Daviess County, Ill., a period of six years, then came directly to this county, and settled upon the farm which he now occupies, Aside from casting his vote with the Republican party, he meddles very little with politics, having an abundance of business in the management of his farming interests. His excellent wife is a member in good standing of the Christian Church, and Mr. Barrett believing in life insurance, is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

ARRY G. RACE, editor and proprietor of the Cass County Eagle, is a gentleman of English birth and ancestry, having first opened his eyes to the light in Yorkshire, England, Dec. 28, 1845. He lived there until a youth of fourteen years, acquiring the rudiments of a practical education. Later he came to America and completed his studies in the High School of Eldora, Iowa. Subsequently he engaged with his father in farming until the spring of 1872. We next find him in the vicinity of Salt Lake City engaged in the search for silver and gold in the Bingham and Echo Canyons. Upon leaving the mines he engaged as a shipping agent for the firm of Reed & Benson, at Big Cottonwood Canyon, Finally, returning to Iowa, and sojourned there a brief season, and from the Hawkeye State made his way to this county, arriving at Weeping Water on the 9th of September, 1879. The present flourishing city at that time could scarcely be dignified by the name of a hamlet, there being but a few clumsily-built houses upon the spot now occupied by handsome brick blocks and other structures adapted for residence and business purposes. Mr. Race at once engaged in mercantile business, purchasing first the interest of Mr. Kimball, in the firm of Fleming & Kimball, and later the firm became Fleming & Race, operating thus until Sept. 10, 1874. They continued successfully in business for a period of ten years. They were preceded in this line of trade by the firm of Reed Bros., only, the latter having been the pioneer merchants of Weeping Water.
   Mr. Race was soon recognized as a valuable addition to the community, and it was not long before he was solicited to take a part in the official deliberations of the young town. He fully

identified himself with its interests, investing his capital in real estate, and in due time Weeping Water was enlarged by Fleming & Race's addition, being the finest in the city, the lots sold quite readily, although Mr. Race still holds some of them. In the fall of 1888 he completed an elegant residence on Eldora Avenue, the avenue being named after Eldora, Iowa, the place of his former residence, and which he still holds in much affection. He also has a good residence on I Street, and is still considerably engaged in real-estate transactions.
   Soon after disposing of his interest in the firm of Fleming & Race, our subject, who had always been interested in newspapers, purchased the Cass County Eagle, which he has conducted with rare ability, making of it an assured success. Under his management the Eagle was the first paper to put forward the name of John M. Thayer for Governor of Nebraska, and its influence bore no unimportant part in securing his election. Mr. Race has never sought office, but as a conscientious Republican is an ardent advocate of the principles which appeal most effectively to his good sense and judgment.
   Our subject is the son of Joseph Race, who was born in Milnthorpe, England, Oct. 11, 1817, and lived there until about 1859. He was there married to Miss Mary Bell, and there were born to them upon their native soil seven children, who were named respectively: Joseph, William, Harry G., Anne A., Eliza, Mary Jane and Walter. They all came to America, with their parents about 1859, the latter settling in Eldora, Iowa, at a time when it was little more than a hamlet. They lived in that town five years, then moved to a farm two miles east, where the mother died April 10, 1883. She was born in 1815, in Yorkshire, England, and was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Bell, who were also of English birth and ancestry, and who spent their entire lives upon their native soil. Mr. Race and his wife were reared in the doctrines of the Church of England, in which faith the mother died, and of which denomination Joseph Race is still a member. The latter lived on the farm until the fall of 1888, when retiring from active labor he came to Weeping Water, and now makes his home with his son Harry G. During the years of his active life, he was engaged quite extensively in agriculture and stock-raising, and became owner of a fine large farm of 250 acres, which he built up from the primitive soil and which he still owns. He has been a reader all his life and keeps himself well posted upon current events. A genial, pleasant and companionable old gentleman, he numbers hosts of friends among the people of Cass County, where he is regarded as one of its most honored citizens.
   John Race, the paternal grandfather of our subject, spent his entire life in his native town, Milnthorpe, Yorkshire, on the old battle-ground of Wakefield, which was made memorable by the scenes of 1460. The house of Grandfather Race was constructed from ruins of the old castle, and under that historic roof-tree the father of the subject of this sketch was born.
   The marriage of H. G. Race and Miss Carrie C. Selleck, of Hastings, Mich., took place at the home of the bride in Weeping Water, Jan. 5,1875. Mrs. Race is the daughter of William S. and Jennie Selleck, the former one of the prominent business men of Plymouth, this State. About 1882 he came to Weeping Water, where he now lives. Mrs. Selleck died when her daughter Carrie was only two years old. She was in her girlhood Miss Outhwaite. Mrs. Race is a highly esteemed lady and a member in good standing of the M. E. Church.

AMES DYSART. Cass County owes its prominence and prosperity not alone to its vast natural resources, its genial climate and other advantages, but in part to its early pioneers, who devoted themselves earnestly to its development and improvement, and among those who are still identified with its agricultural interests, is the subject of this sketch. In the month of June, 1856, he, then a stalwart, active young man, in the pride and strength of early manhood, crossed the Missouri River, and making his way to the part of Cass County now known as Liberty Precinct, pre-empted 160 acres of land on section 34, and became the very first settler in this

neighborhood. The land that he thus obtained was in a wild, unbroken state, and his was the pioneer task, to develop it by the aid of strong muscle and well-directed toil into a productive farm. That he has succeeded in this attempt is manifested even to the causal observer, who sees its neat farm buildings and various other improvements, and looks over its carefully tilled fields, each acre of which, by wise cultivation, is made to yield to the uttermost, and season after season affords rich harvests to reward his persistent labors.
   Mr. Dysart is of Scottish birth and ancestry, having been born in Forfarshire, Scotland, Jan. 9, 1834. His father, James Dysart, a native of Cooper, Angushire, was the son of William Dysart, a Scotch cloth manufacturer of some prominence in his native shire. He lived and died in his native land, attaining an advanced age. His wife, also of Scottish birth and ancestry, died in her native shire before she had passed middle life. They belonged to one of the old Presbyterian families of the Lowlands of Scotland. James Dysart was reared in his native shire, and married a Scotch lady, Anna Sutt by name, also born and bred in the same shire. Their family of eight children, all sons, was born in Scotland, of whom only four lived to come to the United States. While he remained a resident of that country, Mr. Dysart followed the occupation of drover. In 1844, with his wife and children, he emigrated to the United States, and located in Carroll County, Ohio. Shortly afterward he began to farm there, and in his new home in that county his wife died, Feb. 1, 1847, when only forty years of age. This was a sad blow to her husband and children, to whom she was greatly devoted. Mr. Dysart afterward moved to Columbiana County, in the same State, and there he married for his second wife. Miss Ann Everett, who was born in Maryland, was reared in Ohio, and also died in Columbiana County, before her husband, her death occurring in the prime of life. James Dysart, Sr., was a third time married, and this wife also died there, but not till after her husband had passed away. He departed this life Aug. 24, 1870; thus rounding out seventy-six years, which had been usefully spent. He was a good man and a steady, hard-working farmer. He was a life-long Presbyterian, the faith of his forefathers for many generations, and left a name to be held in respect still reverence by his descendants.
   Our subject spent five years of his early life in his father's home in Columbiana County, and then at the age of twenty-one set forth in the world to begin life in earnest, at first finding work as a farm laborer in Ohio. But he soon afterward made his way westward, and going to Jones County, Iowa, found work there at the same occupation. Eighteen months later, with the sum of money that he had prudently saved up for some time, he crossed the Missouri River into the then wild territory of Nebraska, having determined to build up a home here, as with the prescience and foresight of the genuine Scot, he shrewdly realized that this was one day destined to be a rich farming country. We have seen the results of his venture, and that his hard labors have placed film among the prosperous and solid men of Cass County.
   Mr. Dysart is blessed with a good wife, who, by her thrift and good management of household affairs, has co-operated with him and encouraged him in his work. She is a devout Christian, and with two of her children, is a member of the Baptist Church. Her marriage with our subject was solemnized in Liberty Precinct, Sept. 13, 1860. Mrs. Dysart's maiden name was Nancy J. Hoback, and she was born in Nodaway County, Mo., Aug. 17, 1813. She came of German-Scotcb-lrish ancestry, and was a daughter of Robert and Louisa (Clark) Hoback, natives of West Virginia. After the birth of one child, her parents moved to Missouri, and settling on a farm not far from Maryville, in Nodaway County, there lived until 1855, when the family all moved to Nebraska, and began to farm near Nebraska City in Otoe County. Some few years later they came to Cass County and Mr. Hoback pre-empted land on section 34, and there the family lived for some time. The mother died there in 1883, the 22d day of May, aged sixty-two years. She was an earnest Methodist in her religious faith. After the death of his wife, Mr. Hoback sold his property in this precinct and removed to Mt. Pleasant Precinct, and there lives with his daughter Mrs. Rebecca Alford, he being now sixty-eight years of age. He has been a de-

voted Methodist nearly all his life. Mrs. Dysart was one of a large family of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. She was yet a child when her parents came to Nebraska, and she lived with them until her marriage. Eleven children have been born to her and her husband, of whom three are deceased; an infant, John T. and LeRoy. Those living are Anna E., wife of Jacob Gruber, a farmer in this precinct; Mary E., wife of Rudolph Kreiger, a farmer in Nelson County, Dak.; Louisa, wife of A. M. Bay, a farmer of Washington County, Neb.; Ida J., James A., Thomas B., Jesse R. and Charles H. are at home with their parents.
   Mr. Dysart early displayed characteristics of foresight and great prudence, combined with energy and a capacity, not to say genuine liking for labor, and his life in Nebraska has thus been made successful from a financial as well as other standpoints, and he, and his wife have one of the neatest cottage in the precinct and are living in comfortable circumstances. In his politics Mr. Dysart takes his stand with the Republicans, and earnestly supports all measures of his party.

OHN RICHARDSON. The subject of this biography, late a resident of the city of Plattsmouth, nearly crossed a continent for permanent settlement, as he first opened his eyes to the light on the rugged Atlantic Coast in the little town of Mt. Desert, Me., on the 10th of May, 1818. His father, Benjamin Richardson, a sturdy New Englander, and the scion of a hardy race, spent, it is supposed, the greater part of his life at that place, being a resident of Mt. Desert at the time of his decease, which took place when his son John was but a lad.
   Young Richardson was a resident of his native town until a youth of fifteen years, when he migrated to Massachusetts and learned the trade of tailor. Upon reaching manhood he was married and located at Jamaica Plains, a suburb of Boston, where he opened a merchant tailor shop and carried on business until 1856. Now desirous of seeing something of the great West, he left New England and emigrated to Henry County, Ill., settling in the town of Genesee, where he sojourned two years. In the meantime he became possessor of 160 acres of land adjacent, and also a home in the town.
   In 1858 Mr. Richardson, disposing of his possessions in the Prairie State, started with his family for the Territory of Nebraska. His outfit would at this day be a subject probably of considerable amusement, as it consisted of four yoke of oxen, two horses, two wagons and a family carriage. In the the (sic) latter were stowed away the fair ones of the the (sic) household, while the wagons carried their personal effects. The entire journey was thus made overland, and after three weeks' travel they landed safely in this county. Plattsmouth was then a a (sic) small village, containing two stores and a few log houses, and frame shanties. The surrounding country was very thinly settled and a few miles west deer and other wild animals were plentiful.
   Mr. Richardson took up a tract of Government land eight miles west of the "corporation," entering it at the nearest land office, Omaha. He commenced in earnest the improvement of his property, breaking a few acres, and putting up a shelter for his family. A year later, however, he sold out and purchased land in the vicinity of the present township, Eight Mile Grove Precinct. Upon this there was a log cabin, and a few acres had been brought to a state of cultivation by a settler who had become discouraged and abandoned his enterprise.
   The Richardson family resided a few months in this log cabin, then moved into a frame house, which they occupied until the year 1885. In the meantime many and great had been the changes passing like a panorama before their eyes, and during which period Mr. Richardson and his estimable wife had contributed their full share toward building up the county, in the development of one of its most desirable homesteads. They now felt that they were entitled to rest, and accordingly rented the farm and removed into the city, where the death of Mr. Richardson occurred April 25th, 1888.
   The marriage of our subject with Miss Mercy Maria Ames occurred Nov. 23,1846, at the home of the bride in Belfast, Me. Mrs. Richardson was also a native of the Pine Tree State, born in the town of Belfast, Jan. 30, 1830. Her father, Jacob Ames, was a native of Vinalhaven, that State, and her pa-

ternal grandfather, Jacob Ames, was of English birth and ancestry. and was one of the pioneers of that region. He engaged in farming all his life and spent his last years at Brockville, Me.
   The father of Mrs. Richardson followed the sea during his early manhood and later engaged in shipbuilding in Belfast, of which he remained a resident the balance of his life. He was a man prominent in his community, one of the pillars of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he officiated as Class-leader many years, and contributed liberally to its support, his wife, Mrs. Eunice (Verrill) Ames, the mother of Mrs. Richardson, was also a native of Vinalhaven, and the daughter of Samuel and Eunice (Carr) Verrill. She also died in Belfast.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Richardson there were born four children, namely: Maria A., died at age of thirteen months in Mass., John H. is engaged at farming near Arraphoe (sic), this State; Anna May is the wife of O. P. Austin, a journalist of Washington, D. C.; Florence married W. C. Showalter, who is now District Clerk, and a resident of this county. Mr. and Mrs. R. identified themselves with the Methodist Episcopal Church about 1869, and Mr. R. politically was a stanch adherent of the Republican party. Mrs. Richardson was left a comfortable property by her husband. She is a lady held in high regard by the people of her community, and is possessor of a ripe experience of pioneer life in all its phases.

OHN ALBERT. Cass County was first looked upon by the subject of this sketch in the spring of 1872, when he established himself in Eight Mile Grove Precinct, on a tract of rented land, which he operated a period of three years. Having now gathered together some means, and feeling justified in establishing the domestic fireside, he was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Hartmann, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride in this Precinct, Sept. 26, 1875, The newly wedded pair commenced the journey of life together on a tract of new land purchased by Mr. Albert, comprising eighty acres, on section 11.
   Mr. and Mrs. Albert set up housekeeping in a style suitable to their circumstances and surroundings and began battling with the elements of a new soil and the construction of a homestead. They labored with one mutual purpose in view, and in due time found themselves on a solid footing and in the possession of a cultivated farm. They lived there until the fall of 1886, then Mr. Albert, selling out, moved to his present premises on section 4. He is numbered among the leading land-owners of this part of the county, having the warrantee deed to 240 broad acres, upon which have been erected neat and suitable buildings. He is now enabled to rest upon his oars and looking around him cannot do otherwise than contemplate with satisfaction the result of years of industry. Among his fellow-citizens he is a man held in high regard, is a stanch member of the Republican party, and interests himself in those enterprises calculated for the general good of the people around him. He believes in the establishment of schools and churches, and is the Treasurer of his school district, No. 31. Both he and his estimable wife belong the church of their forefathers, the German Lutheran.
   Our subject, the son of John and Catherine (Vetter) Albert, was born in the Province of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Feb. 28, 1851. His father is a farmer by occupation, and both parents continue to reside upon their native soil, being now well advanced in years. John was the second son of the family, and in common with his brothers and sisters was placed in school when a little lad, pursuing his studies quite steadily for a number of years. At the age of fourteen he began learning the trade of stone-mason, which he followed three years, and then decided to seek his fortunes in the United States. Bidding adieu to the friends and associations of his childhood, he took passage on a steamer at the port of Bremen, which after a voyage of ten days deposited him safely in the city of New York. Thence he made his way directly to Tazewell County, Ill., and soon secured employment on a farm, remaining in that vicinity three years and receiving for his services $225 per year and his board. In the spring of 1872 he decided to push further westward, and soon found himself on the other side of the Mississippi. His subsequent course we have already indicated. He is a man of more than or-