Early pioneers about this time received small pamphlets, which they thought were records of bills which had passed Congress, but in fact, it was a contract between the railroad and the government. It stated that the government would give the railroad company $15,000 for each mile of road they built through Nebraska, also every alternate section of land for 30 miles each side of this track, as also 100 feet from the center of the track on each side of the right of way. The pamphlets also stated that all parties having claims in these section, taken befor ethese grants were made, would be allowed to hold them, and the railroad compny forced to take the same amount of land in other localities. Cook Lamb's and my father's claims were the only ones that were in section 13. Years later under the McKinley administration a controversy had arisen between the government and the railroad company in regard to the right of way, but through an act of Congress, the company was granted 400 feet of right of way instead of 200, which caused a great deal of dissatisfaction to those who had land along the line of the road as well as those hwo had purchased railroad land, a controversy which had raged for a long time, and is hard to tell but what money and corporations will again control more than their rights, and those who are looking forward to redeeming a part of the right of way, will be compelled to take their medicine in large doses.

Now a man of 73 years of age, I have been spared to live through all of these tortures and tribulations of the early pioneer days, but I have nevertehless been blessed to see this country grow from the bleak prairies and relms of Indians, buffaloes, and emigrant trails to as fine a farming country and beautiful region of homes as there is anywhere uner the sun.

Transcriber's Note: A few words should be added to the forgoing sketch concerning Mr. Reese's family. Mr. Reese lived for many years on section 13, where his parents had located. In recent years he bought a small place down on the bank of Wood River, where he and his wife are living. His sight has been impaired in recent years, and for thirteen months he as almost blinded, but treatment under Dr. Gifford's direction had given him some use of his eyes. He was married at Wood River to Catherine Matthews, and they have raised two sons and two daughters. One son, Edward Reese, resides at Elgin, Illinois, where he is engaged in the shoe manufacturing business; the other son, Joseph, resides seven miles east in Alda township; the daughters, Mrs. Delia Woodward, of Denver, Colorado, and Irene Reese, in New York City, caring for an invalid aunt. This couple take great pride in one grandson, seventeen years of age, Sylvester Reese, son of Joseph Reese, now working for William Dristy, two miles west of their home.