ARNOLD EGGER 
Arnold Egger, who owns and operates a good farm on section 3, Buda precinct, is raising shorthorn cattle and Duroc- Jersey hogs. A native of Switzerland, he was born in the canton of Bern, on the 22nd of June 1866, and is a son of John and Anna Maria (Gygli) Egger, of whom further mention is made in the sketch of J. F. Egger, on another page of this volume. Our subject was brought to America in infancy, the family arriving at Pekin, Illinois, on the 24th of December, 1866. After farming in that state for two seasons they removed to Cass county, Nebraska, by wagon. 

The father engaged in farming near the old town of Rock Bluffs for two years and then began operating a tract of land on which the town of Sprague is now located. He followed agricultural pursuits there during his remaining years, passing a way on the 11th of February, 1909. Arnold Egger received his education in the schools of district No.77 and district No.36, Centerville precinct, and early became familiar with farm work through assisting his father. Following his marriage he began his independent career and took charge of one hundred and twenty acres on section 3, Buda precinct, belonging to his father. 

The land was under cultivation, but there were no buildings upon the farm when he took charge. He has since erected a substantial residence, good barns and outbuildings and has made many other improvements upon the place, which he now owns. He also holds title to one hundred and ten acres on section 34, Centerville precinct, and likewise cultivates that land. He seldom fails to harvest good crops of grain and also raises high grade shorthorn cattle and Duroc- Jersey hogs, from the sale of which he derives a gratifying addition to his income. 

He is interested financially in the Martel Telephone Company and was one of the organizers of the Bank of Sprague and also of the Farmers Grain & Lumber Company of Sprague. Mr. Egger was married in Lincoln on the 5th of January, 1893, to Miss Josephine Pfleger, who was born in Jackson, Ohio, on the 28th of March, 1870. She was reared and educated in the Buckeye state and in Indiana, but in 1890 became a resident of Lancaster county, Nebraska. She passed away on the 7th of March, 1909, and was buried in Princeton. 

She was the mother of two children, namely: Edward Albert, who was born on the 16th of November, 1893, and is farming with his father; and Cora, who was born April 25, 1896, and is at home. Mr. Egger is an independent democrat, paying greater attention tote qualifications of a candidate than to his political allegiance. He is strongly in favor of such temperance legislation as will protect those who have not sufficient will power to withstand the temptation to drink to excess. 

He has always manifested a keen interest in educational affairs and for fifteen years was a member of the school board in district No.129 and for three years served in a similar capacity in district No.77. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is connected with Sprague Camp, No.1577, M. W. A., of which he is a charter member and in which he held office for years. His dominant qualities are such as invariably win respect and regard, and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with that of his acquaintance. 

NOAH EGGER, JR. 
Noah Egger, Jr., is one of the best known residents of Princeton, where he operates an elevator, conducts a hardware store and is also filling the office of postmaster. A native of Illinois, his birth occurred in Tazewell county on the 16th of November, 1863, and he is a son of Noah and Mary (Pflager) Egger, natives respectively of Ohio and New York city. The father was educated in the district schools of the Buckeye state but in early manhood went to Tazewell county, Illinois, and engaged in farming near Pekin. 

In the fall of 1868 he came overland to Lancaster county, Nebraska, accompanied by his wife and four children, and the family located upon a homestead of eighty acres on section 2, Buda precinct. Their first residence in this county was a structure half frame and half dugout, and the first barns on the farm were dugouts. The father placed his land under cultivation and later added to his holdings. He replaced the first crude buildings on the farm with commodious and substantial structures and otherwise improved the place. 

In 1881 he retired from active life and took up his residence in the town of Princeton. He has since traveled all over the United States and now divides his time between Princeton and the state of Georgia. His sons operated the farm from 1881 until 1900, when they, too,  moved to town, and thirteen years later the homestead was sold. The wife and mother, who was reared in Ohio, also survives. Noah Egger, Jr., has passed practically his entire life in Lancaster County as he was but five years old when the family located here. During his boyhood and youth he attended the district schools in Buda precinct and also gained practical knowledge of farming through assisting his father. 

When nineteen years old he began his independent career and devoted his time to agricultural pursuits until 1900, when he left the home farn1 and removed to Princeton, where he still lives. He secured a position as clerk in an implement al1d hardware establishment and served in that capacity for a number of years. In March, 1916, however, he purchased the store from A. E. Van Berg and has since been sole proprietor. He also owns the local elevator and both enterprises yield him a good profit. From 1900 until 1907 he filled the position of deputy postmaster but in the latter year was appointed postmaster and is still serving in that capacity; proving very accurate and systematic in the discharge of his duties. Mr. Egger was married in Buda precinct on the 5th of February, 1885, to Miss Mary Steele. 

She was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, and is a daughter of William and Mary (Potts) Steele, who in 1881 removed from Illinois to this county, where both passed away. The father was a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Egger have six children: Edwin, who is working in his father's store; Maggie, the wife of E. F. F. Dohe, a mechanical draftsman, who is in the employ of the United States government in the Panama Canal Zone; and Alva, Noah C., and Noel and Nora, twins, all at home. Mr. Egger is a stanch advocate of democratic principles and loyally supports the candidates and measures of that party at the polls. 

For five years he served on the school board but is not now connected with that body. Fraternally he is a member of Princeton Camp, No.2022,  in which he has held all of the offices, and has now served as clerk for fifteen years. He is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church at Princeton and in the teachings of that organization are found the principles which govern his conduct. He is industrious and possesses sound judgment, and the success which he has gained is due to the exercise of those qualities. 

CHARLES H. SCHLICHTEMEIER 
Charles H. Schlichtemeier, one of the foremost citizens of Olive Branch precinct, is identified with financial interests as cashier of the Farmers State Bank of Kramer, of which institution he was one of the organizers. His birth occurred in Olive Branch precinct, Lancaster county, Nebraska, 0n the 21st of July, 1874, his parents being Frank and Catherine Schlichtemeier, natives of Germany. 

They emigrated to the United States in the years 1865 and 1867 respectively and made their way direct to Nebraska. They were married in Nebraska City in 1867, shortly after the mother's arrival in this country. Frank Schlichtemeier located in Olive Branch precinct, this county, .in 1865, purchasing a relinquishment on a claim and making this his home continuously until 1910, since which time he has lived in Kramer. The period of his residence in Lancaster county covers more than a half century and he has long been numbered among its substantial, respected and representative citizens. 

Charles H. Schlichtemeier acquired his education in the common schools and also spent a term as a student in the Lincoln Business College. He then returned to the home farm and a year later was married. In the spring of 1897 he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty-acres on section 11, Olive Branch precinct, and started out as an agriculturist on his own account. He still owns that property but operated the place for only nine years and in the spring of 1906 took up his abode in Kramer, where he was prominently identified with the live stock business during the following decade, disposing of his interests in this connection about the 1st of February, 1916. In November, 1911, he entered the Farmers State Bank of Kramer as assistant cashier and one year later was made cashier of the institution, in which capacity he has ably served to the present time. 

He is also one 0£ the stockholders of the bank and his efforts have contributed to its continued growth and success in no inconsiderable degree. In addition to his farm property he owns sixteen town lots in Kramer, as well as his residence property, and he is widely recognized as one 0f the substantial and progressive citizens 0f the community. On the 8th 0f November, 1896, Mr. Schlichtemeier was united in marriage to Miss Anna Freese, 0f Olive Branch precinct. 

He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a member 0f the present school board, while for nine years he has acted as treasurer. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. He has lived in Lancaster county from his birth to the present time and his record is that 0f one 0f its worthy and esteemed native sons. 

MARTIN TALMADGE GILBERT 
Martin Talmadge Gilbert of Denton precinct is devoting considerable attention to raising thoroughbred Berkshire hogs and has been very successful in that connection. His farm is thoroughly improved and his home, provided with all modern conveniences, is the most attractive residence of the locality. He was born near Peru, in Bureau county, Illinois, on the 23rd of September, 1862, a son of  Daniel A. and Sarah F. (Coon) Gilbert. The father was born in Saratoga county, New York, was there reared and educated, but became a resident of Bureau county, Illinois, in the early days of that section. 

Subsequently he conducted a grocery store in Boone, Boone county, Iowa, for nine years, and in 1872 he came to Lancaster county, Nebraska, and established a grocery store in Lincoln, on the corner of South Eleventh and N streets. In 1882 he sold out and in partnership with Maxey Cobb took charge of the Cobb homestead, comprising ten hundred and forty acres of good land in Denton precinct. They engaged in raising stock until 1890, when Mr. Gilbert again turned his attention to merchandising, establishing a general store in Denton. He remained active in that connection until 1906, when he retired. 

His remaining days were spent at the home of his son, Martin T., and his death occurred on the 8th of April, 1913, when eighty-three years old. He was married in Saratoga, New York, to Miss Sarah Coon, who was a native of Saratoga county, and taught school there previous to her marriage. She passed away in Denton in March, 1911. They had seven children, as follows: James C. and Charles A., both deceased ; Carrie B., who became the wife of Maxey Cobb of Lancaster county, both now deceased; Willis I., deceased; Martin T. ; Lillie, deceased; and Mattie F ., the wife of R. H. Moffett of Moberly, Missouri. 

Martin Talmadge Gilbert was ten years of age when the family removed to Lincoln and received the greater part of his education in schools of that city. He assisted his father in the grocery store there and later was associated with him in the conduct of a general store at Denton. For six years after his father's demise he continued to manage the business, but at the end of that time sold out. In 1913 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 28, Denton precinct, which is part of the old Cobb home place, and here he has erected an up-to-date residence which is conceded to be the finest home in the precinct. 

It is equipped with all modern improvements and is beautifully furnished. All of the other buildings upon the place are well designed for their purpose and of modern construction, and in his work Mr. Gilbert follows the latest  methods. He does general farming, 'but specializes in raising Berkshire .hogs, which he sells for breeding purposes, and it is his intention to devote his entire time to the raising of hogs in the near future. He is farming in partnership with his nephew, Harry M. Gilbert, the son of his brother, Charles A. Gilbert, who owns a half interest in the place. Mr. Gilbert was married at Denton on the 22d of March, 1914, to Miss Marie Dawson, who was born in Wisconsin, but came to Lincoln in girlhood. 

He supports the democratic party at the polls but has never been an aspirant for public office. He has concentrated his energies upon the management of his private interests, which have returned a good profit, and he now ranks among the substantial men of the county. He has conformed to the highest standards of business ethics in all of his business transactions and his many good qualities have enabled him to win and retain the friendship of those who have been closely associated with him. 

J. HARRY SMITH. 
J. Harry Smith, an up-to-date and prosperous farmer of Denton precinct, was born in Pennsylvania on the 9th of May, 1861, a son of John and Mary Frances (McDonald) Smith, the former born in England and the latter in Pennsylvania. In 1850 the father came to the United States and located in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, where his marriage occurred and where he resided until 1884, when he removed with his family to Lincoln, Nebraska. He soon afterward rented a tract of land east of Lincoln, in Lancaster county, and in 1889 purchased three quarter sections of land in Denton precinct, which are still in the possession of the family. 

He passed away at the home of his son J. Harry on the homestead in 1910, but his wife is still living. He was a local preacher in the Methodist church, and his life was a strong influence for righteousness and moral advancement. To him and his wife were born four children, namely: Ravil, who is a Methodist minister stationed in Philadelphia : Mrs. Elizabeth Gleason, of Lincoln; J. Harry; and J. Howard, who is farming land adjoining the homestead. Ravil, the oldest son, remained in Pennsylvania when the family came to Nebraska.

 J. Harry Smith has always had charge of the operation of the homestead. He now holds title to part of the place, and the value of his farm is greatly enhanced by its splendid buildings, all of which he has erected. He raises both grain and stock, and his thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits, his integrity and his sound business judgment insure his continued success. Mr. Smith was married in Denton to Miss Sadie M. Hocking, a daughter of James Hocking, deceased, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. 

To this marriage have been born six children, as follows: Francis E., Elizabeth R., Ravil, Margery, John Ernest and J. Harry, Jr. Mr. Smith casts his ballot in support of the candidates and measure~ of the republican party and has served acceptably as school director. His religious faith is indicated by the fact that he holds membership with the Methodist church at Denton, and his conduct is guided by the teachings of that organization. He is respected for his ability and enterprise, esteemed for his probity, and his personal characteristics are such that he has gained the warm friendship of many. 

ANTON DIEDRICH FLACHMAN 
Anton Diedrich Flachman was connected with railroading as section boss for many years, but during the latter part of his life concentrated his energies upon farming. He owned one hundred and twenty-three acres of good land on section 8, Olive Branch precinct, and there he passed away on the 10th of November, 1911. He was born in Westphalia, Germany, December 7, 1851, a son of Anton Flachman, who was a lifelong resident of the fatherland, where he engaged in farming. 

Anton D. Flachman learned the baker's trade in Germany and followed that occupation there until 1883, when he came to America. He was employed in Lincoln, Nebraska, for some time, and later followed his trade in New Mexico, but in 1888 came again to Lincoln. Subsequently he worked as a baker at Seward and Fairm0nt, Nebraska, and still later he was section boss at Kramer. He held that position until 1903, and during the greater part of the time also engaged in farming. He made his home, however, in Kramer and lived in the first residence built in that town. 

In 1903 he bought one hundred and twenty-three acres of land in section 8, Olive Branch precinct, and gave up his railroad work and devoted his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits. He engaged in farming and stock raising there for eight years, or until his death, which occurred on the 10th of November, 1911. He was buried in the Methodist cemetery at Kramer.  Mr. Flachman was married on the 2nd of September, 1888, in Wilber, Saline county, Nebraska, to Miss Anna Bittner, who was born in Bohemia, Austria, on the 12th of March, 1869. 

Her parents, James and Mary (Tisvey) Bittner, were also natives of that country, but came to America with their family in 1885, taking up their residence upon a farm in Olive Branch precinct, where the father subsequently passed away. The mother survives and makes her home with Mrs. Flachman. The latter was sixteen years of age when she came to this country, and has since resided in Nebraska. She still lives on the Flachman homestead, which adjoins the town of Kramer, and has erected a beautiful modern home on the farm. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Flachman were born ten children : Mary, the wife of George Limbeck, who is farming in Lancaster county; Gustina, the wife of Elmer Hollman, a farmer of Buda township; James and Charles, who are operating the home place; Barbara and Lydia, at home; .Joseph, Margaret and Frederick, all of whom are attending school; and Frank, who was born in New Mexico and died in Kramer. 

Mr. Flachman supported the democratic party at the polls and was for fourteen years a member of the school board of Kramer, serving in that capacity until his death. He was identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Crete and in religious faith was a Methodist. He was a man of progressive spirit and could be counted upon to further projects calculated to promote the general good. He was highly esteemed and his friends still cherish his memory. 

ANCIL L. FUNK 
Ancil L. Funk occupied a position of prominence in commercial circles as a traveling salesman, having the management of twenty states. He represented a clothing house and