has served as Steward and Class-Leader for a number of years. They are also active members of society locally, and are everywhere accorded the heartiest confidence and regard.

AVID R. BUSH, whose reputation as a railroad contractor is by no means confined to Johnson County, was born on the 19th of March, 1848, near Utica, N. Y. His parents removed when he was about four years of age to Kenosha County, Wis., and lived there four years; then they went to Illinois, his father having died at that time, and his mother believing it would be wise to make the change. Their new home was at Plattville, and there he received all the education that his mother could give him, taking his place in the common schools of that town. Upon leaving school he went to farming, and became quite successful although but a young man, continuing until 1867, when he determined to move West, and came to Vesta Precinct, Johnson County, and took a farm. This he moved upon and began the work of improving it. From untamed prairie land he speedily brought it to a splendid state of cultivation, but was not satisfied until he had made it one of the finest farms in the district. Selling that property, he removed to Nemaha Precinct, where he engaged in his trade.
   While in Vesta Precinct Mr. Bush had begun and carried on some little blacksmithing and carriage work, but now launched into the business in earnest, continuing thus engaged until 1882. In March, 1880, he moved to the city of Tecumseh, where he had built a fine residence on Clay street, between First and Second, which he has continued ever since to make his home. At the time of his settlement in Vesta Precinct there were but a few settlers scattered here and there along the different creeks. Bridges had not yet been built, though much desired, settlers were few, and schools rather remarkable by their absence than otherwise. The only institution in his precinct had lost its school-house by fire, and so was minus.
   Moving to town, Mr. Bush continued his trade, but after four years it was given into the hands of a foreman, who continued it. At that time our subject was elected to the County Treasurership on the Republican ticket, and served through the term of 1883, with much credit to himself and satisfaction to the public, so much so that he was offered a reelection, but in 1885 he devoted himself to his work as a railroad contractor, and speedily had his hands and shops full. He has been connected with the Rock Island & Fairbury branch of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, and upon quite a large number of their branch lines in Illinois and Nebraska, his last one being that at LaSalle, Ill. He takes deep interest in his work, is very exact and thorough, so that his contracts have always been filled and satisfactorily accepted, and at the same time have left him financially successful. In his work Mr. Bush has been connected with the well-known firm of Reynolds Bros., of Wymore, also Fitzgerald, Kilpatrick and others.
   While a resident of Vesta Precinct our subject was on the School Board the greater part of the time, and always took the greatest interest in that work. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F., and is a Knight of Pythias, prominent in the order, and of good standing. He has always been a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and a representative man of the city, honored and respected by all who know him, whether in social, political or business circles.
   Mr. Bush, while a resident of Vesta, became the husband of Miss Sarah E. Ross, their marriage being celebrated on the 18th of June, 1872. The children whose names are appended form their family circle: Eugene H., Edith M., Robert R., Ethel P., Laura and Florence LaRue, all of whom are at home with their parents, who are giving to them the best education the institutions of Tecumseh afford. Mrs. Bush is the daughter of J. M. and Ellen (Saunders) Ross. She was born in the State of Illinois, on the 19th of January, 1855, and accompanied her parents when they removed to Nebraska in 1865. Her father is still a farmer, enterprising and prosperous in the above precinct, and with his wife, is enjoying the fruits of their joint toil in the past. They are the parents of eight children. whom they have brought to mature years. Both are greatly

esteemed in the Baptist communion, of which they have for many years been members.
   The father of our subject, Thaddeus Bush, was a native of Germany. He came to this country when a young man, and settled near Utica, N. Y., where he took a farm and there continued to live until 1852, when he removed to Wisconsin, where he died four years later, aged forty-four years. His wife was a native of New York, and previous to her marriage bore the name of Alvina Andrews. She presented her husband with five children, who subsequently took their places in the ranks of the honored citizens of this community. Both were members of the Baptist Church for many years. Mrs. Bush moved to Plattville, and subsequently, in 1867, to DeKalb County, afterward coming West with our subject, at whose home she died in the year 1878, aged sixty-three years.

OHN B. SHARRETT, one of the prosperous farmers, fully abreast of the times in all matters pertaining to his occupation, and one of the prominent men in religious circles, and a much valued citizen of Lincoln Precinct, is a native of Fayette County, Ohio, where he was born on the 8th of April, 1826. His parents, John and Nancy Sharrett, were natives of Virginia. His father, who served in the War of 1812, settled in the Buckeye State shortly after the conclusion of hostilities. Of nine children born to them the following survive: Jane, the wife of Robert Snell, of Xenia, Ohio; Mary, who is married to Frederick Shigley, of Ft. Madison, Iowa; Elizabeth, now Mrs. L. D. Slade, of Elgin, Ill.; Murtha, the wife of Andrew Wolf, of Jay County, Ind.; and our subject. Both parents of our subject died in the year 1862.
   Mr. Sharrett was reared in Fayette County, Ohio, where he lived until he was about twenty years of age. All his early life was spent upon the farm, and from boyhood he worked at whatever duties could be assigned him, with the result that he has become a thoroughly practical farmer. Upon reaching the above mentioned age he removed to Greene County, Ohio, where he began to learn the brick mason and plastering trade. This he continued to follow for a number of years at Xenia, in that county.
   The marriage of our subject with Elizabeth Straley, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Straley, natives of Virginia, was celebrated on the 20th of July, 1850, at Fayette, Ohio. Mrs. Sharrett was born in Fayette County, Ohio, and until her marriage lived with her parents. She has presented her husband with eleven children, four of whom are now living, viz: Francis M., now of Crab Orchard, in this State; Lafayette, of this county; Luella, the wife of William A. Barnett of Lincoln Precinct, in this county; and George P., of Nemaha County.
   Accompanied by his family, our subject came to this county in 1856, and pre-empted 160 acres of land on section 18, township 6 north, range 12 east. This is the property he still owns, but to which he subsequently added ten acres. The entire 170 acres are thoroughly improved and in a high state of cultivation, yielding him, other things being equal, crops above the average. At the time of his settlement it is said there were but two houses within the boundaries of Johnson County, and they were by no means completed, so that he is among the first actual settlers in the county, which he has watched with pride as it has been transformed from its original to its present condition. Studded as it is with well tilled. cultivated and stocked farms, it is one of the most progressive and wealthy counties of the State. Our subject has made a specialty of raising Short-horn cattle, and the better grades of some other varieties of cattle.
   Mr. Sharrett was chosen one of the first Commissioners, and in fact helped the organization thereof, and so well did he fill the duties pertaining to his office, that for thirteen consecutive years his constituents continued to return him to the office. For several terms also he held the office of Assessor, where he was also faithful in the discharge of his duties, as elsewhere. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican. Deeply interested in all educational matters. he has rendered effectual service to the Board of Education, of which he was a member for many years. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he is

devoted, as is also Mrs. Sharrett; both are held in the highest possible regard. Our subject holds the offices of Trustee, Steward and Class-Leader of the church, and he is one of the pillars of the organization. In the social order of Odd Fellowship he is acknowledged a member in good standing, and is accorded the confidence of all his fellow-members.

LMER W. NELSON represents valuable farm property in Lincoln Precinct to the extent of 320 acres of land, with convenient and substantial buildings, and devotes his attention largely to stock-raising. His homestead is located on section 26, and he is numbered among the representative men of the county, one who has taken a genuine interest in its progress, and has contributed in no small degree toward bringing it to its present position.
   A native of the Dominion, our subject was born in the city of Perth, District of Bathis, Jan. 1, 1833, and is the son of James and Martha (Goarley) Nelson, who were natives of Ireland, and who crossed the Atlantic in their youth, settling with their parents in Canada, where they were married and lived until 1851. They became the parents of ten children, seven of whom survive, namely: Elmer W., our subject; Margaret, the widow of Mr. Longworth, of LaSalle County, Ill.; James, a resident of Bureau County, Ill.; Letitia, the wife of Alexander Holbrook, of Bureau County; William and Josiah in Dakota; and Isabelle, Mrs. Gideon Rytchmyre, of Princeton, Ill. The deceased are: George, Mary and Martha, who died at the ages of sixteen years, two years, and ten months, respectively.
   Our subject was educated in the public schools of his native Province, which he left when about eighteen years of age, and removed with his parents to LaSalle County, Ill. They located first in the town of LaSalle, but a year later removed to a farm in that county, where Elmer W. remained with his parents until his marriage. This important event in his life occurred June 23, 1857, his bride being Miss Margaret McKibben. Mrs. Nelson was born in Upper Canada. May 27, 1834, being the daughter of Daniel and Johanna (Murphy) McKibben, who were natives of Ireland, and crossed the Atlantic, each with their parents, when young in years. They were married in the city of Ottawa, and became the parents of three children, the eldest of whom, Henry, died when about three years old. The survivors are Mrs. Nelson and her sister Annie, the latter a resident of Pennsylvania. The father died in Canada about 1836, and the mother survived him until 1845.
   To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born eight children, namely: Margaret J., the wife of James Morrisy, of Vesta Precinct; Elmer G., James H., Mary M., Alexander F., Martha A. and Maude L. The deceased child, a son, Allen, died when about eighteen months old. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Nelson took up their residence in Bureau County, Ill., where our subject engaged in farming, and whence, in the spring of 1881, he came with his family to this county, and purchased the land which he now owns and occupies. He began life with very little capital, but was strong in hope and stout in muscle, and being assisted by one of the most devoted and industrious of women, has accumulated a competence for his old age.
   Mr. Nelson was a resident of Henry County, Ill., a period of twenty years, during which time he served as County Commissioner one term, and School Director eight years. Here also he has been a School Director in his district, and in politics is independent, aiming to support the men whom he considers best qualified to serve the interests of the people. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, although having labored industriously many years in the accumulation of their property, are still in the prime of life, and capable of enjoying years of prosperity and happiness.

ENRY SCHUMANN. Lincoln Precinct recognizes no better citizen within its borders than the subject of this sketch, who is comfortably situated on section 9, and is busily engaged as a general farmer and stock-raiser. A native of Rock Island, Ill., he was born April 7, 1855, and is the son of John and Elsaba (Brandt)

Schumann, who were both natives of Holstein, Germany.
   The parents of our subject emigrated to America about 1851, settling in Rock Island County, Ill., where the father carried on agriculture a few seasons, then changed his residence to Henry County, where he lived until the summer of 1870. Thence they crossed the Mississippi into this county, and settled upon the land which their son Henry now owns and occupies. Here the father lived and labored until the illness which resulted in his death, May 24, 1886, when he was about seventy-four years old. The mother only survived her husband a few months, her death taking place in August following. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are living, namely: John D., a resident of Nebraska; Anna S., the wife of G. M. Shrouf, of Kansas, and Henry, our subject. Both parents were members in good standing of the German Lutheran Church, and were widely and favorably known throughout Lincoln Precinct, where they enjoyed in a marked degree the esteem and confidence of its best people.
   John Schumann came a pioneer to this county before a furrow had been turned upon the land which he chose for the scene of his future operations. He was a man of great energy and perseverance, and by the exercise of incessant industry and the closest economy built up for himself and those dear to him a comfortable and valuable home. Upon becoming a naturalized citizen he identified himself with the Democratic party, and in this, as in all his actions in life, exercised that conscience course which impressed those around him with his moral worth and integrity. In his death Johnson County lost one of her most valued German citizens.
   Henry Schumann accompanied his parents to Nebraska in the summer of 1870, and assisted in the development of the new farm. He had obtained a somewhat limited education in his native State, the advantages of those days being far behind those enjoyed by the youth of to-day. He has been occupied in farming pursuits all his life, and amid the green fields and quiet pursuits of the country finds his chief happiness. When not thirty years of age he was married, Jan. 20, 1885, to Miss Annie, daughter of Frank Gorezka, who, like her parents, is a native of Poland, and was born May 17, 1865. Her father is a resident of Smartville; the mother is deceased. Their family included twelve children, eight of whom are in Nebraska, one in Europe and three deceased.
   Our subject and his wife began the journey of life together at the old homestead which has sheltered the former for so many years, and which comprises 120 acres of fertile land under a good state of cultivation, with suitable farm building. Their union has been blessed by the birth of two children--Clarence H. and Anna Pauline. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schumann are members in good standing of the Catholic Church, and our subject, politically, is a thorough-going Democrat, a man of decided views, and upholding his principles with all the natural strength of his character. He was elected Assessor of Lincoln Precinct in the fall of 1887, serving his term acceptably, and received the nomination for the some office Oct. 11, 1888, and was re-elected. He has also been Treasurer for his school district for the last three years, and, being a descendant of a nationality paying special attention to the education and early training of its youth, is a firm believer in compulsory education. He takes a lively interest in politics, although no office-seeker, and in business matters is one of those men whose word is considered as good as his bond.

ARRISON W. MERRILL, one of the foremost business men of Johnson County, is a prominent merchant of the city of Sterling, which is much, indebted to him for its high standing in the commercial world as an enterprising and prosperous municipality. He was born in Dover, Me., Feb. 11. 1841, and was reared and educated in that old New England town. His parents were Bradberry and Asenath (Blether) Merrill, natives of Durham, Me. The father died at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother is still living, and resides in Maine. She has attained the age of eighty-four years.
   In March, 1861, our subject left the beautiful

scenes of his early home and went forth to seek his fortunes in the Great West, and during the first year of the war he lived in Stark County, Ill., and it was in Kewanee, Henry Co., Ill., in his young manhood, he resolved to become a soldier and fight for his country, enlisting Aug. 11, 1862, in Company F, 124th Illinois Infantry. He served faithfully and unfalteringly throughout the remainder of the war, and none in the ranks were braver or more efficient in camp or on the battlefield. He was in Gen. John A. Logan's division, and was with his regiment in every mile of march on their way through different parts of the South. He was only in a hospital ten days, when his comrades were encamped at Vicksburg. Through the many battles in which he fought he miraculously escaped without a wound, and returned home with his health impaired only by exposure.
   After the war Mr. Merrill made his way back to his New England birthplace, and was a resident there until 1867, marrying in the meantime, on the first day of that year, Miss Felicia H. Mitchell. She is a native of Dover, Me., born July 18, 1843, and is a daughter of John and Charlotte (Littlefield) Mitchell.
   After marriage Mr. Merrill removed to Massachusetts, where he engaged with D. W. Batchelor & Co., boot and shoe men. He remained with them three years, and then came to Nebraska, ambitious to try life again in the great and growing West, where he shrewdly foresaw he could invest the $3,000 that he had accumulated after the way to a good advantage, and in a few years be numbered among the wealthy capitalists of this county. He first located in Blue Spring, Gage County, with his family, but in April, 1871, he bought a farm in Nemaha, Johnson Co., Neb., near Sterling, where he lived for some years. The land when he purchased it was unbroken, and it was his pioneer task to develop its agricultural resources, and to otherwise improve it, which he did, so that it became a valuable piece of property. After residing there ten years he moved into Sterling to engage in the mercantile business. He has a neat, well-appointed store, and carries a large stock of about $10,000 worth of general merchandise. He has built up a large an flourishing trade, as his goods are of the best, and he knows well how to cater to the wants of the public. Our subject's anticipations in coming to Nebraska have been fully realized, as he has accumulated much wealth. He now owns 480 acres of improved land in this and Pawnee Counties, some valuable property in Kansas City, Mo., a commodious residence in Sterling, and he has stock in the Sterling Lumber Company, of which he was one of the organizers, and is now one of the directors.
   To our subject and his wife two children have been born--Bessie and Harry H. The latter died May 18, 1887, aged six years. Mr. Merrill and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and their daughter of the Baptist Church.
   Mr. Merrill owes the acquisition of his wealth to the fact that he is a man of more than ordinary business and financial ability; his clear vision, sound wisdom, and singularly correct judgment in all that relates to commerce, make him pre-eminent in the business circles of this city. In him all worthy schemes for the advancement and improvement of Sterling find a cordial and liberal supporter. Especially is this true in regard to the education of the young, and during the three years that he was President of the School Board he used his influence to establish a school system which is not surpassed in any other city in the county. He is a pronounced Republican in his political views, but is not an aspirant for office. As a pleasant reminder of his army life he is now a member of Sill Post No. 99, G. A. R., of Sterling.

AMUEL B. PARKER. The snug farm of eighty acres which is pleasantly located on section 11 in Center Precinct was built up from the primitive soil by the subject of this sketch, who moved upon it in the spring of 1883, and began at once the struggle with the soil which has brought him such admirable results. He has been prospered remarkably in his labors, and besides having brought the greater portion of his land to a productive condition, has erected a neat and substantial dwelling, with barns, corn cribs, and the other structures required for the

storing of grain and the shelter of stock. He has also planted shade and fruit trees, placed scores of rods of fencing, and has in all respects a home of which he may well be proud.
   Mr. Parker has been a resident of this county since the spring of 1879, and has made for himself hosts of friends. A Southern man, he was born in Macon County, Tenn., Dec. 29, 1843, and was reared and educated in his native State. When a youth of sixteen years he migrated across the Mississippi into Cape Girardeau County, Mo., and two years later, after the outbreak of the Rebellion, signalized his patriotism by enlisting in Company G, 29th Missouri Infantry, in which he did faithful service until the 20th of March, 1863.
   Our subject first saw the smoke of battle at Chalk Bluff, Ark., and being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland was present under the command of Gen. Sherman in the first engagement with the enemy at Vicksburg; subsequently he was in the fight at Arkansas Post and at Jackson, Miss., besides other minor engagements. For awhile he was on detached service, and then, as the result of hardship and exposure, was taken in and sent to Jefferson Barracks, Mo. There he remained until being mustered out. He escaped wounds and capture, although at one time he received a serious scratch from the slivers of a fence near him which was torn by a cannon ball.
   As a native of one of the Southern States Mr. Parker manifested his loyalty to an unusual degree. His forefathers were slave-holders. and the later members of the family were in sympathy with the Confederacy. Three of the cousins of Mr. Parker served during the war in the rebel army. His father, however, was a Union man, and a member of the Missouri Militia before the war. Samuel B., not long after receiving his honorable discharge, came to what was then the Territory of Nebraska, and located in Nemaha County, in the month of April, 1863. Thence, in 1879, he came to Johnson County, where he has since lived.
   While a resident of Nemaha County our subject made the acquaintance of one of its most estimable young ladies, Miss Lutetia, daughter of Rev. Thomas D. Edwards, and they were wedded on the 14th of November, 1865. Mrs. Parker was born March 6, 1848, in Iowa. The maiden name of her mother was Rebecca Ashpaugh. The parental household included seven children, who are now scattered in the West. The fattier is now deceased, and the mother lives with our subject. To Mr. Parker and his estimable wife there have been born six children. namely: William, Nettie, Maude, Hattie, Grace and Clinton B. Fisk. They all continue at home with their parents. Mrs. Parker is a member in good standing of the Christian Church, and our subject, politically, is a Prohibitionist. He is a man liberal and progressive in his ideas, strict in his moral principles, a warm advocate of temperance, and the fact that as a Southern-born man he was loyal to the Government of the United States, is one to which his children may revert in after years, and in which they may justly take pride. It indicates perhaps more forcibly than anything we could name the chief characteristics of the man. Such a one can be trusted, and he is looked upon by his neighbors as a member of the community whose word is as good as his bond,

HOMAS W. MILKS, a leading citizen of Tecumseh, and the owner of a fine property within the city limits. has been for many years recognized as one of the leading citizens of this county. He is an ex-Mayor, and ex-Treasurer of the Johnson County Agricultural and Mechanical Society, and has most of the time during his residence in the county been prominently before the people as a citizen warmly interested in everything pertaining to its progress and welfare.
   Our subject was born in Green County, Wis., Oct. 28, 1850, where he received a good education and lived until a youth of eighteen years. Then going into Stephenson County, Ill., he engaged in farming until 1880, when he came to this State, and locating in Tecumseh Precinct, engaged in farming one year, then changed his residence to Tecumseh, where he embarked in general merchandising. The year following his arrival here he purchased an interest in the Tecumseh flouring-mill, and in partnership with a Mr. Brandon operated this about two years. Then having an opportunity to sell out to

good advantage, he did so, and invested a portion of his capital in drugs find groceries, in partnership with Messrs. Rogers & Coffee, the firm name becoming Rogers, Coffee & Milks. They enjoyed a lucrative trade for two years, the store being located at the corner of Third and Clay streets, in Russell & Holmes' fine brick block.
   In May, 1887, our subject disposed of his interests in the business above mentioned, and in company with E. B. Combs purchased a livery stock, which he operated with his partner until the 1st of January, 1888. Then selling out he turned his attention to farming, in which he has since been engaged. He is now a prosperous man, and his career is highly illustrative of the results of industry and perseverance. He has been careful to live within his income, prompt to meet his obligations, and his course through life has been that which has secured him the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Politically, he is an ardent Republican, and upholds the principles of his party in a manner characteristic of the man.
   The marriage of our subject with Miss Elizabeth Place was celebrated in Stephenson County, Ill., Dec. 15, 1872. Of this union there have been born two children, Charles E. and Flora A., who continue at home with their parents, and are receiving the best educational advantages afforded in the county. Charles, a bright and studious boy, expects to be graduated from the Tecumseh High School in the class of '89. He is but a little over fifteen year's old.
   Mrs. Elizabeth (Place) Milks was born in Stephenson County, Ill, Sept. 29, 1854, and is the daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Bivens) Place. Her father was a native of New York, whence he removed early in life to Illinois and carried on farming in Stephenson County until his death, which occurred in the summer of 1877. His decease was attended with circumstances unusually sad, he having been drowned while fishing with a net. The mother is still living, and makes her home with her children, west of Tecumseh.
   Ezra Milks, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, whence he emigrated to Wisconsin early in life and was there married to Miss Polly Phillips. They became the parents of three children, of whom Thomas W. was the youngest. The mother died when the latter was a little lad four years of age, and he was then taken into the home of strangers. When eight years old he commenced working on a farm for himself for any one who would hire him. He seldom saw his father afterward, in fact, has only seen him three times since he was four years old, the latter having married and moved to Missouri.
   Our subject became identified with the Masonic fraternity while a resident of Illinois, and has still maintained his warm interest in the principles of the Brotherhood. He his held the various offices of his lodge, and with his estimable wife, belongs to Eastern Star Chapter. He is also connected with the Sons of Veterans.

ALCOLM STEWART, M. D. The medical profession possesses in the person of Dr. Stewart a most worthy and able representative, which statement will be most heartily endorsed by the numerous patients of Crab Orchard and the neighborhood, who have been fortunate enough to secure his services in the hour of their need. The Doctor is a graduate of the medical department of the State University of Iowa, and from the time he received his diploma until the present has been more than usually successful in the profession. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 30th of October, 1838. He is the son of John Stewart, of Black Hawk County, Iowa.
   The subject of our sketch remained upon like farm with his father until 1878, when he entered the State Normal School at Cedar Falls, being graduated therefrom after completing the full curriculum in June of the year 1881. In the September following he took charge of the Cascade (Iowa) schools for one year, then, in 1882, he came to Tecumseh, and conducted the first institute here. During this time he had been reading medicine, and upon the conclusion of the Institute he entered the medical department of the University of Iowa City. He received his diploma on the 5th of March, 1884, and in the following May came to Vesta and began practice. This has grown day by