ruary, 1883, having been bereaved of his wife since the year 1868, when our subject was but four years of age. He was a Mason of the Royal Arch, and as such had filled various offices in the fraternity.
   The grandfather of our subject, Robert Dougherty, was one of the prominent men of Carrollton, Ky., which was his home. He was an extensive farmer, and very successful. The family of which he was a member is one of the old families of the State, and representative of the best people connected therewith.
   As will be noticed, the subject of this sketch is quite a young man, being but twenty-four years of age. He tins, therefore, almost the best part of his life before him, and without doubt, arguing from that which is seen to that which is not seen, the result will be worthy of the past and of his family. He is very highly spoken of, and in matters of business is of strictest integrity. He is the leader of the Tecumseh military hand, and is quite popular there. In political matters he is in harmony with the principles of the Democratic party, and takes much interest therein. He has one sister living, Miss Minnie Sandifer. She is the only member of his family left him, and makes tier home with her brother.

AMES HENRY, of Lincoln Precinct, is one of the early pioneers of Johnson County, alld also one of the valued citizens and successful farmers of the county. His residence is upon his farm on section 36, township 5 north, range 11 east. which Comprises eighty acres of first-class land. He was born in New York City on the 10th of May, 1849, but was left an orphan while yet an infant, and was brought up in the New York City Orphan Asylum until he was eight years of age, when he was taken to Mason County, Ill., and bound out to a farmer, remaining with him some eight years.
   On the 11th of January, 1864, the subject of our sketch enlisted in Company A, of the 28th Illinois Infantry. Being sent to the front he saw considerable service and participated in the capture of Spanish Fort, the key to Mobile. He did duty principally from Cairo down the Mississippi and into Texas, and was honorably discharged on the 14th of July, 1866, only to re-enlist the same month in the regular army, continuing in the service for three years, during which time he did duty at Ft. Hamilton, N. Y., and Brownsville, Tex., and was also with the troops sent to the Canada side with a view of capturing the Fenians during the Fenian raid.
   In the spring of 1869 Mr. Henry came to Nebraska, and for a time worked around on different farms, and also did some buffalo hunting, finally purchasing his present property of eighty acres and settling upon it. He was not easily daunted by difficulties and hardships, but it was only by dint of long continued effort and patient perseverance that he finally made it the good farm it is to-day.
   On the 24th of January, 1875, our subject was United in marriage, the lady of his choice being Caroline S. Webb, who was born on the 11th of November, 1856, in Waukesha County, Wis. Mrs. Henry is the daughter of James and Eliza Webb, who reside in Todd Creek Precinct of this county. Her father is a native of England; her mother is reputed to be the second white child born in the city of Milwaukee. Her father came to this country when about eight years of age, and has been in the country over forty years. She was the eldest child of five born to tier parents. Their names are given as follows: Caroline S., Walker, Della, Ida and Bertha.
   Mr. Webb is a stanch and old friend of the Republican party, and in the late Civil War served for three years, in that time taking part in many engagements. He came to this county twenty-two years ago, being one of the pioneers, and having his full share of the usual troubles to meet and difficulties to overcome. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry there have come three children, whom we name as follows: Roy F. was born July 22, 1876; Nora B., June 24, 1878, and Myrl E., Aug. 16, 1887.
   Our subject with greatest possible credit to himself from such an unpromising beginning has come to occupy his present position as a valued and respected member of the community. He has served his school district for six years as Director. In the G. A. R. He is an enthusiastic member.

Politically, he is an affiliate of the Republican party, and in church matters is, with his wife, an active, energetic member of the Baptist communion. They are among the recognized interested working members.

HOMPSON M PATTON, one of the younger members of the farming community of Center Precinct, was born in Monroe County, W. Va., Feb. 3, 1853, and was reared and educated in the district schools. He crossed the Mississippi when a youth of nineteen years, taking up his abode in Iowa County, Iowa, where, with the exception of a year spent in Virginia, he resided for a period of ten years. Thence in the spring of 1882 he came to this county, and located on the land on section 7, from which he has eliminated a farm in which he may justly take pride. The industry with which he has labored is indicated in the convenient buildings, the neat and substantial fences, and the facilities for watering stock evinced in the large and handsome windmill which was put up at considerable expense in the fall of 1887. The larger part of the ground has been stirred by the plowshare, and Mr. Patton has sown grass seed for both hay and pasture. He has a fine start toward a competence, and ranks among the most enterprising men of his precinct.
   While a resident of the Hawkeye State Mr. Patton was married, in Iowa County, Oct. 30, 1879, to Miss Jennie Koller. Mrs. Patton was born Feb. 9, 1861, in Iowa County, Iowa, and is the daughter of John and Virginia (Skegs) Koller, who were natives of Switzerland and West Virginia. They came from Iowa to this county in the spring of 1880. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died at his home in Western Precinct, in January, 1888. The mother is still living, and resides near Crab Orchard. Mr. Patton, in addition to general farming, is greatly interested in stock-raising, and has a goodly herd of Short-horn and Durham cattle besides Poland-China swine. His property is free from incumbrance (sic), and he has at least, $1,500 worth of stock and chattels. He has officiated as Clerk of Center Precinct since 1887, and politically, votes the straight Democratic ticket. About 1877, while a resident of Iowa, he identified himself with the A. F. & A. M., and is still warmly interested in and a bravo defender of the doctrines of the fraternity.
   Robert A. Patton, the father of our subject, in early manhood was married to Miss Emily Nickell, and is still living in Virginia. They became the parents of two children, and the mother died when her son, Thompson M was about five years of age. He received about $1,000 from his mother's estate, which he invested in a wise and judicious manner. Before receiving this he had been thrown upon his own resources since a more lad, chiefly looking out for himself, That spirit of self-reliance which was then formed within him has aided greatly in his litter successes. He is ranked among the solid men of Center Precinct, one who, if spared, will leave his mark in the community where he resides.

[The PATTON article above was typed for NEGenWeb Project by Terri Kirkpatrick Thank you,Terri.]

ENRY HOWARTH, a leading land-owner of Spring Creek Precinct, possesses the warrantee deed to 960 acres lying mostly in the above precinct, and has a span of valuable Hambletonian horses, together with other fine stock, in which industry he has been remarkably successful. Upon coming to this county, in the fall of 1873, he purchased a half-section of land for the sum of $2,300, and gradually added to his possessions to the extent named. He is a self-made man in the strictest sense of the word, being the architect of his own fortune and from the first dependent upon his own exertions.
   A native of the town of Blackburn, Lancashire, England, our subject was born Feb. 24, 1844, and is the son of John W. and Alice (Abbott) Howarth, who were also of English birth and ancestry. The mother died about 1880, in Mason County, Ill., and three children of the family are living, namely: William, a resident of Illinois; Elizabeth, living in Illinois, and our subject.
   In the spring of 1847, John Howarth, bidding adieu to his friends and associations in Old England, started with his family for America, embarking on a sailing-vessel and landing in the city of New Orleans several weeks later. Thence they

came up the Mississippi River to Illinois and settled in Mason County, where the father purchased eighty acres of land at $1.25 per acre. He then commenced in earnest his struggle upon the uncultivated prairie, and by untiring industry, economy and perseverance, in due time built up a comfortable homestead and became the owner of a large estate. He was born in 1812, and is still living, being now well advanced in years. He acquitted himself during the active years of his life as a useful and public-spirited citizen, ever ready to encourage the worthy enterprises calculated for the general good, and became thoroughly identified with the interests of his adopted country. In his declining years he is surrounded by all life's comforts, including hosts of friends. He is a well-educated man, having attended school in the city of London for a number of years.
   Receiving but a limited education, our subject spent his early years in the Prairie State, assisting in the development of the farm, and was a youth seventeen years of age at the outbreak of the Civil War. The year following he proffered his services as a Union soldier, enlisting Aug. 9, 1862, at Peoria, Ill., in Company D, 85th Illinois Infantry, which was assigned to the army of Gen. Sherman, the corps Commander being at that time Gen. Thomas. Company D for a time operated as sharpshooters, and young Howarth participated in many of the important battles of the war, meeting the enemy at Peachtree Creek, Mission Ridge, the sieges of Knoxville and Atlanta, and at the latter place received a wound in his left arm, Sept. 1, 1864. He was confined in the hospital some months, not being able to fight any more, and received an honorable discharge May 20, 1865.
   Mr. Howarth after having been transferred from a soldier into a civilian returned to his old haunts in Illinois, and resumed farming with his father until his marriage, which took place June 20, 1867. The maiden of his choice was Miss Rebecca J. Sisson, who was born Feb. 11, 1848, in Illinois, and is the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Jones) Sisson. The father spent his last years in Illinois; the mother resides in Mason County, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Howarth spent the first five years of their wedded life in Mason County, Ill., and then moved, in the fall of 1872, to Faribault County, Minn. Mr. Howarth there occupied himself at farming until the fill of 1873, then turned his steps southward and purchased a half-section of land in this county, where his interests have since centered.
   To our subject and his estimable wife there were born ten children, seven of whom are living, viz; John H., William F., Elizabeth A., Bessie A., Charles E., Barbara A. and James L. With the exception of five years spent in Tecumseh, where he was engaged as a stock-dealer, Mr. Howarth has been a resident of Spring Creek Precinct since coming to this county. He is a stanch Democrat, politically, and socially, belongs to Little Phil Post No. 270, G. A. R., at Tecumseh. During the summer of 1886 he crossed the Atlantic and visited the scenes of his childhood and youth, making the voyage in a much speedier and more comfortable manner than that which distinguished his first experience as a Trans-Atlantic traveler. A true patriot, he hastened back in time for the November elections.

[The HOWARTH article above was typed for NEGenWeb Project by Terri Kirkpatrick Thank you, Terri.

ON. WASHINGTON ROBB is widely and favorably known throughout Johnson County as a man having borne no unimportant part in its growth and development, socially, morally and financially. He is the owner of a fine estate which mostly consists of valuable farm property, comprising 200 acres of land with the homestead located on section 8, in Spring Creek Precinct. The essential points in a career of more than ordinary interest are as follows:
   Mr. Robb was born in Warren County, Ind., May 4, 1837, and is the son of Robert and Mary A. (Russell) Robb, the former a native of Kentucky, but reared in Ohio, and the mother a native of the town of Chillicothe, the latter State. The Robb family is of Scotch ancestry, while the Russells traced their descent to England. Thomas Robb, the paternal grandfather of our subject, carried a musket in the War of 1812, and spent his

last years in DeKalb County, Ill. The great-grand-father was born in Scotland, and upon emigrating to America early in life settled in Mercer County, Pa., from which branch of the family sprang all the Robbs of America.
   The subject of this sketch was the eldest in a family of seven children, five of whom are living, namely: Thomas, of Tecumseh, this State; Lawrence, a resident of Johnson County; Elizabeth E., the wife of James Robbins, of Tecumseh, Neb.; Rebecca J., Mrs. W. G. Swim, of Auburn, and Washington, our subject. The latter was the eldest of the family, and was three years old when his parents removed from Ohio to DeKalb County, Ill. The father secured a tract of land in that county, and there our subject was reared to manhood, receiving a fair education in the common schools.
   When a youth of eighteen years Mr. Robb became a student of Rock River Seminary in Ogle County, where he closely applied himself to study one year, and upon leaving the college commenced teaching. In the spring of 1859, desirous of seeing the country west of the Mississippi, he made his way to Pike's Peak, where he sojourned about six months, and occupied himself at mining. Thence he went into Hamilton County, Mo., where he taught school seven months, and thereafter was occupied at farming until the outbreak of the Civil War.
   On the 27th of July, 1862, Mr. Robb enlisted as a Union soldier in Company G, 95th Illinois Infantry, and participated in many of the important battles of the war, being at the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Nashville, and in the Mobile campaign, He was chiefly assigned to detached service, as a clerk in the various adjutant offices, and remained in the army until after the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge in Springfield, Ill., in October, 1865.
   In the fall of the year above mentioned Mr. Robb wended his way to Nebraska Territory, and at once homesteaded 160 acres of land in Spring Creek Precinct, this county. He settled upon it before a furrow had been turned, and began as best he could its improvement and cultivation, in the mean time employing the winter months as a teacher, farming and teaching alternately since that time until about two years since. He has been a man of great energy and perseverance, and, as may be supposed, has had his mind and hands full with his farming interests and his duties as a public instructor. He bears the distinction of being the pioneer pedagogue of this county, and probably there are few living now in the county who taught school within its limits before Nebraska was admitted into the Union as a State.
   The subject of our sketch was married, Jan. 1, 1868, in DeKalb County, Ill., to Miss Amelia Gault. This lady was born Oct. 27, 1844, in DeKalb County, Ill., and is the daughter of William and Emeline (Shattuck) Gault, the former a native of Ohio, and the mother of New York State. The Gault family is of Scotch ancestry, while the mother of our subject traced her descent to England. Mr. Gault settled in Illinois during its pioneer days, and subsequently fought in the Black Hawk War. He and his estimable wife spent their last years in DeKalb County, Ill.
   Mr. and Mrs. Robb commenced the journey of life together at the farm which they now own and occupy, which it is hardly necessary to state bore at that date little resemblance to its present condition. Of their union there have been born eight children, who are recorded as follows; Avery D. is a student in the Normal School at Peru; Robert E., died when about eighteen years old; Joy W., Earl G., Lura, Fred L., Harry H. and Russell R. are at home with their parents. Mr. Robb has been prominent in the affairs of his county and precinct, serving as Assessor five years, and officiated one term as Justice of the Peace. He has been a member of the School Board of his district for a period of twenty years. There have been few worthy enterprises which he has not fostered and encouraged. In November, 1887, he was made the nominee of the Republican party in his district for the State Legislature to fill a vacancy, and at the expiration of this term was regularly re-elected in November, 1888. Socially, he belongs to Post No. 104, G. A. R., at Talmage, in Otoe County. He has always taken a warm interest in the order, filling various offices.
   Mrs. Robb is a most estimable and intelligent lady in all respects, both by, training and edu-

cation the suitable partner of her husband. She likewise was employed as a teacher fifteen terms in succession, mostly in DeKalb County, Ill., but also taught in Boone County, that State, and in Bremer County, Iowa.

ILLIAM WALLACE JOBES, who is one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Todd Creek Precinct, has been identified with the county since the days of the pioneer. He owns an extensive and productive farm on section 20, comprising 160 acres. He was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., on the 28th of January, 1831. When he was five years of age his parents removed to Erie County, in the same State, where he was brought up and made his home until he attained his majority, receiving his education in the schools of that county and also making other preparations that would enable him to fill his place in life. Leaving home, he went to Buffalo, where he became a clerk in a store, remaining there five years, when he left to go west into Illinois, and for a time was engaged in the city of Chicago. Afterward he went to Knox County, Ill., and engaged in farming, continuing in the same until Aug. 11, 1862, when he enlisted.
   Our subject served in Company G, 83d Illinois Infantry, which regiment became part of the Army of the Cumberland. For three years he served in all the campaigns in which that division of the Union forces engaged. In the fall of 1863 he met with an accident, by which his ankle was broken. After his recovery he carried mail for the army until he was discharged, on the 24th of June, 1865, at the conclusion of hostilities. He then returned to Knox County and continued his farming until he removed to Mercer County, where he lived for five years, and then sold out and removed to his present place in December, 1875. Purchasing it in the latter part of February of the following year, he took up his permanent residence on the 4th of March.
   All the improvements made by our subject upon is property are his own work. He now has about ten acres of forest trees. also a good apple orchard, which, in addition, contains all the usual small fruits. He built his present residence, which would be a credit to a much more pretentious farm, in the year 1884. The same year he put up it windmill, and effected several other very important improvements. He has a hedge all around his farm, which he takes pride in keeping in nice trim and shape. He also keeps a very fine herd of cattle, and has a somewhat extensive dairy.
   The subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Buffum, of Knox County, Ill., on the 29th of December, 1870, of which union there have been born six children, of whom four are still living. These bear the names appended below: Willie, Lizzie, Jay and Nettie. They have also living with them a niece, Miss Olive A. Stevens, of Yates City, Knox Co., Ill. Their children are all at home, laying up in the matter of education a store of knowledge that shall serve in future days.
   The wife of our subject was born in Knox County, Ill., on the 29th of August, 1841. She is a daughter of Stephen and Ester Buffum, one of the pioneer families of that county, having settled there in 1835. Their daughter lived with them until her marriage. The maiden name of Mrs. Buffum was Ester Mann, and she was born at Ashtahbula, Ohio. They became the parents of eight children. Mr. Buffum died in the year 1871, aged sixty-nine years; his wife departed this life in 1845.
   The father of our subject, James Jobes, was born on the 2d of May, 1808, in the State of New York. There, as a young man, he married Miss Jeanette Candee. Their family circle included ten children, of whom eight me still living. He went to Onondaga County, and thence to Holland Purchase, Erie County, N. Y. In 1855 he went to Kendall County, Ill., and from there to Knox County, then moved to Mercer County, and then back to Knox County, where he still lives, in Summit Station, twenty miles from Galesburg. In politics he was an "old-time" Whig, but has been a Republican for many years.
   The mother of our subject is the daughter of Eber Candee, of New York. She was born in Connecticut Jan. 18, 1810, and went to New York

with her parents when she was young. She is now seventy-eight years of age, and makes her home at Summit, Ill.
   James Jobes, the grandfather of our subject. was born in Connecticut, and when still a young man migrated to Pompey, N. Y., where he bought and improved a farm, upon which he lived until his death. He was united in marriage with Miss Melvina Prine (now spell Pryne), and they became the parents of several children. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and for many years was esteemed one of its chief supports.
   Our subject is one of the prominent citizens of his district, and is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. He is a man of honor, ability and success. He has been frequently called upon to fill different offices, and has usually voted with the Republican party. He was for a time Collector of the township. In every relation, office or undertaking, he has apparently been guided by the same high principle and sense of duty.

RANKLIN TAYLOR. The pioneer element of Johnson County embraces no worthier representative of its early history than the subject of this sketch. He owns and occupies a good homestead on section 18, Todd Creek Precinct, his farm comprising 160 acres of land under a thorough state of cultivation. He has seen the country around develop from an unimproved prairie to the homesteads of an intelligent community, and no man has rejoiced more at the prosperity of his adopted State.
   Our subject first set foot upon the soil of Nebraska in February, 1868, the year after it had been converted from a Territory to a State. He was accompanied on his journey to this county by his wife, and they went to housekeeping in a rude structure, which has withstood the ravages of over twenty years, and which still remains standing on the southeast part of the farm.
   Mr. Taylor, however, left this first place after occupying it eight months, and moved to the eastern part of the precinct, taking up his abode on section 6, where he purchased a tract of Government land and commenced its improvement, Becoming homesick, however, a few months later, he returned to Illinois, and lived in Knox County on his farm until the fall of 1879. Then coming back to Nebraska he purchased first eighty acres of the farm which he now owns, and subsequently' added thereto another eighty acres. This he has brought to a thorough state of cultivation, and upon it has erected good buildings and set out groves, which are needed upon every farm in this part of Nebraska. He now has nearly ten acres of solid forest, from six or eight years old to twenty years, and which constitutes a very valuable piece of timber. The present appearance of the land is widely different from what it was when Mr. Taylor first looked upon it, there being then nothing larger than a blade of grass. He has also planted an orchard of four acres, find around his dwelling are all kinds of the smaller fruit trees. These are all well developed and in good bearing condition, yielding each in their season most luscious fruits for the household.
   The present residence of our subject is a substantial two-story frame structure, which was completed in the fall of 1880, and is finished in modern style, being both handsome and convenient. The farm fences are mostly of hedge and wire, giving to the premises an exceedingly neat appearance. Mr. Taylor of late years has given his attention mostly to live stock, and has taken a new departure somewhat from that of his neighbors, being largely engrossed in sheep-raising, keeping from 300 to 550 head. He also has a number of horses, and a goodly herd of cattle. His premises present the picture of the well-to-do and intelligent agriculturalist, who makes hay while the sun shines, and neglects no opportunity to keep himself posted upon the matters pertaining to his calling.
   A native of Knox County, Ill., our subject was born Dec. 17, 1840, and received a practical education in the common schools. He assisted his father in the labors of the farm, and lived at home until after the outbreak of the Civil War. On the 11th of August, 1862, he enlisted in defense of his country, in Company G, 83d Illinois Infantry, and served nearly three years, being mostly employed along the Cumberland River after the guerrillas, and gained a good insight into the privations and

hardships of army life. He fortunately escaped wounds and capture, and at the close of the war received his honorable discharge, July 5, 1865.
   Mr. Taylor upon laying aside the implements of war returned to the peaceful pursuits of farm life in Knox County, Ill., where he lived until coming to Nebraska. In Knox County he was married to Miss Margaret Ann Stanton, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride, Oct. 10, 1866. Mrs. Taylor is the daughter of a prominent citizen of that county, whose history will be noted in a sketch of Michael Stanton, found elsewhere in this volume. Of this union there were born nine children eight of whom are living, namely: Elsie A., Clifford M., Ira C., Katie L., Irene G., Floyd F., Lora and Edith. They are all at home with their parents, and form a remarkably intelligent and interesting group. They have been given a good practical education, and will in due time take their places in the community among its most honored citizens. Mr. Taylor votes the straight Democratic ticket, and has held the various local offices, serving as Collector, Commissioner, Assessor and School Director, until he refused to have his name again brought up as a nominee.
   Andrew B. Taylor, the father of our subject, was born in New Jersey, Nov. 23, 1817, and when four years of age removed with his parents to Fairfield County, Ohio. He there lived until a youth of seventeen years, then took to the lakes and followed the water for a period of six years. Then migrating to Knox County, Ill., he engaged in farming, and there spent the remainder of his days. He was accidentally killed by the falling of a tree, in May, 1885, when about sixty-eight years old. He was a man prominent in his community and highly respected, holding the township offices, and positions of trust and responsibility. The wife and mother, Mrs. Philomela (Egan) Taylor, was born in Madison County, Ohio, in October, 1821, and lived there until her marriage. She was the daughter of Michael Egan, who spent his last years in Illinois. Of her union with Andrew Taylor there were born eight children, seven of whom lived to mature years. The mother passed away twenty years before the decease of her husband, her death taking place at the old homestead in Knox County, Ill., in December, 1865. Both were Universalists in religious belief. The paternal grandfather of our subject, also named Andrew Taylor, was a native of New York State, born in 1778, and migrated first to New Jersey and thence to Ohio, being one of the earliest pioneers of the Buckeye State. He was twice married, his last wife, from whom our subject is descended, being a Mrs. Bassett. He was a successful farmer, and built up for himself a good homestead out of the wilderness in Ohio. The last few years of his life were spent with his son Andrew, in Illinois, where his death took place in 1848.

HOMAS H. MATTHEWS, a prosperous farmer in good circumstances, and a resident of Spring Creek Precinct, came to Nebraska in the spring of 1880 with a capital of $4 in his pocket. He located first in Nemaha County, and operated for two years on rented land. In the spring of 1882 he took possession of his present farm, on section 25, where his labors have been prospered, and where his perseverance and energy have gathered around him all the comforts of life and many of its luxuries. His farm is considered as among the finest in the county, and is a standing monument to his energy and resolution. He has effected many improvements since taking possession here, and is numbered among the leading men of his precinct, being held in the highest respect by all who know him.
   Cheater County, Pa., was the birthplace of our subject, where he first opened his eyes to the light March 14, 1816. His parents, William and Mary (Hannum) Matthews, were natives respectively of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and his paternal ancestors were of Irish descent. On his mother's side he traces his ancestry to Germany. The parental household consisted of fourteen children, seven of whom are living, namely: Ebenezer, of Fulton County, Ill.; Thomas H., our subject; Martha, the wife of Hartford Mershon, of this county; Ettie, Mrs. James Trickey, of Fulton County, Ill.; Jenette, now Mrs. Marshall, also in that county; Laura, the wife of George Hughes, and Scott, of Helena Precinct, this county. The parents removed