and engaged in mercantile business on his own account, associating himself with his brother, David, Jr., and carrying a general stock. The firm was D. & J. Hazels. They operated together twelve months, when our subject purchased the interest of his brother and conducted the business alone some years.
   Mr. Hazels now selling out retired to his farm, one and one-half miles northeast of Pawnee City, He had eighty acres, finely improved, with a substantial residence, a good barn and the other necessary outbuildings. He sold this property in 1887 for $5,000, but regretting the transaction succeeded in buying it back in the spring of 1888. He is now devoting his attention to his farming and live-stock interests, with marked success, and has fine grades of cattle.
   In the fall of 1875 Mr. Hazels assumed matrimonial ties, being wedded September 30 of that year to Miss Lula J., daughter of Robert and Jane Andrews, of this county. Mrs. Hazels was born in Iowa, and came with her parents to Nebraska. Our subject and his estimable wife have five children, namely: Edna, G. A., Joseph Thorn, David L. and a babe unnamed. Politically, Mr. Hazels votes independently, and he takes a genuine interest in those enterprises calculated for the advancement of his county, being always willing to lend his aid to any worthy scheme having that object in view.

UGH W. ROBB is closely identified with the industrial and agricultural interests of Pawnee County. He owns a farm of seventy-seven acres of land of unsurpassed fertility, finely located on section 12, Miles Precinct. He rents his place, however, while he devotes his time exclusively to his business as a blacksmith, which he has established in the village of Violet. He is a man of large, sound common sense, forceful character, exemplary habits, and unswerving rectitude of purpose, which traits, although he has been a resident of this community but a short time, have won him the trust and full respect of the people with whom he associates.
   Our subject is derived from a sterling ancestry. His paternal great-grandfather, a native of Ireland, emigrating to this country, located in Virginia, and there became a well-to-do planter. His brother, Col. Robb, was with the first President Harrison at the famous battle of Tippecanoe. The Rev. Hugh W. Robb, also son of the Virginia planter, was born in that State, and when he attained manhood began life as a farmer. At about the age of thirty-five he turned his attention to the ministry, and being sent to Kentucky on missionary work, became one of the first settlers of that State. Besides devoting himself to his mission, he paid some attention to farming. He continued in the ministry of the Presbyterian faith until his death at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. The maternal grandfather of our subject was born in Scotland, and after coming to America he located in Shawneetown, Ill., where he set himself up in business at his trade of cabinet-maker, and ran a furniture establishment, accumulating much wealth before his death. He was a Lutheran in his religious belief.
   Benjamin Robb, the father of our subject, was born in Kentucky near the city of Frankfort. He was reared in that State to the life of a farmer. He was married in Shawneetown, Ill., to Martha Nicholson, a native of that place. After marriage Mr. Robb returned to Kentucky, and continued agricultural pursuits there for some years, clearing a farm from the wilderness. In 1834, like other Kentucky pioneers, he crossed the country to Missouri, and became a pioneer of that State. He cleared a farm in Marion County, Mo., of which he was one of the first settlers. He later disposed of his 160-acre tract of land in that part of Missouri, and going to Shelby County, that State, improved another 160-acre farm. He continued there until about 1859, when he sold his property there, and retracing his steps eastward as far as Illinois, bought a farm in Adams County, and for many years managed it very profitably.
   Mr. Robb is still living on the old homestead with one of his sons, and has attained the advanced age of eighty-six years. His wife died in 1881, having rounded out fifty-nine years. He has been quite prominent in life in years past, and while in Missouri served as Justice of the Peace, and as Sheriff. In his early days he was a Whig and an ardent ad-

vocate of the abolition of slavery. He joined the Republican party at its formation, and has ever since voted for its candidates. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and has been Steward of the society. To him and his wife were born twelve children, as follows: Julia A. (deceased), Hugh W., Nancy J., Franklin M., Thomas J., Newton J. (deceased), James M., John H., Zach T., Benjamin F.; Martha J. (deceased) and Emma E. The family was well represented in the late Civil War, and did heroic service on many a bloody battle-field. James and Newton were members of the 50th Illinois Regiment, and veteranized; Newton died at the close of the war; Thomas served through the entire war in the 3d Missouri Cavalry; Franklin was a member of the Missouri State Militia, and later joined the Missouri Volunteers; James was wounded five times at the battle of Pittsburg Landing; when in the heat of the fight he and his comrades, surrounded by the enemy, were attempting to cut their way out. Our subject was born in West Ely, Marion Co., Me., on the 17th of January, 1836. He remained on his father's farm until he was sixteen years of age, obtaining such an education is was possible with the limited school advantages afforded by his native place. At the age mentioned he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, serving four years, and gaining a thorough practical knowledge of the work. After that he went to Illinois and opened a blacksmith's shop in Adams County. Two years later he closed his business there and returned to Missouri, and erected a shop in Walnut Grove, Shelby County. In 1864 he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, and was mustered into the army at Palmyra, in that State, and entered the service under Gen. Schofield. Our subject was in the battle at Kirksville, under O'Neal. The company to which he belonged was disbanded until called for, and our subject was discharged in the spring of 1865, having served creditably during his short military experience. After the war Mr. Robb went to Schuyler County, Ill., and once more engaged in his trade, opening a smithy at Pleasant View, and besides carrying on blacksmithing also engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1872 he sought the still comparatively wild country of Nebraska with a team, with a view of settling in this State. He found a suitable location in Franklin County, and took up 160 acres of Government land under the provisions of the Homestead Act, said tract lying near the town of Macon. He immediately went to work on it, and developed a fine farm, with many valuable improvements. He was one of the pioneers of Franklin County, and was one of the first to build a smithy there. He also made the first plow made west of Lincoln, Neb., in 1873. In 1880, renting his farm he moved into Franklin, put up a shop, and engaged in blacksmithing and also in the real-estate business. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Robb took a new departure, sold his property in Franklin County, took up his residence in Pawnee City, and bought Shackley's town property, and forming a partnership with Lt. Goodale in the foundry business, continued with him three years. He then sold his interest, in that business, and in partnership with J. H. Irons established the city blacksmith-shop. In March, 1888, Mr. Robb bought his present farm of seventy-seven acres, three of which are cut off by the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad. He soon after erected his present smithy in this village, and has by good workmanship and prompt attention to customers worked up quite a large trade. His farm is well watered by Ball's Branch, and there is plenty of native timber on it, groves and a fine orchard. Mr. Robb owns a lot and residence in Pawnee City, besides other valuable property.
   Mr. Robb has been twice married, the first time in Clayton, Ill., in 1857, to Miss Mildred J. Tutt, a native of Kentucky. Of that union three children were born, namely; William B. F., James H. and Leodora A. William is a merchant in Franklin, Neb.; James is Principal of a school in Minden, Neb.; Leodora married Elmer Weston, a farmer of Franklin County. After a few years of a happy wedded life the first wife of our subject closed her eyes to the scenes of earth in 1867, while she was yet in life's prime. Our subject was married a second time, in Pleasant View, Ill., in 1868, Mrs. Minerva A. Powell becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Ebenezer Dimmick, and was born in Ohio. She had been previously married, and had two children by that marriage, Mary A. and Margaret Powell. The former is in Franklin, and the

latter at Ludell, Rawlins Co., Kan. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Robb have three children, as follows: Hugh W., who is studying law at Salem, Neb.; Ida M., a teacher in the Violet public schools, and Minnie E., who is dead.
   By years of prudent industry, judicious economy and wise management, our subject has accumulated a comfortable property. He is a man whose truthfulness, conscientious dealings with his neighbors, and his sturdy self-respect have won in return the respect and consideration of his neighbors and all with whom he comes in contact. He is a man of strong religious convictions, and is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Violet, being Class-Leader, and has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is an earnest advocate of prohibition, and his been a delegate to Prohibition County and State Conventions. Mr. Robb was Postmaster for three years while a resident of Macon. Here he is a member of the Board of Education, and is at present School Treasurer.

AMES H. PURCELL. Among the prominent pioneers of Table Rock Precinct the subject of this sketch is numbered as one deserving of especial notice. He came to this section as early as 1860, and has proved a bright example of sturdy perseverance amid many difficulties. He began in life at the foot of the ladder, but is now numbered among the well-to-do business men of Pawnee County, being handsomely situated financially, and in the enjoyment of a splendid patronage as one of the largest hardware merchants of Table Rock. He also owns a large extent of land, embracing 470 acres, the greater part lying on sections 28 and 29. He also has a good residence in town, and in his hardware operations carries a large and well-selected stock of goods. He is widely and favorably known to the people of this section, among whom he has lived an upright and honorable life for a period of nearly thirty years.
   Mr. Purcell came to Nebraska Oct. 7, 1860, settling first in Richardson County; he afterward came to Pawnee County and purchased 160 acres of land.
   Thirty acres of this had been broken, but otherwise it was in an uncultivated condition. After putting in his first crops he commenced the planting of trees, devoting ten acres to this purpose, and the sprouts which he then set in the ground would now make saw-logs one and a half feet in diameter. He commenced his farm operations in Nebraska with an ox-team, and his first dwelling was a small frame house covered with clapboards and sod. This he occupied with his little family for a period of six years before he was able to build a better one. In the meantime he placed the whole of his land under the plow, and besides the forest trees already referred to, put out a fruit orchard, with apples, peaches and the smaller varieties. He in due time had a snug little homestead, but sold it in 1864, and coming to this county purchased the first 160 acres of his present farm.
   The homestead proper lies on section 28, and this, with the exception of thirty acres, was at the time of purchase like the other, an uncultivated tract of land. Mr. Purcell proceeded as before to the opening up of a farm, setting out fruit and shade trees, and putting up the necessary buildings. He has a good apple orchard. He also planted hedge around the most of the farm, a species of fence which aids largely in the embellishment of the landscape. The Purcell farm is the admiration of all observers who pass through this part of the country, and reflects great credit upon the energy and industry of the proprietor. The residence is a tasteful and commodious frame structure, in gothic style of architecture, with solid stone foundations and a fine cellar. It is fully as pleasant within as without, being neatly and tastefully furnished, and a dwelling whose inmates are surrounded by all the comforts of life. In his farm labors Mr. Purcell, during the later years of his residence in the country, devoted his attention largely to the breeding of fine stock, including Durharn, Ayrshire and Jersey cattle, usually having at the head of his herd a full-blooded animal.
   Mr. Purcell came to Nebraska equipped with only the capital of his strong hands and courageous heart, together with the faithful and efficient wife and helpmate, who has labored cheerfully by his side in the accumulation of their property.

Many are the tales which they can tell of hardship and privation. His first trading-post was at Brownville, on the Missouri River miles away, to which he was compelled to repair with an ox-team, the round trip consuming two or three days. For several seasons his corn and pork were transported to market in this manner, and while there he would receive for the latter only one and one-half to two cents per pound dressed, and for his corn ten to twelve and one-half cents per bushel. On the other hand, upon the disbursement of the scant amount of money which he could thus obtain, he was obliged to pay a high price for the necessary provisions. Sugar was a luxury for which the pioneers were obliged to pay from eighteen to twenty cents per pound. This commodity was used very sparingly or not at all. The small quantities of provisions they were enabled to buy with their little capital would be soon consumed, and the tedious trip repeated.
   In this way our subject labored under many difficulties four or five years, and when he began to cherish a hope of better days, along came the grasshoppers and put the pioneer farmer back another two years. Those days of discouragement and trouble, however, finally passed away, and Mr. Purcell has had reason to rejoice that he was enabled to persevere and outlive the storm. His later success has repaid him for what he then endured. He is in the enjoyment of a fine property, and has little need to ask for more. Notwithstanding the arduous labors connected with the opening up of his farm, and the almost endless task of transforming it into productive fields, he at the same time did not confine himself selfishly to his own interests, but assisted in the various enterprises brought forward from time to time to develop the county, such as building bridges, laying out roads, organizing school districts and the various other matters which demanded attention as the country became settled up. Upon his arrival here there was not even a road track from his house to Brownville, only a faint trail which at times he had difficulty in following. Wild game abounded up to 1873. Table Rock Precinct was then all in one school district, and the children received their early education at Table Rock.
   Mr. Purcell has always been an earnest supporter of Republican principles, and has carefully avoided becoming an office-holder, with the exception of serving a brief time as School Director. He is a man of more than ordinary mental ability--one who keeps himself well posted upon current events. In his business relations he is highly spoken of as a man of strictest integrity.
   Mr. Purcell was born in Jackson County, Tenn., Feb. 11, 1832, and lived there until a youth of fifteen years. He then removed with his parents to Christian County, Ky., and later to Perry, Ill., where he completed a good practical education. Later he was employed on a farm in the Prairie State, and there also met the lady who was destined to become his wife, Miss Margaret Lane, and they were married in Perry County, Ill., March 16, 1860. Of this union there were born four children, all of whom are living, namely: Willard W., Albert J., Della and Milan. The two younger are at home with their parents. Willard married Miss Minnie Ball, and operates the old homestead; they have two children. Albert married Miss Ida Stewart, and they have one child, a daughter Maude. This son is the partner of his father in the hardware trade, and although a young man, has evinced admirable business qualifications.
   Mrs. Margaret Purcell was born in Perry County, Ill., where she lived until her marriage. Her father, C. H. Lane, was a native of Tennessee, and was a practicing physician for many years; he is still living, making his home in Jackson County, Ill.
   James J. Purcell, the father of our subject, was a native of Jackson County, Tenn., and married Miss Rebecca Short, who was also born in that State. They became the parents of eight children, all of whom lived to mature years. The family removed first to Kentucky, then to Illinois, and finally to Nebraska, prior to the time James H. took up land in Richardson County. The father also secured land in Richardson County, in Long Branch Precinct, which he occupied for a time, then sold and purchased on section 21, in Table Rock. The latter he improved into a good farm, and lived upon it until resting from his earthly labors. The mother of our subject had died in Illinois, and Mr. Purcell

was married a second time. The paternal grandfather, James Purcell, was a native of Germany, and upon coming to the United States early in manhood settled in Tennessee, where he spent the remainder of his life.

ILLIAM B. BULL, Mayor of Pawnee City, is a man who, wherever he has been, has most decidedly left his mark. Intelligent, straightforward and business-like, his birth took place in the town of Amity, Madison Co., Ohio, Aug. 31. 1828. His early years were comparatively uneventful, spent principally upon a farm in Franklin County, and pursuing his studies in the common schools. As a youth he was ambitious of advancement, and we find him later a student of the Young Men's Seminary in Westerville; upon leaving this he entered a select school in the city of Columbus.
   When a young man of twenty-two years Mr. Bull started for the Pacific Slope, and sojourned in California a period of two years, engaged in mining. At the expiration of this time, returning home, he was engaged as clerk in a store a year, and in 1854 migrated to Livingston County, Ill., and settled upon a farm, which he conducted a period of fourteen years. Later he was connected with a hardware store at Fairbury, Ill., two years, and in 1870 decided to cast his lot with the people of Nebraska.
   Upon coming to this county Mr. Bull settled on a farm seven miles north of Pawnee City, where he operated twelve years. Then, abandoning agricultural pursuits, he changed his residence to Pawnee City, where he has since resided, retired from active labor. He has large interests in a cattle ranch in Montana, and other business resources which yield him a handsome income.
   There were born to Alanson and Hannah (Leonard) Bull, the parents of our subject, eight children, of whom William B. was the third of the family. His father was born in Manchester, Vt., in 1798, and the mother in Springfield, Mass., in 1800. Both were of English ancestry, and removed from New England at an early date, settling in Franklin County, Ohio, while it was probably the abode of bears, wolves and other wild animals. Alanson Bull was one of the solid farmers of Franklin County, and lived there until the summer of 1845, when the family all removed to Columbus, where the death of the father took place in 1858. The mother survived her husband many years, her death taking place in 1884, at Columbus, Ohio, when she was quite aged.
   The spring of 1855 witnessed the marriage of our subject with Miss Sarah H. Pool, in Matamora, Woodford Co., Ill. Mrs. Bull was born in New Hampshire, in February, 1838, and is the daughter of H. A. and Miranda Pool, who are now deceased. Six children came to the fireside of Mr. and Mrs. Bull, and were named respectively: Charles S., Horace H., May A., Mira M., Hiram A. and Leonard N. They are residents mostly of Nebraska. Mr. Bull, while a resident of Livingston County, Ill., served as a Commissioner two years, and Township Supervisor one year. He was elected to his present office in the spring of 1888, on the Republican ticket, his sympathies being decidedly in favor of the principles of this party. During the Civil War he distinguished himself as an opponent of slavery, and no man rejoiced more than he at the emancipation of the colored race. He represents a goodly amount of real estate, having two farms in this county, one mostly devoted to pasture and one lying adjacent to the city limits. They comprise together 960 acres of valuable land.

E. BAKER. We find this gentleman finely situated at a pleasant country home on section 8, in West Branch Precinct, where he owns and operates 120 acres of good land. Beginning with the early events of his life we find that he was born in Boston Township, Washington Co., Ohio, Feb. 25, 1828, and when a lad six years of age removed with his parents to Pike County, Ill. There he grew to man's estate with limited educational advantages, and learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked a number of years, and until 1851. He was then engaged in farming one year, at the expiration of which time

he resumed work at his trade, remaining in Pike County until 1857. Then changing his residence to Grundy County. that State, he rented a tract of land, and engaged in agricultural pursuits until after the outbreak of the Civil War.
   On the 1st of August, 1862, Mr. Baker enlisted as a Union soldier in the 127th Illinois Infantry, which became a part of the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, 15th Army Corps, and was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee under Gen. Sherman. Mr. Baker and his comrades were mustered into service at Chicago, Aug. 13, 1862, and soon afterward proceeded South, meeting the enemy in battle at Vicksburg. Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post; then returned to Young's Point, and marched down the west side of the river, which they crossed at Ft. Hudson, and afterward were in the battle at Champion Hills, in the rear of Vicksburg, besides several other minor engagements, before the general siege of Vicksburg, where they were for forty days skirmishing and fighting nearly every day. After the surrender the regiment went to Jackson, Miss., and after the fight at that place were sent to Camp Sherman. Next they scouted up the Big Black River for a few days; then by boat to Memphis, Tenn.; from there started by rail for Chattanooga, but the road having been destroyed by the rebels, they had to foot it part of the way. They were in the division that crossed the river on pontoons and captured the rebel pickets. At the battle of Mission Ridge, shortly after, our subject was with his company in four separate charges on that desperately fought field. From there they went to Knoxville, Tenn., following up Longstreet's army. This closed active operations, and they were in camp in Alabama for the winter. On the opening of the Atlanta campaign they were assigned to the army operating against that place under Sherman. During this time our subject was promoted to Corporal. They fought at Resaca, at Dallas, Chattahoochee, Kingston, Kenesaw Mountain, and were in the grand advance under McPherson. Our subject was now made Sergeant. After taking part in several other operations, as shown in the history of the war in that region, the army again fell back on Atlanta and then started after Hood, returning again to the Chattahoochee River. Their next great movement was the march to the sea, where the regiment took place in the engagement at Savannah. They were in Gen. Hazen's division in the attack on Ft. McAllister, and he was then detailed for duty at Gen. Howard's headquarters. Next he went with his company to Beaufort, S. C., their objective point being Goldsboro, N. C.
   In the engagement at Columbia the day following Mr. Baker was taken ill and removed in ambulance to the regimental hospital at Goldsboro. Thence he was sent to Beaufort, N. C., where he was confined from the 9th of April until June, and was then obliged to accept an honorable discharge. He now returned to Grundy County, Ill., where he resumed the farming operations which had been interrupted by the war, remaining there until the spring of 1868. Soon afterward we find him in this county, to which he came overland with teams, crossing the Mississippi at New Boston, the Missouri at Brownville, and occupying three weeks in making the journey. He homesteaded 120 acres of land on section 8, in West Branch Precinct, being one of its first settlers.
   Mr. Baker began breaking the soil and effecting improvements as rapidly as possible, setting out forest and fruit trees, including a fine grove and an orchard of five acres in extent. He was at times visited by the Indians, who pursued the old trail crossing his farm and running from the Indian reservation to White Cloud. The redskins never offered to molest him, with the exception of begging for something to eat or some trinket which they fancied. Mr. Baker enclosed a goodly portion of his land with hedge, and the first year put up a stone building. Of late years he has given special attention to the breeding of live stock, including horses, cattle and swine, keeping good grades of all these. Our subject was married in New Salem, Pike Co., Ill., Oct. 3, 1850, to Miss Mary J. Stitt, daughter of James and Margaret (Marshall) Stitt. Mr. Stitt was a native of Ireland, whence he emigrated to America with his parents when a child. The mother was born in Huntingdon County, Pa. The maternal grandfather was of English descent, but born in the State of Maryland. He learned wheel-wrighting in his youth. Mr. Stitt learned the art of fulling, wool carding and weaving in his

native State, but upon his removal to the West purchased land, sod thereafter engaged in agricultural pursuits. He settled in Pike County, Ill., in 1837, and lived there until 1850, when he sold his land and rented for four years. Later he removed to Grundy County, where his death took place about 1873. The mother moved to the town of Verona, where she lived until 1880, then came to Nebraska and made her home with her children until her death, which occurred in 1884, when she was seventy-seven years of age. Mr. Stitt was an Elder of the Presbyterian Church for a period of forty years.
   Mrs. Baker was born at Shade Gap, Huntingdon Co., Pa., Aug. 17, 1831, and was six years old when her parents removed to Illinois. Of her union with our subject there have been burn five children, namely: James, Margaret, Nina, Esla and Esta, twins. Mr. Baker, politically, votes the straight Republican ticket, and for many years has been connected with the School Board. He has been a member of the Republican Central Committee for the past ten years, and frequently served as a delegate to the various County Conventions. Mrs. Baker is a lady of great refinement, and well fitted to be the companion of such a man as her husband.
   Alpheus Baker, the father of our subject, was born in Washington County, Ohio, and married Miss Mary Chapman, a native of the same. Benjamin Baker, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of England, and emigrated to America, with his parents when a boy, they settling among the earliest pioneers of Washington County, Ohio. He followed agriculture, and lived to be over eighty years of age. On the mother's side Grandfather Elisha Chapman was also a native of England, and crossed the Atlantic when a boy with his parents, in time to carry a musket in the Revolutionary War. He also lived to an advanced age, and spent his last years in Ohio. The father of our subject later served as Drum Major in the Ohio Militia, Upon approaching manhood he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for a time after settling in Illinois. He spent his last years in Pike County, the latter State, dying at the age of seventy-four years. His wife had preceded him to the better land, her death taking place in 1865, when she was sixty years old. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children were named respectively: Sylvester E., Aurelius E., our subject; Clarissa, Darius, Malvina, Almira and Nancy. Darius, during the Civil War, enlisted in the 99th Illinois Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, and participated in many of the important battles of the war.

ON. THEODORE W. PEPOON. The character of a man may usually be correctly ascertained from his home surroundings and his private life. In that of the subject of this sketch are displayed all the evidences of culture and refinement, and this, in connection with ample means, presents the picture of the ideal home. One noticeable feature is the literature to be met with at every turn. The current magazines, music and paintings add to the general effect. In the latter one daughter of the household excels, taking it up naturally, and having enjoyed the advantages of one of the art schools of Chicago.
   Table Rock Precinct contains no more popular family than that of the subject of our sketch, who has been a resident of this county since 1869. The homestead proper comprises 240 acres of land lying on sections 7 and 8, the residence being on the latter. Mr. Pepoon came to Nebraska in 1869, purchasing the land which he still owns and occupies. Its condition then, however, was in strong contrast to that of the present, it being a raw, uncultivated tract, without fences, buildings, or any other attempt at improvement. Our pioneer made his home the first summer with his brother, J. B. Pepoon, and in the meantime put up the residence which he still occupies. It was then considered the best farmhouse in the county. It is two stories in height, convenient and well arranged, handsomely finished and furnished. The family took possession in the spring of 1870, and Mr. P. then gave his attention exclusively to the cultivation and improvement of his land. The material for his farm buildings was hauled from Brownville,