From Portrait & Biographical Album of Johnson and Pawnee Counties Nebraska published by Chapman Bros., Chicago, 1889: "In 1882 he purchased ground within the corporate limits of the city, underneath which there lay a strata of sand to the depth of fifteen feet. From this he supplies all the sand for building purposes that is used for miles around. Later he dug a large well which is kept supplied to the depth of twelve feet with living water, and from which, during the dry season, he supplies the citizen by the barrel, it thus proving an inestimable boon to them and the source of a handsome income to the proprietor. Plasterers, builders, fair associations, etc., are supplied from this source. "