They began their wedded life in Jersey County, Ill., and of their union there have been born seven children, five of whom are living. The eldest, Robert S., married Miss Mary Robertson, of Texas, and is a practicing attorney of Sulphur Springs, Tex; he is the father of four children--Mary, Thula, Juliet and Mattie. Juliet, Mrs. Edwin M. Atterberry, is a resident of Tecumseh, and the mother of a son--James G. James Gramham, Samuel K. and Richard B. continue at home with their parents.
   Mrs. Mary A. C. (Hill) Blythe was born in the city of Richmond, Va., July 20, 1825. She is the daughter of Robert L. and Mariah (Tunstall) Hill, who after their marriage made their home in Kentucky and Illinois. The father died in Illinois, Aug. 19, 1863. The mother died in 1873. Mr. Hill was educated for the law, but becoming interested in other enterprises, operated as an insurance agent at one time, and while a resident of Jerseyville was Clerk of the Circuit Court. He was the owner of a farm, but did not carry on agriculture himself.
   Mr. Blythe at one time was the owner of considerable land in Texas, and still retains eighty acres near the town of Cooper. He improved his time and opportunities so well in his younger years, living so economically, and keeping a steady outlook for his declining years, that now when this period is upon him he is living mostly retired from active labor, and sitting under his own vine and fig tree, is simply in the enjoyment of that which he has so justly earned. His career is a fine illustration of the self-made man, who has pushed his own way upward in the world, and is indebted to no one for his position and the fine property of which he is the possessor.

EZEKIAH B. STRONG one of the prominent early settlers of Nebraska, and who probably arrived here before anyone in this locality now living, has for the last twenty-two years been a resident of Todd Creek Precinct, and is the owner of a valuable farm embracing 185 acres of highly cultivated land with commodious and substantial buildings. He at one time owned a much larger acreage, but has sold off considerable.
   Our subject arrived on the soil of Nebraska the 7th day of August, 1856, nearly eleven years before it was admitted into the Union as a State. He had made the journey overland from Wisconsin with teams and crossed the Missouri River on a flatboat. He settled first in Richardson County, near the present site of Falls City, but a year later changed his location to the present site of Nemaha City. There he purchased land, paying $1,000 for 160 acres, in Buchanan's Addition, taking all he could secure. That land he improved, making two miles of fence the first year. He held the property five years, in the meantime erecting buildings, setting out twenty acres of forest trees and two or three acres of fruit. In company with his wife and daughters, he put up one of the finest barns then in the county. This farm is now owned by Thomas Kean, and lies three miles southwest of Nemaha.
   The neighbors of Mr. Strong at the time of his coming here were few and far between, and Indians roamed over the country, but aside from stealing whatever they could lay their hands upon, they did not molest the settlers, who were thankful to get off thus easily. Mr. Strong finally took up his residence on the Nemaha River, purchasing a tract of land in 1865, where he. began the building up of a homestead which he has disposed of. He was the founder of the town of Butler's Mills, and operated the first flouring-mill in that locality, grinding corn for people at Beatrice, and turned out the first bag of flour in the county.
   It will be seen that Mr. Strong was one of the leading men of this section of country, and it is quite natural that he should be one of the first appointed Postmaster, which office he held for two years at Butler, and was succeeded by a Mr. O. M. Holmes. He was also the first Station Agent for the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, and as such was in the employ of that company a period of five years. In the meantime he steadily proceeded with the improvement of his land, and in the fall of 1881 finished one of the finest residences in this part of the county. This is a large, two

story, frame structure, conveniently arranged, finely finished and handsomely furnished. The main barn corresponds entirely with the residence, and the sheds and cattle pens afford ample shelter for stock. Mr. Strong is largely interested in the breeding of road horses, and has one of the finest Hambletonian stallions in the State. He also has a three-year-old mare of the same breed, which is very valuable. His cattle are the Short-horns and his swine the Poland-China. The farm is enclosed with hedge fencing, and the fields which are not at present under cultivation are rich in good pasturage. About sixty acres of valuable timber add to the importance of the property, while the waste is utilized for fuel.
   The subject of this sketch was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., Jan. 30, 1822, and lived there with his father until a lid of thirteen years. About 1835, leaving the Empire State, he emigrated to Wisconsin, making the journey via the first lake steamer set afloat. A few years afterward our subject sold the first peaches and apples ever marketed on the streets in the State of Wisconsin. He lived there about four years, then went East, and was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Stocking, a native of his own county, and soon afterward returned with his bride to Milwaukee. Later they settled on the Whitewater River in Jefferson County, where Mr. Strong became owner of a valuable tract of land.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Strong there were born three children--Emma, Edward B. and Ella, all of whom are deceased. Ella married Peter Wright, and became the mother of three children, one of whom, a son, Carlton, is still living, and makes his home with his grandfather, attending school. Mrs. Caroline (Stocking) Strong was born Feb. 19, 1820, and was reared to womanhood in her native county, living there with her parents until her marriage. Site received a common-school education and that careful home training which fitted her for her subsequent duties in life.
   Mr. Strong cast his first Presidential vote for J. K. Polk, being then a member of the Democratic party, but soon after the organization of the Republicans, considered he had reason to change his views and for the last thirty-two years has been one of the warmest supporters of Republican principles. After the outbreak of the late Civil War, he enlisted in Company H, 8th Kansas Infantry, being mustered in in November, 1862, and serving as a non-commissioned officer. He was at the battles of Perryville, Crab Orchard, Murfreesboro, and various other engagements and skirmishes, and at the end of his term of enlistment received his honorable discharge in March, 1863.
   Ansel Strong, the father of our subject, was born in Connecticut, in about 1785, and upon reaching manhood was married to Miss Hannah Stocking. They removed to Onondaga County, N. Y., where they spent the remainder of their days, the death of the father taking place about 1865, after he had reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The mother died about 1826. The parental family consisted of five children.

ORTHY LUCE, farmer and stock-raiser, lives on section 36, Lincoln Precinct, where he owns a fine farm. He is a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., born Aug. 20, 1827, and is a son of Shubel and Lovina Luce, natives of Massachusetts. He lived in his native county until his twenty-first year, when he went to Waukesha County, Wis., and was there married to Mrs. Aral Phippin, widow of Thomas Phippin, of that county, and a daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth Born. She was born in England and came to America with her parents when about eight years of age, settling in Waukesha County, where her father and mother both died.
   Mr. and Mrs. Luce have two children: Luvina is the wife of Jarvis Smith, of Porter County, Ind., and George lives with his parents. By her first marriage Mrs. L. had two children, one of whom, Phoebe A., is now the wife of Thomas Goodman, of this county. During the War of the Rebellion our subject enlisted in Company F, 28th Wisconsin Infantry, and served in the Army of the Southwest, part of the time under Gens. Pope and Prentiss. Their operations were largely in the State of Arkansas, where our subject with his company participated in the battles of Helena and Little Rock,

and in many other minor fights and skirmishes, serving until the close of the war. Returning to peaceful pursuits, Mr. Luce settled in Wisconsin until 1874, when he came to Johnson County, buying 240 acres of land where he now lives, and to which he has added eighty acres lying in Todd Creek Precinct. When he first bought there were no improvements of consequence upon his property, but by much hard labor and good management he has made it one of the best farms in the neighborhood. Our subject has always taken a warm interest in educational matters, and for a number of years has acted its Moderator in his school district. He is it Republican in politics, and a member of the G. A. R. Post at Tecumseh. A self-made man, Mr. Luce owes his success in life to untiring energy, industry and thrift.

[The LUCE article was typed for NEGenWeb Project by Tracy Bell. Thank you, Tracy.]

ILLIAM A. SOUDERS, a representative young farmer and stock-raiser of Helena Precinct, resides on section 16, range 11 east, township 6 north, and is a native of Washington County, Md., born April 9, 1853, a son of Jonathan Souders, of whom a sketch appears on another page. His mother died in his native State while he was a young boy, and he went with his father to Knox County, Ill., they subsequently removing to Johnson County, Neb., where his home has ever since been. He acquired his education in the district schools, and was married, April 15, 1880, to Miss Luella A. Miller, a native of Wisconsin, born Feb. 5, 1861, and a daughter of Seth and Margaret Miller, natives respectively of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and now residents of Smith County, Kan. In the winter of 1876 she came with her parents from Missouri to Nebraska, they removing to Kansas in 1881.
   The union of our subject and his wife was blessed by the birth of three children, but death claimed the two eldest, and only one is left to gladden their home. The two deceased were named Luella A. and Harry A., and the living child is named Hubert. Mr. Souders is the owner of eighty acres of land, all under good cultivation, and is meeting with success in his chosen work, being a young man brimful of energy and perseverance. In politics he acts with the Republican party.

[The SOUDERS article above was typed for NEGenWeb Project by John Rogers <jfrogr@alaska.net>. Thank you, John.]

ICHARD HARTWELL, a venerable citizen of Western Precinct, has been a resident of Johnson County since 1867, embracing a period of over twenty-one years. Soon after coming within its borders he homesteaded 160 acres of land, which he still occupies. Upon the principle that a rolling stone gathers no moss, he has clung steadily to the one purpose of building for himself a home in his declining years, and accumulating its much of this world's goods as a kindly Providence permitted. He is now approaching the sunset of life, being over eighty-seven years of age, having been born Nov. 15, 1801. He first opened his eyes to the light fifty-one miles from Toronto, in the Province of Upper Canada, and is the son of Ebenezer Hartwell, a native of Vermont. The latter took up his residence in the Dominion early in life, and thence emigrated to Ohio, settling in what was then Huron but is now Erie County, in 1815.
   Our subject left his native place with his parents, and continued under the home roof until reaching his majority. Then making his way to Prairie du Chien, Wis., he lived there until December, 1842, when he returned to Ohio. In December, 1843, he was married in the latter State to Miss Eliza Huitt. This lady was a daughter of Collins Huitt. Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell's wedded life was blessed by the birth of eight children, three of whom are deceased. The five surviving are Emeline, Richard, Susan, Oremill and Mary. One son, Hiram, enlisted during the late war, and met death on the battle-field of Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864.
   Our subject and his family removed to this county in 1867, where Mr. Hartwell battled to good advantage with the elements of a new soil, and as an honest man and a good citizen made many friends. She who had been his companion for a period of thirty years passed away on the 22d of November, 1874. Mr. Hartwell for several

years has been afflicted with blindness, but he has not permitted this to change his cheerful disposition, or his reliance upon an over-ruling Providence. He has been for a long period a member in good standing of the Free-Will Baptist Church. He cast his first Presidential vote for John Q. Adams in 1828, and voted for Harrison in 1888.

OHN H. BADBERG settled in the spring of 1880 on his present farm of 160 acres, which occupies the southeast quarter of section 17, in Spring Creek Precinct. He is holding his own among the agriculturists and stock-raisers of the northeastern part of this county, and forms a worthy representative of the nationality which tins borne such an important part in the development of the Great West.
   Our subject first opened his eyes to the light in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, where his birth took place Dec. 5, 1843. John G. and Stientye (Cordes) Badberg, his parents, were of pure German ancestry and natives of Hanover. The mother passed from earth when her son John H. was a little lad of seven years. His father was married the second time, and our subject lived with the latter and his stepmother until reaching man's estate. He received a thorough education in his native tongue and assisted his father on the farm in Hanover until 1872, when the family all emigrated to America, taking passage at Bremen on an ocean steamer, and landed in New York City after a safe voyage of twenty days.
   The Badbergs, soon after setting foot upon American soil, made their way directly westward across the Mississippi into Otoe County, this State, of which they were among the early settlers, and where the father took up a tract of wild land and continued farming as before, making their home in Otoe County. There his death took place in the spring of 1884. He was one of the leading German pioneers of Otoe County, a man of standing among his people, a Republican in politics, and a devout member of the Lutheran Church. The stepmother is still living in Otoe County. The household circle by both marriages included eleven children, eight of whom are living. namely: George, Henry, Mary, Herman, Harm, Maria, Schwantka and John H., our subject. All but the latter are residents of Otoe County. Mr. Badberg was a resident of Otoe County about seven years, settling on his present farm in Johnson County about the spring of 1880. Here he has effected good improvements, and occupies a worthy position among the self-made men around him. He was married, March 8, 1873, in Otoe County, to Miss Minnie Lohmiller, and they have become the parents of six children, namely: Anna B., Christian, Henry, John, Herman and William. Mr. and Mrs. Badberg are members in good standing of the Lutheran Church. and our subject, politically, like his father before him, is a stanch supporter of Republican principles. He has become thoroughly identified with the interests of his adopted country, and keeps himself well posted upon passing events.

HRISTIAN BUEHLER, for the last eleven years a resident of Vesta Precinct, carries on farming industriously and profitably, and operates 200 acres of land on section 16. He is a thorough representative of the thrifty and industrious German citizen, who has labored independently, built up for himself a comfortable home, and by his straightforward dealings with his fellowmen has gained their esteem and confidence. His early home was on the other side of the ocean, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, where his birth took place June 19, 1850.
   Matthew Buehler, the father of our subject, and who is now deceased, was a native of the same place as his son Christian, where he lived until 1868. He then crossed the Atlantic with his family, and in the spring of that year took up his residence in the vicinity of Sterling, Whiteside Co., Ill. Five years later, in the spring of 1873, he crossed the Father of Waters and settled in Adams Precinct, Gage County, this State. There he labored singly until the spring of 1876, laying the foundation of a future home, and in March of that year, returning to Illinois. was married on the 23d of the month to Miss Mary,

daughter of John Kirgis, of Whiteside County. They lived in Illinois until the fall of 1877, then came to this county, and settled upon the land now occupied by our subject. Of this union there were born three children: Dora S., now living, and two deceased--Ida L. and Noah J. Mrs. Mary Buehler died at her home in Vesta Precinct, Nov. 11, 1880. Her little daughter Ida followed the mother a week later, and Noah died April 30, 1882.
   Mr. Buehler on the 3d of October, 1881, contracted a second marriage, with Miss Mary, daughter of John and Caroline Joekel, of Sterling, Neb. Of this marriage there were also born three children: William A.; Simon F., who died Dec. 11, 1886, and Carl A. The homestead includes 160 acres of good and, and Mr. Buehler has a twenty-five years lease on forty acres besides. He began from fist principles in the development of his farm, building up a comfortable homestead from the wild prairie, and bringing the soil to a good state of cultivation. His buildings are kept in good repair, and his livestock indicates ample shelter and plenty of food. Mr. Buehler has planted shade trees around the dwelling, and has a fine orchard of apple trees. He has labored early and late, as his surroundings indicate.
   Our subject, politically, votes with the Republican party. He has no aspirations for office, preferring to give his time and attention to his farm and family. The German Methodist Episcopal Church of Salem numbers him as one of its most valuable members, and in which he has officiated as Class-Leader for the last eight years, holding besides the office of Steward.

NDREW WILLIAMSON, the pioneer dry-goods merchant of Crab Orchard, was born near Greenville, Mullenberg Co., Ky., Oct. 6, 1843, and is the son of Eleazer T. and Amelia R. (Rice) Williamson, who were natives of Kentucky. The father is living near Earlville, Beadle Co., Dak., where they settled in 1884; the mother is now deceased.
   Our subject removed with his parents from the Blue Grass regions to Montgomery County, Ill., in 1851, and there acquired his education, completing his studies in Hillsboro Academy. His business career was begun as clerk in a dry-goods and grocery store at Hillsboro, where he remained six years thus occupied, and he then exercised that frugality and forethought which enabled him to lay up a snug sum of money and purchase a half-interest in the business of his employer. They continued together five years longer, when young Williamson withdrew, disposing of his interests to his partner, and then going to Donelson in the same county, established himself there in general merchandising, and remained until 1879. He then traded his stock of goods for a farm, which he leased. and accepted a position as salesman for the firm of Day & Upstone, of Nokomis, with whom he remained two and one-half years. In the spring of 1883, crossing the Mississippi, he established himself at Crab Orchard in his present business, at a time when there was in this place only a small grocery and a hardware store, started a short time previously. From the modest enterprise of Mr. Williamson has grown up a business commanding a capital of between $5,000 and $6,000, from which is transacted $15,000 worth of business. Mr. Williamson is able to duplicate any bill of goods in his line sold in the cities of Beatrice or Tecumseh. Buying for cash, he is enabled to obtain a liberal discount, and in connection with his credit system uses the D. O. Lantz Credit Coupon check book, which is claimed to be the best in the world. He carries a full line of merchandise, including dry-goods, boots and shoes, bats, caps, notions, millinery, gentlemen's furnishing goods, crockery, etc., in fact everything required on the farm or in the village household. He has been a familiar figure among the people of this region for many years, and his straightforward methods of doing business have secured their confidence and esteem.
   Miss Isabel H. Kerr, a native of Fayette County, Ohio, became the wife of our subject on the 1st of February, 1872, the wedding being celebrated at the home of the bride in Montgomery County, Ill., near Hillsboro. Mrs. Williamson was born Nov. 20, 1846, and is the daughter of Robert and Jane (Kerr) Kerr, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and are now both deceased. Of this union there have been no children. Mr. WIlliamson dur-

ing his younger years affiliated with the Democratic party, but his warm interest in the success of the temperance movement led him, in 1883, to identify himself with the Prohibitionists, and he is now a leading member of this party in Johnson County. He has never been ambitious for office, although having served as Councilor, and occupying other positions of trust and responsibility in this community. Religiously, both he and his excellent wife are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church, to which they give a cordial and generous support. Their handsome and comfortable home is located on Main street, mod during the years of their residence here they have gathered about them many warm friends.

ILLIAM L. KING. Upon section 12 of Todd Creek Precinct is one of the best farms in the district, the property of our subject. It comprises 160 acres of thoroughly improved and highly productive farming land. This has been owned by him since March, 1879, and was purchased within two weeks of his coming to the State. Nearly everything that has been done in the line of improvements is his work. His property is hedged in a very perfect manner, and it is well kept and trimmed, presenting a fine appearance and effectually serving the design and purpose. Other improvements, such as grove, orchard, etc., have all found their place with our subject, and are a credit to his enterprise, good taste and diligence.
   Our subject chiefly devotes his energies to the raising of stock, dealing chiefly in high-grade Shorthorns, thoroughbred hogs of the Poland-China variety, graded sheep and drift horses and roadsters. In this connection he is quite widely and favorably known. His reputation as a business man is marked as being of the most honorable description possible, and his stock is unquestionably good.
   The birth of our subject took place on the 26th of August, 1851, in Wilson Township, Niagara Co., N. Y., and he made his home there until he was about sixteen years of age, when, with his parents, he went to Henry County, Ill., and remained with them until attaining his majority. His education, which was obtained in the common schools, was practical and thorough so far as it went, and embraced the usual subject of instruction. Schooling finished, his energies were directed to husbandry and the care of stock, which he has continued almost without intermission up to the present time.
   The subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Miss Helen E. Taylor, of Kewanee, Ill., on the 14th of October, 1874. Their union has been consummated by the birth of four children, all of whom are living. The subjoined are the names borne by them: Lewis, Clara, Clarence and May. Mrs. King was born in Knox County, Ill., on the 8th of May, 1855. She was educated in the common schools of the county, and is possessed of much innate refinement, which, with her happy disposition, makes her eminently fitted for domestic or social life.
   The father of Mrs. King, A. A. Taylor, was born in New York. While but a young man he went to Pennsylvania, thence to Michigan, and finally to Illinois. He is now a resident of Nebraska. The maiden name of his wife was Susan Hurlburt. They became the parents of seven children, six of whom are still living.
   Horace King, the father of our subject, was born in Columbia County, N. Y., and as a young man moved to Niagara County in order to take a farm and begin life for himself. He married Miss Desire Burton, in Columbia County, N. Y., by whom he became the father of five children, of whom three are living. By an unusual coincidence all three are owners of extensive farms in this county, and are among the well-to do citizens. In 1866 Mr. King moved to Henry County, and there made his home until he came hither. His death occurred on the 16th of September, 1875; his widow still survives. He was a member of the Free Methodist Church.
   The subject of our sketch has won and retained the hearty esteem of the community. He has been called upon to fill various school offices, and that of Road Supervisor. He is not prominent as a politician, but is always careful to exercise his right of franchise, voting with the Republican party. Both he and his wife are in communion with