Lincoln City (part 16 of 19)

Church Of Christ, Bethany

Rev. L. P. Alilquist, who came in 1874 and remained one year, .\fter hi.s departure the church was vacant, being served by neighboring pastors and theological students until 1886, when Rev. G. Peters from Rockford, Illinois, took up the work. Rev. F. N. Swanberg was here in 1888 and in the summer of 1SS9 Rev. John Eckstrom came, remaining three years. Rev. G. Peters then returncfl and stayed for a year and a half. In the summer of 1896 Rev. Carl Christenson came here and remained about three years, and was succeeded in 1900 by Rev. E. G. Chinlund. The latter left in September, 1907. The present pastor, E. G. Knock, entered upon his duties July 26, 1908. The first church Iniilding was erected in the spring of 1871, costing $1,041.00. In the year 1886 a new church was constructed, the main building of frame and with a stone basement. The contract was let for $3,487.00. During the summer of 19 10 the basement of the church was enlarged; a pipe organ was installed in 191 J. In the year 1905 this frame building was covered with a brick veneer and a wing added. The first parsonage, a cottage, was built in 1888 and in 1898 a second story was added. A new brick structure will be built in the spring of 1916. The total membership of the Swedish Lutheran Church is 274 ; the church property is valued at $27,000.00.

The Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincoln was organized November 24 or 27, 1881, with five members. Rev. F. Koenig presiding. Rev. H. Frincke. the first regular pastor, was called during the following spring, and served a long period, until July, 1895. In February, 1896, Rev. George Allenbach assumed charge of the pastorate, coming from Independence, Kansas, and has remained continuously ever since. During the first year of the church's existence services were held in a small church on the corner of N and Thirteenth streets. The following three years the congregation assembled in the Universalist Church on Twelfth between H and J streets. In the spring of 1886 a new church was constructed, located on H, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets. In the rear of the church a school room accommodating ninety pupils was built. In the year 1904 a new Gothic structure was erected and dedicated November 6, 1904. It is located at 1302 H Street. The membership of this church is 500.

The Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincoln was organized in 1883 by Rev. Peter Jensen, who also served as the first pastor. Following him the pastors who have served are: Revs. P. L. C. Hansen, C. H. Jensen, J. Markenssen, E. Provensen, O. R. Olsen, A. C. Weismann, J. P. Christiansen and Christian Anker. The church building was erected in the year 1883. There are at present ninety-five members and the society is in good financial condition.

The Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Church in Lincoln was started in 1009. Upon the request of twenty-three Lutheran families who had emigrated from the Wolga Colonies, Russia, the Home Mission Board of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states, Nebraska District, decided to begin mission work among the German Russians in Lincoln and called Rev. W. F. Baeder of Arapahoe, Nebraska. He was installed as missionary July 4. 1909. '» Trinity Lutheran Church by Rev. C. H. Becker. As these people wished their children educated not only in all the branches of human wisdom, but especially in the Christian truths, a property was bought at Eighth and D streets for $4,200.00 and a chapel or school building was erected for $1,300.00. Beginning with September Reverend Baeder opened a Christian day school and conducted it until

January, 1910. On October 31, 1909, the Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel congregation, Unaltered Augsburg Confession, was organized, the following being the charter members: Andreas Wambold, Georg Batt, Sr., August Bovk, Georg Ring, Jacob Ring, Heinrich Spomer, Alexander Kraft, Heinrich Klein, Heinrich Roemer, Balthasar Spomer, Georg Strauch, Georg Batt, Jr., David Schmidt, Wilhelm Friedrich, Victor Beader, and their families. In January, 1900. J. J. Troester took charge of the school which had an attendance of seventy-two pupils. In June, 1910, the first school building was moved and a new two-story brick building erected at Eighth and D, costing $14,000.00, and dedicated November 31, 1910. For the old school which had been moved W. J. Braun was called and opened the class with seventy-three pupils : J. J. Troester conducted the school at Eighth and D. On April 191 1, J. H. Brase of Cleveland, Ohio, was installed as principal of both schools. In February, 1913, he resigned and W. J. Braun was called to the principalship of the school at Eighth and D and Prof. E. C. Mueller, of Juniata, Nebraska, was called to the other school. During the winter of 1913-14 there were 325 children in attendance at the schools. Miss Helen Hase and Clara Baeder assisted the teachers. The attendance at present is 215. The present membership of the church is 250.

The Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in the old conservatory of music, Thirteenth and L streets, on June 9, 1890, under the leadership of Rev. Luther P. Ludden. There were thirty charter members. A Sunday School had previously been organized on Christmas, 1889. Reverend Luther acted as the first pastor of the church. Following him have served Revs. Jesse W. Ball, C. Rollin Sherck, Charles H. B. Lewis, Fuller, Bergstesser and R. M. Badger. After worshiping in rented quarters for some years, on September 24, 1893, the congregation occupied a small chapel erected at a cost of $800.00 on the corner of Fourteenth and F streets. On June 9, 1901, the present structure was dedicated, costing about ten thousand dollars. There are at present 250 confirmed members in the church.

The German Evangelical Lutheran Friedens Church in Lincoln was organized February 15, 1907, at Sixth and D streets, by Revs. E. Pfeifi'er and L. Ludden. Prominent among the early members were : Adolph Lebsack, Jr., Conrad Strasheim, John Hoff, Georg Stroh, Georg Sitzmann, Jacob Bauer, Jacob Rohrig, Jacob Lebsack, Peter Scheids. The pastors have been : Revs. J. F. Krueger, M. Koolen and R. Kuehne. The church building was dedicated December i, 1907, and cost about seventeen thousand dollars. The church also owns a $5,000.00 parsonage.

The Evangelical Lutheran Christ Church in Lincoln was organized on December 15, 1910, by Rev. W. Baeder, with twenty-six charter members. Shortly before that time, however, a parochial school had been organized with Prof. W. Ott as instructor. Mr. Blau is the present teacher. The enrollment last year was sixty-seven. The first pastor of the church. Rev. F. Broclonann, served but a short time. He was succeeded by Reverend Niermann who resigned in October, 1914. In December of the same year Rev. J. G. Jeske took charge of the church. The first church was constructed in 191 1 and cost, inclusive of the lot. $3,850.00. In 1913 a parsonage was erected. There are now 100 communicant members of the church.

by Rev. E. Pfeiffer, who was the first j)a5tor, followed by Revs. J. Schrader and Erederick Rabe. The churcli and parsonage were purchased from a Presbyterian congregation for $4,500.00. There are about one hundred members active in this church now.

Evangelical Denomination

The Salem Evangelical Church of Lincoln was organized in the fall of 1894 by Rev. S. W. McKesson with the following charter members : S. W. AlcKesson and wife. B. Mowan and wife, A. W. Pettit, Rev. Jesse Lehman, Mrs. Ann Lehman, Lydia Lehman, Elizabeth Reinhard, Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt, Thomas W'itherspoon, ]Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Richie. The first pastor was Reverend Mc- Kesson and he has been followed by Revs. Jesse Lehman, J. P. Ash, E. H. Kring, J. A. Adams, J. W. Carter, G. B. Bancroft and A. E. Bashford. The first church was constructed on a leased lot at Twenty-ninth and Clinton streets in 1895. This was a small structure built of lumber covered with tar paper and was called hy many the "tar paper shanty". In 1896 it was raised two feet, plastered and shingled. In 1898 the church was moved to Twenty-ninth and Holdrege streets. where two lots had been purchased. The next year it was cut into two parts and these used as wings for the additional part built. In 1914 the old church was sold and moved away and a new structure put up. The Salem Church has a membership of no.

The German Evangelical St. John Church of Lincoln was organized April 7, 1907, by Rev. George Neumann with sixty-seven charter members. The first pastor was Rev. J. Heinrich and he was followed by the present incumbent. Rev. David Maul. The church building in use at present was completed May 12, 1907. There are about four hunflred and seven members in the society.

The Burnham Evangelical Church, located at Burnham, was organized in the year 190S. and now has a memljership of thirty. Rev. William P. Bancroft is the pastor of the church.

The Calvary Church of the Evangelical Association, 1601 South Tenth Street, was organized in 1889. The church now has a membership of something over fifty. Rev. T. A. Marks is the pastor.

The L'nited Evangelical Church at 837 North Thirty-third was organized July 25, 1915. There is a membersip of forty, and Rev. M. T. Maze is the pastor.

St. Paul's German Evangelical Church in Lincoln, Synod of North America, was organized in 1873. The membership at present is 370 and the pastor is Re\'. Adolph Alatzner.

Baptist Churches

The first pastor of the church was Rev. O. T. Conger. June, 1870- January, 1875. Following him have been these pastors: Rev. S. M. Cramblet, October,

\'ery shortly after the organization of the church subscriptions were taken for the construction of a meeting house. This was completed and dedicated January 22, 1871. The first parsonage was built in 1875. About 1885 a movement was begun to raise a larger subscription with which to build an adequate church for the needs of the growing membership. This "movement was successful and the present building was constructed and dedicated June 17, 1888. The old church property had been sold the year previous. The first building was on the corner of Eleventh and L streets, but for the accommodation of the new building three lots on the corner of Fourteenth and K streets were purchased. The present parsonage was erected in the same year. There are about six hundred members active now in the First Baptist Church.

The East Lincoln Baptist Church began as a mission Sunday School, under the care of the First Church. On January 31, 1890, the mission was organized into a church society and the first house of worship constructed at Twenty-sixth and Vine streets. This building is now used as a dwelling. The new church was constructed in 1907. At the beginning there were ninety members, but of these charter members only the following are now active in the church : Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Cushman, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Cushman, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Mickel, C. B. Auman. Mrs. Lena C. Buchtel and Mrs. Robert Beck.. On January i, 19 16, a portion of this congregation left the church and formed a new organization to be known as the Calvary Baptist Church.

The Rush Memorial Baptist Church was started as a mission Sunday School several years ago by Reverend Denton and other members of the East Lincoln Baptist Church. The church is not yet formally organized, but will be in a few months. The name is given in honor of Frank Rush, a former Lincoln man, lost in the Philippines during the Spanish-American war, and who left a sum of money to be used in church work. The church building was moved in from Emerald three years ago. Rev. R. N. Cloud, a former assistant pastor at the East Lincoln Church, supplied the field for about six months. Rev. E. M. Owings came the first of February, 191 5. There are about sixty patrons of this society. The Sunday School has a membership of 125.

Mount Zion Baptist Church, colored, at 1203 F Street, was organized in 1900 and has a membership of 124. Rev. Bluford Hillman is the pastor.

Brethren Church

The first church of the Brethren organized in Lancaster County had its beginning about 1883; the church was first organized in the City of Lincoln in 1S93. The first trustees of the society were: J. S. Gable, W. A. Kirschner and John Brumbaugh. The name of the first pastor of the church is not obtainable with certainty, but among the very first was G. Courer. followed by Owen Peters, J. L. Suavely, Jesse Y. Heckler, Samuel Forney, A. D. Sollenberger, George Lauver, S. C. Miller, L. D. Bosserman, S. E. Thompson and J. Edwin Jarboe.

The first house of worship was constructed in 1901 at the corner of Twentysecond and Q streets; this was demohshed and replaced with a brick structure in 1909. There are now sixty members of the church active.

United Brethren

The Calflvvell Memorial United Brethren Church was organized in 1885 at Wood Street between Ninth and Tenth by F. W. Scott. Among the charter members of the society were the following: Levi Wilcox and wife, John Shoemaker and parents, Roy Brown and wife, James Massey and wife, William Mc- Clain and wife, William Alahan and wife, and James Estes. The first pastor of the church was F. W. Scott. It is not known who his immediate successor was, but after him served Revs. J. M. Duffield, Louis Piper. H. E. Meyers, W. R. Hodges, F. W. Jones, W. M. Buswell, J. T. Merrill, W. O. Jones and H. H. Heberly. The first church building was constructed at Eleventh and B streets in 1886: the next building was erected at Twenty-eighth and_E streets in iSc^); in 1900 a location was secured at Eighteenth and M streets and a chapel erected the same year. The main auditorium was built in 1904. The present membership of this church is 275. The church was named in memory of W. P. Caldwell, a pioneer minister in the United Brethren Church and who worked over the southeastern part of Nebraska. The Caldwell family donated $500.00 toward the erection of the last building.

The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, with headquarters at Lamoni, Iowa, is represented by a small congregation in Lincoln. The church here was organized in 1910 and has a membership of seventy-five. It is located at 645 South Twenty-sixth Street. Rev. J. A. Dowker is the present pastor.

Hebrew Churches

The first settler of the Hebrew faith arrived in Lincoln about 1879 and others followed very soon afterwards, but no attempt was made to form a synagogue until 1885. Services were held in private houses prior to this. Louis Poska was president of the first congregation and Robert Arenson, secretary. The name Tifereth Israel which was given means "Glory of Israel." The temple occupied quarters in a hall until October 18, 1903, when the unfinished church of St. Luke's congregation at Thirteenth and T streets was purchased. In 1903 another congregation under the name of Talmud Torah was formed, and was independent for seven years, then, in 1910 joined the Tifereth Israel. After the consolidation, a lot was purchased and the cornerstone of the new Temple laid November 3, 1912. The finished building was dedicated May 25, 1913. It is located at 344 South Eighteenth Street. Just prior to the erection of the Temple the congregation had been meeting at 1235 T Street.

The Congregation B'nai Jeshurun was incorporated October 5, 1884, at Lincoln by Moses Oppenheimer, Aaron Katzenstein, Isaac Friend and Leopold Barr.

Formerly the rabbis of Omaha officiated, consisting of Leo AI. Frankhn, Abe Simon and Frederick Cohn. The first resident rabbi was Israel Mattuck, followed by Frederick Braun, G. Lowenstein and Jacob Singer. The first building was erected in 1S93 at a cost of between $7,000.00 and $8,000.00. An addition was provided in 1907. The membership now comprises about seventy-five heads of families.

Reformed Churches

Rev. E. E. Erb, Mrs. Erb, Miss Jennie Erb, j£)hn Erb, Sarah Karcher, John Endres, Phoebe Martin and J. Sonnedeker met at the Young Men's Christian Association on January 20, 18S9, and formed an organization, Faith Reformed Church. At the request of this body the board of home missions sent the Rev. T. P". Stauffer, who held the first services on January 12, i8go, at the Young Men's Christian Association Hall. Reverend Stauft'er served until April, 1898, and was succeeded by Rev. F. H. Fisher who remained until November, 1902, the Rev. P. M. Orr took charge and has continued until this time. The first building was erected at Twenty-third and \'ine streets in August, 1891. The present building was purchased from the St. Mark's Lutheran Church in April, 1898. With the purchase of this building came the change of name from Faith to St. Mark's Reformed Church. The present membership is 275.

The name Reformed i$, in general, misunderstood by the people of Lincoln. It is the original reformation church of Switzerland, Germany and Holland. Ulrich Zwingli, the founder, began preaching the doctrines of the Reformation just one year before Martin Luther nailed his famous thesis on the door of the Wittenberg Church. The Reformed Church is Presbyterial in form of government and is Calvinistic in theology, and is the mother of all the Presbyterian bodies of the present day.

The German Reformed Emanuel Church in Lincoln was organized October 23, 1891, at the house of John Urbach. There were thirteen families in the first congregation. The society was formed by Reverends Erb and Arnold. There have been three regular pastors, namely: August Kanne, Edward Stiibi and John Arnold. The old church building was bought from the Presbyterians and the new structure was put up in 1906. The present membership is 460.

Naz.Xrene Church

The First Pentacostal Church of the Nazarene in Lincoln, located at 1018 E Street, was organized July 21, 1913, at the Grand Army of the Republic Hall by Rev. A. S. Cochran, district superintendent. Rev. L. R. Hoi? was the first pastor and was succeeded by Rev. Quillis A. Deck. The church building was bought from the United Evangelical Church. The present membership of this church is sixty-six.

Seventh Day Adventists

The Lincoln Seventh Day Adventist Church was organized in 18S5, by Rev. A. J. Cudney. Reverend Cudney was lost at sea in 1888 while en route as

The seat of the Seventh Day Adventist faith in Lancaster County is at College View. The first record in the church book states that a meeting was called in Nicola's Hall in College \'iew on May 27, 1891, for the purpose of considering the question of organizing a Seventh Day Adventist Church there. The meeting was presided over by Elder W. B. White, president of the Nebraska Conference. G. W. Boughton was appointed secretary. A. R. Henry, J. P. Gardner, Noah Hodges and D. R. Quinn were appointed a committee to care for memberships and to manage preliminary business. Mrs. F. H. Sisley and Ella Diamond were added to the committee later. Among the first members of this church may be mentioned: Noah Hodges, A. B. Hodges, Charles Hodges, C. T. Lewis, Martha Lewis, Leetoy Lewis, P. M. Buchanan, E. J. Buchanan, G. Boughton, Ruth Boughton, B. O. Carr, Mary A. Carr, W. C. Sisley, F. H. Sisley, Isaac Wiley, Jeanett Wiley, J. W. Rogers, Lou A. Rogers. David Quinn, Mary Quinn, Mary Nicola, W. B. White, Nettie White, D. Nettleton, Mrs. Nettleton, M. W. Earl, Kate Earl, A. E. Marvin, P. A. Marvin, Linnie Chapman, Hannah Thayer, J. A. Wells, Sallie Wells, Lucy P. Wells, J. W. and Clara Boynton, Bertha Bartholomew, Z. Nicola, Thadeus Smith, Carrie Smith, Jennie Soucey, Charles Means, Fred Wiley, Nora Titus, W. F. Hamilton, Alice Sisley, Louella Wilson, G. Wells, C. C. Lewis, M. J. Pierce, E. J. Randall. Moses and Sarah Herrick, James W. Laughhead, J. B. Stillwell, William Klindt, Francis and Martha Soucey, Josie O'Neil, Peter Lenker, Henry W. Keck, A. M. Allee, Charles E. Woodljury, James S. Houseman. Upon an old leaf in the record book there is recorded the fact that the first meeting was held in a barn on the spot of the present Enos barn. The present large frame church building was dedicated September 23, 1894.

The German Seventh Day Adventist Church at College View w^s organized in 1907 and has a membership of seventy-two. The Swedish Seventh Day Adventist Church, also at College View, was organized in 1913 and has a membership of forty. Both of these societies worship in the main church building.

Union Church

The Union Church at College View was organized for the purpose of providing religious accommodations for the residents not members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The church was organized May 4, 191 1, by Frank Mills. A few months previous he had started a Sunday School mission of Methodist denomination and immediately several other churches wished to be represented in the ticld. The Methodist people then disbanded and a few months later Mills drew up a copy of a brief religious doctrine. The $7,000.00 brick church building for the use of this society was completed in April, 1912, and was dedicated May

Episcopal Churches

The first services of the Episcopal Church were held in Lincoln in May, 1868, by Rev. R. W. Oliver, D. D. On the 17th of November of the same year

Rev. George C. Betts of Omaha held the second service, and of those who were present only one was a member of the church. Subsequently Rt. Rev. R. H. Clarkson, D. D., bishop of the diocese, visited the city and preached. About this time Rev. William C. Bolmar was appointed missionary in charge. In January, 1869, a movement was started toward the organization of a parish. A meeting was held, at which were present: Michael Rudolph, A. F. Harvey, John Morris, J. J. Jones, H. S. Jennings, E. Godsall, A. C. Rudolph, John G. Morris, R. P. Cady, J. C. Hire. William C. Heddleson, S. L. Culver and J. S. Moots, who signed a petition which was sent to the bishop, asking for permission to organize a parish under the title of The Church of the Hol_y Trinity. The bishop gave his consent and on May loth of the same year the parish organization was effected. A vestry was elected, composed of: Michael Rudolph, A. F. Harvey, warders; J.J.Jones, A. C. Rudolph, H. J. Walsh, Dr. L. H. Robbins and J. M. Bradford. The parish was admitted into the union with the council of the diocese in September of the same year. The congregation held its meetings at various places in Lincoln until 1870. Upon the coming of Rev. Samuel Goodale in May of that year steps were taken for the erection of a house of worship. Accordingly a $4,000.00 building was put at the corner of J and Twelfth streets, on lots belonging to the parish. It was consecrated March 5, 1781. In 1884 the need was felt for a larger church house and Mr. Guy A. Brown issued a small parish paper to awaken interest in the same. Plans were made for the new church and on June 14, 1888, the cornerstone of the $40,000.00 church was laid with proper ceremonies. In the spring of 1888 the old church was moved to a lot on Twelfth Street, between U and V, and another congregation was organized under the ministry of Rev. R. L. Stevens and called the Church of the Holy Comforter. In 1889 the Holy Trinity Chapter of St. Andrew's Brotherhood came into possession of the house of worship which had been used by the Baptists and moved it to a lot on the corner of Eighth and Washington streets. Regular services were for a time held here. These two latter organizations are not active at the present time. The Trinity church has a membership of 650.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Lincoln was started as a parochial mission about fifteen years ago by Rev. Percy Silver. The first regular pastor for this society was Rev. Robert Turner and he was followed by Revs. F. T- Smith, Giebert, George Miller, Benjamin J. Fitz, Ottman, F. A. Saylor, S. H. Brook and Charles R. Tyner. The first services were held in a store building on North Tenth Street near R; then the congregation moved to Twelfth and T, then to Thirteenth and R streets. There are at present about ninety members.

After the abandonment of Nebraska College, in 1889, an effort was made to provide facilities for a boys' school of the Episcopal Church. A site was secured and a building erected thereon. At first the purpose was to place the authority of the school in the government of the diocese, but this was found to be impracticable. Accordingly the management of the school was placed in the hands of a board of trustees with the bishop as visitor. Under the name of the Worthington Military Academy the school was opened on September 15, 1892, with an attendance of thirty-eight. The school buildings were destroyed by fire on June i, 1898 and the school abandoned. The military academy stood on the heights of Grand View, three miles north of Lincoln. The building was owned by the Grand View

Building Association. The school was under the patronage of the Episcopal Church, but had no official connection with that church denomination.

The All Souls Church of Lincoln was organized ^Lay 27, 1898, and was affiliated with the American Unitarian Association. The membership was composed mostly of the former members of the Lincoln Universalist Church and the property of the latter society was taken over by the Unitarians in December of the year of organization. There were ninety-eight charter members of the All Souls Church, the following of whom are still active : H. W. Brown, F. M. Fling, L. Margaret Pryse, Inez C. Philbrick, W. J. Cooper, Annette E. Brackett, Malah B. Philbrick, I. H. Hatfield, Maude R. Hatfield, Emma J. Bond, Laurence Fossler, Julia Boehme, Sophie Mitchell, A. R. Mitchell, T. B. Harris, Mrs. T. B. Harris, Annie \V. Aitken, Mrs. M. W. Ensign, Eliza A. Cooper, N. E. Philbrick, Lillian Hall, Nannie Davey, R. B. Davey, W. H. Hunt, Libbie Hunt, O. E. Goodell, M. W. Ensign, F. A. Korsmeyer, Laura Korsmeyer, Grace Aitken, Gertrude Aitken, F. W. Hellwig, Jean A. Hellwig, Ada B. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Lewis, Stephen S. England, Flora Bullock, Lina F. Sawyer. W. E. Hardy, Gertrude L. Hardy, Samuel J. Tuttle, May Gund, Mrs. Henry Gund, Sarah Rands, Lulu M. Summers, Helen Erisman, Anna B. Grisinger, Lillian E. Ferris, Bertie Ferris, Mrs. P. M. \'aughan, Mrs. Lottie M. Faxon, Mrs. M. E. Cramphin and Mrs. M. M. Stull. The first officers of the Unitarian Church were: Fred Morrow Fling, president; I. H. Hatfield, secretary; H. W. Brown, treasurer; W. J. Cooper, Mrs. F. D. McClusky and S. L. Geisthardt, trustees. The present membership is about one hiuidred and sixty-five. The first pastor of the L'nitarian Church was Rev. T. L. Marsh, who served until 1908, then removing to Massachusetts, where he died in March. 1916. On September i, 1908, Rev. Arthur L. Weatherly of Worcester, Massachusetts took charge of the church and has served continually until this time. Reverend Weatherly was a member of the peace party conducted by Henry Ford of Detroit, in the 191 5 pilgrimage to Europe for the purpose of working for peace among the warring nations.

Catholic Churches

The first Catholic services in the City of Lincoln were held in 1867 at the home of John Daly, a blacksmith, on the present site of the Missouri Pacific Depot. Rev. Emmanuel Hartig held the services. Governor Butler donated to the church the three lots at the corner of Thirteenth and M streets and upon this land a frame church building was constructed, in which Father Hartig held services until August, 1868. He attended here once every month. He was then succeeded by Father Pirmine Koumley, O. S. B., who also came once every month until February, 1869, and was followed by Rev. Michael Hofmayr. O. S. B. In September, 1869, the latter became the first resident pastor of Lincoln. In 1871 Rev. William Kelly took charge of the Lincoln parish and in May, 1874, came Rev. John Curtis. In 1879 Rev. C. J. Quinn was rector in this city and during his pastorate the St. Theresa's Catholic Church was erected. He was succeeded in 1S80 by Rev. M. A. Kennedy. Following Reverend Kennedy the rectors of the

The part of the State of Nebraska lying south of the Platte River, in area about 23,844 square miles, was made into the Lincoln Diocese on August 2, 1887. This was made necessary by the growth of the Catholic Church in the South Platte territory. Rt. Rev. Thomas Bonacum, D. D. was the first bishop appointed to this diocese, taking possession of his see December 21, 1887. He remained bishop until his death on February 4, igii. He was succeeded by the Rt. Rev. John H. Tihen, who is now the bishop of the Lincoln Diocese.

In 188S Bishop Bonacum constructed an addifion to the pro-cathedral, organized a German Catholic congregation and erected the St. Francis De Sales Church at 530 South Eighteenth Street for them, and erected St. Theresa's High School. The Franciscan Sisters secured the lUickstafif residence and transformed it into a hospital. In 1893 the bishop's residence upon the outskirts of Lincoln was constructed and an orphanage built in close proximity. In 1893 ^^^ Franciscan fathers took charge of the St. Francis De Sales Church. They also opened a parochial school. In 1893 also a church was started for the use of the Catholics of Bohemian nationality and called St. John Nepomuc's Church. A building was erected at Seventh and F streets and was attended from Plattsmouth. It is now attended by Father P. S. McShane of St. Elizabeth's Hospital.

In March, 1904, the Church of Christ property at the corner of Fourteenth and K streets was purchased by the Catholics for $14,000.00. This edifice had originally been used by the Disciples Church. The cornerstone of the building was laid July 3, 1888, but was not finished and dedicated until August 25, 1899. The congregation later met with reverses and it reverted to the mortgage holders. After the Catholics purchased the building plans were drawn for the remodeling of the structure so as to fit the needs of a cathedral. The work was hardly under way when, on August 28, 1906, it was destroyed by fire. The rebuilding was immediately begun, however, and on December 8, 191 1, the church was dedicated. It is known as the St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, from Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, came to Lincoln in June, 1883, and established an academy for young ladies. They discontinued their work in Lincoln several years ago and left. At one time the Ursuline Sisters from Peoria, Illinois, also conducted a school here twenty years ago, but are not active now. In 1889 the Franciscan Sisters from Lafayette, Indiana, took charge of St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln and now have charge of the orphanage. In 1890 the Sisters of Charity from Dubuque, Iowa, took charge of St. Theresa's School and have remained. Recently the Catholics of Lincoln have purchased fifteen lots west of the new Lincoln high school building, one block on J Street, and intend to erect a school of magnificent proportions.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Havelock was started as a mission of the Franciscan Order of Lincoln. A handsome church building was constructed in 1908 and, including a frame parsonage, is valued at $30,000.00. Rev. D. B. O'Connor is the pastor of this church which includes about four hundred and fifty members. The mission was established in 1893.

Christian Churches

On January 24, 1869, D. R. Dungan, chaplain of the Legislature, held services in Lincoln in the interests of the Christian denomination. He found here about twenty-seven persons who had formerly been members of the Christian Church and on the 24th of January of that year they were legally organized. Michael Combs and Joseph Robinson were the first elders of the society and G. W. Aitken and J. H. Hawkins were the first deacons. Lots were donated by the state on condition that a house of worship be erected thereon. J. M. Yearnshaw settled in Lincoln in Alay and many of the early meetings were held in his home. On September 5, i860, the meetings were removed from his residence to the old capitol building and later to the sc'hool house where they continued to worship until July 3, 1870, when they dedicated a church building on the northeast corner of Tenth and K streets. This building cost them $2,300.00 and was the home of the society for nineteen years.

On September 13, 1870, the state missionary convention was held in Lincoln for the first time and there were present fifty delegates and twenty-five pastors. On October 23, 1870, J. M. Yearnshaw was elected the first regular pastor of the First Church in Lincoln. On April 23, 1871, the first Sunday School was organized with J. Z. Briscoe as superintendent. By the year 1887 the membership had increased to such an extent that a new building was thought advisable. The result was the purchase of three lots on the corner of Fourteenth and K streets and the construction of a church building which was dedicated upon the last Lord's Day in August. 1889. In May, 1897, the society was compelled to give up this building for financial reasons, and it was later bought by the Catholics and converted into the cathedral. For several years after this the Christian Church was without a building, but continued to meet downtown. In the spring of 1901 the church bought lots on the corner of Fourteenth and M streets for $4,000.00 and during the following autumn erected on the back of these lots a little chapel in which they worshiped until November, 1907. Then they moved into the Lyric Theater and still later to the Auditorium. They held services in this way until the dedication of their new church building on May 16, 1909. Ground had been broken for this building on June 11, 1908. and the cornerstone laid September 16, 1908. The cost of the church was $30,472.00. On :\Larch 23. 1916 a modern pipe organ, $4,000.00, was added to the equipment of the society. Following is a list of the pastors who have served the Church of Christ in Lincoln : Revs. J. M. Yearnshaw, D. R. Dungan, J. B. Johnson, I. M. ^^'illiams, B. F. Bush, Robert E. Schwartz, C. L. Crowthers, R. H. Ingram, C. B. Newnan, J. J. Morgan, H. J. Kirschstein, T. J. Thompson, X. S. Haynes and H. H. Harmon. Julia Marsh, the first person baptized (in Salt Creek) is still living in the city of Lincoln.

The East Lincoln Christian Church of Lincoln was founded in 1S90 with a membership of forty. It was in the month of April of that year that the forty members of the First Church asked for letters of dismissal that they might enter a field almost barren in religious activities. Prior to this a Sunday School had been established in the east section by the people of the Christian Church, but this was abandoned owing to the impossibility of finding suitable quarters. In i8go a lot was purchased, cornering on Twenty-seventh and Y streets, and a small chapel was erected. This chapel was dedicated in 1890 with R. W. Abberly as pastor. He remained in charge until 1895, when he was relieved by Rev. J. W. Hilton, the present pastor. In Alay. 1913, ground was broken for the new building and the cornerstone laid on June 29, 1913. The cost was $30,000.00. The membership of the East Lincoln Church is 325.

There were fifty-four charter members of the Tabernacle Christian Church of Lincoln, most of whom left the First Church in full sympathy with the members of the latter society. The First Churcli had entertained the idea of a congregation in that part of Lincoln since October 7, 1903, at which time a committee was appointed, it being the annual meeting, to look into the matter. In 1905 the location at Se\-enteenth and South streets was thought most desirable. But, owing to the fact that the next few years were years of building at Bethany, Haverlock and Lincoln, action on the con.struction of a church was deferred. In May, 191 2, the city missions committee of the joint board, after several conferences with South Lincoln residents, arranged for a meeting of members in South Lincoln at the home of E. J. Sias, when a committee was appointed. Reverend Sias volunteered a year's service as pastor of the church. A building was raised on June 26th and dedicated four days later. The membership is 260 and the pastor at present is Rev. C. W. McCord.

The First Christian Church of Havelock was organized in 1906 and the church building constructed shortly afterward. The society now has a membership of 275, and is in charge of Rev. W. E. Wessley.

Congregational Churches

The following paragraphs in regard to the early history of the First Congregational Church of Lincoln is re-quoted from the Morton History of Nebraska; it is condensed from a historical account given at the fortieth anniversary by Rev. Lewis Gregory.

"The early days of this church have special interest because its organization antedates both the city and the state. Its history carries us back to pioneer times. The first white settler of the county is said to have settled on the banks of Salt Creek on what is now Centerville, in June, 1856. At this time the country had not been surveyed. During the next five years a few families moved in here and there on inviting spots near Waverly and Yankee Hill. They led a precarious existence, disputing with the Indians the right of possession.

"In 1862 the homestead law was passed. Among the first settlers under it was John S. Gregory, Sr., the first deacon of this church. His first stop was at a roofless and floorless log cabin on the margin of the salt basin. The cabin had been erected by J. Sterling Morton as a preemption claim, but was desolate and deserted. Mr. Gregory built a dugout in which he lived. He furnished salt to the Rocky Mountain freighters at two or three cents a pound. The next year Lancaster County was organized. Mr. Gregory was made chairman of the board of county commissioners. He also succeeded in having a postoftlce established named Gregory Basin, of which he was appointed postmaster at a yearly salary of $3, with an extra S12 for bringing the mail from Saltillo, then in Clay County.

"In 1864 J. M. Young, with ten or a dozen others, staked out a town of eighty acres where Lincoln now stands. They called it Lancaster. The settlement was planned as a churcli colony of the Protestant Methodist Church. I'Vom the ])roceeds of a sale of lots a building was erected, known as Lancaster Seminary, and also as a place for Sunday meetings, until a stone church was afterwards erected on the corner of K and Twelfth streets. To this building Mr. Gregory personally contributed $8,000.00. In spite of the heroism and sacrifice of the members, this church did not flourish and it passed away with its first families twenty years ago.

"From the beginning Mr. Gregory and a few neighbors who were Congregationally inclined held services among themselves, ministered to occasionally by the pastor at Greenwood. Finally, on August 19, 1866, a little church of six members was organized, when, as the first page of the church record states, there were but seven buildings in the town, viz., the seminary, the store, the l)lacksniith shop and four dwellings. The church agreed to raise $100.00 a year for its minister, a pledge which the record at the close of the year proudly states was more than fulfilled. During this year, in March, 1867, Nebraska was proclaimed a state. In July the capital was located on paper and the bare prairie. In November of this same year Rev. Charles Little, having been chosen pastor of the Congregational Church, set about securing for it a building. There were then, he says, not over three hundred people in the city.

The first church building was erected in 1868 and finished and furnished in i86g - simple but substantial and capable of seating 125 people. It cost $2,778.86. This was the first permanent building dedicated to the worship of God in our city. F^oUowing the completion of the building in 1869 the church was only able to pledge $201 for the pastor's salary, of which only $132 had been raised at the close of the year. The remaining meager support was contributed by the Congregational Home Alissionary Society. Such a condition of things makes short pastorates. The minister, having exhausted his own resources and those of his friends, must leave. Mr. Little resigned in 1870, the church then having thirty-four members.

"Rev. L. B. Fifield, a man of scholarly tastes and well educated, took up the work and helped to bear its burdens for two years more, adding twenty-three to its membership, but owing to deaths and removals he left it in numbers the same as he found it.

"His successor. Rev. S. R. Dimmock, was a man of unusual oratorical gifts. The church building was enlarged and fifty were added to the membership during Mr. Dimmock's pastorate. Yet there was the constant going and coming characteristic of a western town ; so when, after two years and a half of service, the minister was compelled to resign on account of ill health, there were but fifty-four names on the roll, of whom only forty were resident, while on the other side was a debt of $2,000.00."

The author of the above paragraphs became pastor of the church in October, 1875, and was pastor for twenty-two years, the membership at the close of his services being 472. During his pastorate a new church building was constructed, being dedicated January 9, 1887.

The first members of the society were: F. A. Bidwell, John S. Gregory, ]\Irs. Welthy P. Gregory, Mary E. Gregory, Philester Jessup and Mrs. Ann M. Langdon. Rev. E. C. Taylor was the first pastor of the church, from its organization until October, 1867 and he was followed by Revs. Charles Little,

The present Plymouth Congregational Church had its inception in 1887. The idea of a branch church more conveniently located for the people of the south of Lincoln was originated by Rev. Lewis Gregory of the First Church. In the fall of the year 1887 thirty-six active members of the First Church withdrew and with eight others became the tirst congregation of the church at Seventeenth and A streets. A rough building, or tabernacle as it was called, was erected for $180.00, with eaves only five feet from the ground and a lean-to vestibule. There was no ceiling ; a round drum-stove supplied heat ; and behind the pulpit was the motto "Welcome." The original members were: Rev. E. S. Ralston, J- A. Lippincott, Mrs. J. A. Lippincott, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Mosher, Mrs. B. P. Cook, Miss Carol Churchill, T. C. Wright, Mrs. T. C. Wright, Mrs. J. L. Thompson, Miss Phoebe Mosher, James Rivett, Mrs. James Rivett, Mrs. Lucy Pierce, Mrs. W. T. Abbott, Mrs. T. E. Hardenbergh, Mrs. L. M. Fowler, Miss Alice Martin, Mrs. H. M. Chapin, Leonard Chapin, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Harris, ?ilr. and Mrs. Newton King, Mrs. Z. Townsend, Mrs. H. L. Abbott, Miss Gertrude Abbott, Edwin Sharp, Mrs. Edwin Sharp, James Marshall, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. W'allingford, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Hackney, Mrs. L. H. Davis, Air. and Mrs. A. W. Lane, W. A. Selleck, Mrs. Nellie Horton Selleck, John B. Horton, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Crooks and Miss Jessie Love.

The church was originally known as the Second Congregational Church, but at the first business meeting of 1888 the name was changed to Plymouth. The church has had only five pastors during the whole time of its existence. Rev. Edward S. Ralston was the first pastor, serving from May, 1888, until compelled to give up the work on account of ill health. Rev. Norman Plass succeeded him, then Rev. John Doane. In 1901 Rev. H. C. Hamlin occupied the pulpit and in 1903 Rev. C. H. Rogers came and is still here. At a meeting held in the old tabernacle on September 14, 1887, plans were made for the erection of the second church building and in the following year the new building was completed, but placed the society under a heavy indebtedness which took years to settle. This property was valued at $15,000.00. The new Plymouth house of worship was first talked of in January, 1914. At that time the congregation voted to begin the erection of a new building as soon as 80 per cent of the money necessary for its completion was raised. A canvass for subscriptions resulted in securing over twenty-seven thousand dollars and a building committee was instructed to proceed with the building at an approximate cost of thirty-four thousand dollars. The contract was let January 8, 191 5. the cornerstone laid May 9, 191 5, and the dedication December 12, 191 5. The church and furnishings complete cost $36,000.00. The present membership is 425.

The Vine Congregational Church at Twenty-fifth and S streets was organized June 8, 1890, by Rev. Harmon Bross, D. D. and Rev. Lewis Gregory, the latter pastor of the First Church. Rev. Henry S. Wannamaker was the first pastor, from 1890 to 1893, and was succeeded by Rev. A. F. Newell, 1893-99. Since September, 1899, Rev. M. A. Bullock has been the pastor of the Vine Church. The first church building was constructed in the year of organization and was remodeled under Newell's pastorate. The present new church was erected in

The First German Congregational Church was organized January 12, 1889, by Rev. Adam Traut, a student of the Chicago Theological Seminary. There were sixteen members at this time, six of whom live in the city now and one of whom is active in the church. The pastors who have filled the pulpit of the German Church are: Revs. John Lich, 1889-98; E. E. Osthoff, 1898-1900; G. L. Henkelmann, 1900-2; John Lich, 1902-6; B. R. Bauman, 1907-10; G. L. Henkelmann, 1910-. The church building was erected in 1888 at a cost of $2,000.00. The membership is 130.

The German Salem Congregational Church was organized in 1902 by Reverend Schwab and the first regular pastor was Rev. Andrew Suffa. Following him have been Revs. D. G. Schurr, F. Von Brauchitsch and R. E. Herholz. The first house of worship was built in 1902. The membership of the Salem congregation is now 250.

The German Congregational Eben-Ezer Church at 1018 E Street was organized in 1915 and has a membership of 100. The pastor is Rev. J. F. Grove.

The German Congregational Zion Church, an outgrowth of the First German Congregational Church, was organized in 1900 and now has a membership of 400. Rev. C. H. Graf is the pastor.

The Swedish Emanuel Congregational Church at 201 1 G Street was organized in 1895, has a membership of eighty-five, and is in the charge of Rev. Samuel Hogander. This was the first Swedish Congregational Church in the state.

The First Congregational Church of Havelock was organized in 1892 and a frame building constructed the same year. This house of worship was remodeled in 1914. Rev. H. AL Skeels has been the pastor for six years and is to be succeeded by Rev. David Tudor this year. The membership is loi and the property is valued at $6,000.00.

Universalist

The First Universalist Society of Lincoln, which has been succeeded by the All Souls Church, Unitarian, was organized at the residence of J. D. Monell on September i, 1870, with W. W. Holmes, S. J. Tuttle, J. N. Parker, Mrs. Sarah Parker, Airs. Julia Brown, Mrs. Laura B. Pound and Mrs. Alary Alonell as charter members. Property on the corner of Twelfth and H streets was granted to them by the Legislature. Pending the erection of a building services were held occasionally in the senate chamber in the old capitol. Rev. James Gerton was the first regular pastor of the church in 1871. The cornerstone of the chapel was laid in October, 1871, and on June 23, 1872, the structure was dedicated.

Rev. M. F. Piatt was an early missionary in Iowa and Nebraska, working under the direction of the American Home Alissionary Society. In a letter written by him in 1886 he had the following to say about the first religious services and organization of the first Sabbath school in Lancaster County: present site of Lincoln, but night overtook us and we camped on the banks of Stevens Creek, seven miles northeast of that place. This was Saturday night. We arose early Sunday morning and went up to our friend Langdon's. Desiring to hold Sabbath services, and having sent no appointment in advance, it was necessary to reach there soon enough to circulate the word. We took breakfast with Air. Langdon's family. Mr. Langdon sent his oldest son across Oak Creek to notify the neighbors. It did not take long, as there were but two other families on the salt basin. Mr. Cox was the tony one, for he lived in a log house; of the others, one lived in a dugout and the other abode in a tent. We went over to Mr. Cox's at lo o'clock A. M., held religious services. Doctor Hanly and myself both speaking, after which we organized a Sabbath school. This, so far as I know, was the first religious meeting held in what is now Lancaster County. At that and various other times I saw the wolves, deer and antelope, as well as the jack-rabbit, bounding over the prairie where Lincoln now is built."

Chapter Xxiii

Note: On June 14, 1872, the Lancaster County Bar was organized. Prior to this time there had been several attorneys practicing in the county, but no effort had been made to organize a bar association. The lawyers of the period of 1868 were: S. B. Galey, Seth Robinson, S. B. Pound, Ezra Tullis, Major Strunk and J. E. Philpot. The first man admitted to the bar in the county was John S. Gregory, under Judge Dundy in 1866. He and Milton Langdon had practiced here as far back as 1864. By 1876 the Lancaster County Bar had increased in membership, the following then belonging: John H. Ames, George K. Amory. Newton C. Abbott, L. W. Billingsley, Carlos C. Burr, Erastus E. Brown, Lionel C. Burr, Guy A. Brown, Amasa Cobb, Paren England. Smith B. Galey, D. G. Hull, N. S. Harwood, Robert Knight, Walter J. Lamb, G. M. Lambertson, M. Montgomery, Robert E. Moore, T. M. Marquett, James E. Philpot, RoUo O. Phillips, A. C. Ricketts, Adolphus G. Scott, M. H. Sessions, Samuel J. Tuttle, Charles O. Whedon, Joseph R. Webster, Jeff D. Weston, Joseph Hunter and A. J. Sawyer.

The first term of the Territorial Court was held in the home of Jacob Dawson in November, 1864. Dawson's house was a double log cabin, located on W'est O Street, between Seventh and Eighth, on the south side. This was Dawson's first house; after the location of the capital he built a stone and wood house farther up town. The officiating judge at this first term of court was Elmer S. Dundy. Mr. Dawson acted as clerk and Judge Pottenger, of Plattsmouth, was appointed prosecuting attorney for the territory. T. M. Marquett, then of Plattsmouth, was present as an attorney. Milton Langdon and John S. Gregory were the local attorneys. The principal case of the term was that of Bird vs. Pemberton. the latter being indicted on the charge of "malicious assault with intent to kill." T. M. Marquett, for a fee of $10, defended the man and managed to persuade Judge Dundy to quash the indictment. There was a term of court in Lancaster County in 1865 and probably one in 1866. The case of John S. Gregory and his Uncle Eaton of Plattsmouth was the most noted one of those days and at times grew very warm.

On my arrival in Lincoln on March 29, 1869, I found tlie legal profession both in number and quality well represented, composed in the greater part of young men, well educated, ambitious, capable, and drawn hither by the promise of professional opportunity, incident to the location of the capital of the state.

The city was then a hamlet of a few hundred inhabitants. In the journey hither the white-covered wagon was seen on every hill top and in every valley, slowly wending its way towards the West. It had come from Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and possibly from Ohio. It was usually drawn by a span of strong horses, with a chicken coop fastened on the rear, and the family cow hitched thereto. Within was usually the young husband and wife with their small children and all the household belongings. At night it found a camping place beside some small stream, fringed with trees. C)ne such scene typifies all : it was evening ; the sun had set and its departing rays crimsoned the clouds resting upon the western horizon. The camping place was beside a small stream. The horses and the family cow were tethered near the white-covered wagon. The fair-haired wife and mother, over a fire kindled by dry sun-flower stalks, was cooking the evening meal. The husband, wearing the faded blue overcoat of the common soldier of the republic, was gathering other sun-flower stalks for the next morning. Two little children, well bundled up, were sitting upon a blanket spread upon the ground, and near them the faithful dog, with hind legs drawn up under his body, with fore legs outstretched and head resting between them, in the very attitude of extreme weariness and exhaustion. Aside from these and a solitary onlooker, not a living being, human or animal. The gently sloping hills stretched away into the distance, unmarked by dugout or sod house or other human habitation. Solitude dominated the scene.

At that time Col. James E. Philpot, the sole survivor, save only the writer, in point of active practice, stood easily at the head, vigilant, active, ambitious, and even yet, in his eightieth year, still active in the profession at his new home in Minatare. He is resourceful, with unflagging energy and oblivious of fear. He accompanied the commission that located the capital in 1867, spent the following autumn and winter in Iowa, and returned the following spring, permanently locating as a lawyer.

He was preceded by Stephen B. Pound, who had located here even before the establishment of the state capital, a graduate of Union College, New York, a student, a quiet, refined gentleman and an excellent lawyer. He practiced a few years and was elected probate judge, was a member of the constitutional convention of 1S75, chosen judge of the District Court, re-elected twice, resigning shortly before the expiration of his third term to enter the practice, to the great loss of the administration of the law, and to himself as well. The judicial office was most suitable to his nature and learning. On an occasion after leaving the bench he told the writer that throughout his official career, no one - layman or lawyer - had ever even suggested to him anything savoring of judicial misconduct.

Another pioneer lawyer was Joseph H. Knox, a lawyer of much experience and ability. He had an infirmity - an addiction to strong drink. The writer, known as a very sober youth, was deputed to go with him to a Fourth of July celebration at Milford in i86g, to care for him, that when he should appear before the audience he would be presentable. That duty was performed successfully. In a grove on the bank of Blue River, to an audience that had come from the dugouts and sod houses, in common farm wagons, on horseback and on foot, he delivered an excellent speech, with force and ability, to the great satisfaction of his audience. His duties performed the writer, on call, added his mite to the vocal entertainment, anti thereafter introduced to sundry maidens, lost conception of the Hight of time - regained consciousness later, with it the fact that the orator was nowhere to be seen. Search was instituted with success. lie was found, his legs so feeble that he could not stand, his tongue so swollen that he could not talk, his brilliant mind nearly a blank. The words of Shakespeare, as uttered by Cassio, came with emphasis : "O that men should i)ut an enemy into their mouths to steal away their brains.'' With much coaxing, lifting, copious libations of strong coffee, he was at a late hour gotten into a carriage, and sometime during the small hours of the morning, safely as could be done under the circumstances, delivered to his room in the Village of Lincoln. He lived and practiced his jjrofession for a few years, suddenly dying from an affliction of the heart.

Another of the pioneers was Seth Robinson, the first attorney-general of the state, a classical scholar, the ablest lawyer this bar has seen. He was not an orator, but a deep thinker, a severe logician, with powers of analysis of the highest order, with great industry and energy. With his long auburn hair, blonde complexion, eyes very large and very blue, his pantaloon legs tucked into boots, he presented an unique and attractive appearance as he slouched through Lincoln's muddy streets. Afflicted here with a disease known as quinzy, from which he had on several occasions barely escaped with his life, he removed to the more equable climate of San Francisco. In that metropolis he reached a high standing with a lucrative practice. But from the disease with which afflicted here, in a few years he died, not more than thirty-tive. A most brilliant career was thus cut short. In the winter evenings of 1869 and 1870 he and the writer were wont to meet in a shabby room somewhere on the south side of O Street, between Tenth and Eleventh, and by the dim light of a kerosene lamp, renew our student life by reading some of the Greek classics, in which the former was very proficient.

Another of the pioneer lawyers was Walter J. Lamb. He possessed great energv, modesty, and charming personality, and with it all a pronounced optimism. At the time of the writer's arrival he was a justice of the peace. His office was located in a small one-story building on Tenth Street, opposite the south end of the First National Bank Building. The writer, having occasion shortly after his arrival to visit him, he was found in conversation with Doctor Fuller, rubbing his hands together as was his wont, and with a countenance beaming with satisfaction and contentment he was saying to the doctor, "I am doing exceedingly well. I am now making in my office here on an average of $25 a month." He afterwards became the head of the firm of Lamb, Billingsley & Lambertson, a firm that stood decisively high and reaped an abundant harvest from the professional field. At that time McCandless & Boyd were a firm of lawyers, but the latter moved away in a few years and the former died as early as 1875.

Henry Jennings, who had been for some years a lawyer in one of the southeastern counties, removed to the new capital and resided here for a few years, practicing his profession. He then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and subsequently to some town in Maryland, where he died.

Another lawyer at that time was Paren England, then engaged in the real estate business, subsequently in the mercantile, and later as a member of the law firm of Brown & England. He moved to Colorado later, and died in Kansas City.

The writer also remembers a lawyer by the name of Atkinson - not extremely prominent. He moved away at an early date. So far as recalled these mentioned include all the lawyers at the time of the writer's arrival in Lincoln, with the possible exception of John S. Gregory, who certainly had been before and was subsequently a lawyer.

Between 1869 and the adoption of the present constitution in November, 1875, the bar was increased by a number of new men, already prominent and who became prominent. In the summer of 1869 John H. Ames arrived from Western New York. In later years he reached a high place in the profession, possessing a legal mind of rare caliber, a wide reader and with conversational powers hardly excelled. His contributions to the press, on account of their worth, always received attention. At an early date he filled the office of justice of the peace.

Some time in the summer of 1870 Amasa Cobb joined the local bar. In the same summer the bar was increased in membership by Charles O. Whedon, who became and remained for forty years one of its strongest members. In the same summer came also A. C. Ricketts and C. M. Parker, who are still with us. In February. 1871, Nathan S. Harwood joined the bar. In this same year came also T. M. Marquett, for many years a settler at Plattsmouth. He appeared, in his early manhood, with flashing eye, hair and beard black as a raven's wing, active physically, alert mentally, resourceful, always ready to aid others, devoid of envy, brave and patriotic, one of the first to offer himself as a soldier in defense of his country, rejected because of a physical disability. Let an instance of his resourcefulness be cited. A man charged with murder of another in a room down near the Burlington station. A witness saw the accused immediately after the murder run from the building wherein this room was located. The identity of the accused with the man thus seen running was, of course, very material. Alarquett found a man, bearing a close resemblance to the accused - in size, facial appearance, weight, and at the trial had him seated near himself. The witness swore to the identity of the accused with the man seen running from the place of the murder. On cross examination Marquett caused the man by his side to stand, and put this question, "Does the accused resemble the man whom you saw running from the room in question more closely than this man standing by my side?" The witness hesitated and finally answered that he could not be certain, without proof of identity. Of course, there could be no conviction, under the correct instruction of the court. The prisoner was acquitted. Counsel had done his duty - no more, no less. L. C. Burr, who is still with us, joined the bar about the same time as Marquett.

Chapter Xxiv The Medical Profession

In this enlightened age of medical science one regards the early doctor as one who had little knowledge of the profession, one who applied the home remedies of calomel, castor oil and blue pill for every ill and who wielded the lancet with indiscrimination. However one may regard the early physician, there must be taken into consideration the times in which he worked, in other words, the knowledge of medicine and surgery which then existed in the world. Secondly, there were the physical conditions which he endured; thirdly, the diseases among the settlers were distinctive ; and, lastly, the remedies and antidotes at the command of the doctor were scarce and, many times, not proper for the illness for which they were administered.

In the matter of medical knowledge in those early days, little or nothing was known compared with the present status of the science. In fact, medical knowledge has made more rapid strides in the last two decades than in the century before. In the early days of N'ebraska and Lancaster County the doctors had strong faith in the use of the lancet, believing that by letting a copious amount of blood from the patient, the object of which was to destroy the tenement of the disease, a cure could be effected. Then there was the Spanish fly blister which was applied for all sorts of ills ; there were blue pills and calomel which were the chief internal remedies. During the patient's convalescent period, if such a period were ever reached, gamboge, castor oil and senna were administered in generous portions in order to work out of the system the effects of the initial course of treatment.

It would be difficult to describe in limited space just how far the step has been taken from those early theories to those of the present day. A glance at the daily newspapers and magazines will prove by numerous instances the wonderful cures being accomplished, both in medicine and in surgery. Operations upon the heart, upon the brain, and upon the other delicate and vital organs of the body are becoming of daily occurrence, whereas a quarter century ago these practices would have been ridiculed. Nor does the modern doctor need the splendidly equipped operating room for this work. Weekly the news filters through the censors of some remarkable operation performed in the war zone of Europe ; of how some daring work upon the part of an army surgeon has saved a soldier's life ; perhaps, with the bare ground as the operating table and with a few simple instruments - and no anaesthetic.

The day of serums and antitoxins has arrived and the disease in many cases is throttled iij its inception. The present day doctor recognizes the transcendency of nature, the greatest doctor of all, and he prefers to assist this great power rather than work independent of it.

The physical conditions the early doctor endured present another argument in his favor, if indeed, he needs to be justified. There were no roads, bridges, and, in many places, not even a marked path of travel. His trips were made on horseback or on foot, through intense blizzards, soaking rains, bitter cold, and in the face of the winds which swept across the prairie. Sleep was a luxury he obtained at odd times. In reward for his services he received a very meagre fee and in the majority of cases nothing, for the settlers as a class were poor. Then again he would receive his fee in grain or vegetables or whatever commodity the pioneer could most conveniently give him.

The diseases common to the first settlers were distinctive. The rough life and simple fare did not permit entrance to the numerous pains and ills attendant upon civilization and urban communities. Fevers and ague, with an occasional stomach ache, constituted the prominent ailments. Accidents required the use of wooden splints and bandages and, of course, the early physician required a certain knowledge of obstetrics, though the pioneer mother often endured the birth of her child without medical assistance. When sickness broke out in the family the doctor was called if within distance, but if not, the stock of home remedies was put to use. If it were nothing more than a cold, hot lard or pork fat and the internal use of quinine or onion juice completed the treatment. The use of a few herbs was also common. Sweet powders were stock antidotes.

Perhaps the first doctor to settle in Lancaster County was Dr. J. McKesson, a member of the Lancaster colony composed of Young, Dawson, Merrill, Giles, Harris, Lavender, Warnes, Humerick, Hudson, and a few others. He came in 1863.

In addition to Doctor McKesson there came in 1868 and i86g Drs. H. D. Gilbert, George W. French and J. W. Strickland. The latter, an Ohioan. continued his practice until 1874, when he entered the flour and feed business at Raymond.

The organization of the Lancaster County Medical Society was perfected at Lincoln on the 24th day of May, 1869, the following named residents of the profession being present: D. W. Tingley, F. G. Fuller, J. M. Evans, H. D. Gilbert, L. H. Robbins, George W. French. Within the next year and a half the following became members: J. W. Strickland, John W. Northrup, George A. Goodrich, C. C. Radmore. The first death in the society was that of George A. Goodrich on July 16, 1870. At the time of the organization the official constitution and bylaws were adopted.

Doctor Robbins, among the above, became prominent in the county and state. He came to Lincoln April 21, 1869, from Illinois. Radmore served through the Civil war as an army surgeon and came to Lincoln in 1870. He was also a veteran of the Mexican war. James O. Carter was an early surgeon of Lincoln, coming in 1871, and for a number of years serving as penitentiary physician. He also served through the war as military surgeon. Dr. F. G. Fuller served in the hospital department of the Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry during the war and came to Lincoln in 1868. He became quite prominent in medical circles and by the year 1882 was the oldest resident physician of Lincoln. He was a native of Illinois. William S. Latta, a former army surgeon, came to Lincoln in 1873 ^"d was for several years president of the State Medical Association. He was a Pennsylvanian. A. R. Mitchell is another doctor who has gained prominence in medicine and surgery ; he locted in Lincoln in 1879. Doctor Mitchell was born in Henry County, 111. Dr. B. L. Paine came one year sooner and took up the practice; Doctor Paine is a member of the firm of Miller & Paine, department store.

The above mentioned physicians practically comprise the early doctors of Lincoln and Lancaster County. True, there were possibly others who lived here, but certainly none for a great length of time nor any who gained much prominence while here. When the growth of Lincoln was assured the field was considered an inviting one and many young doctors just out of college settled here, also quite a number of doctors who had practiced in other places. The medical profession has grown in Lancaster County and has maintained an equal record of merit with any other community in the country. Here in Lincoln are to be found specialists in every department of the science; here are to be found advantages of treatment, and excellently equipped hospitals, public and private, as good as may be obtained any place.

Chapter Xxv The Incarceration Of The Lincoln City Council

The first election under the new city charter creating cities of the first class, having a population of less than sixty thousand and more than twenty-five thousand inhabitants, and which was approved March 25, 1887, occurred on the first Tuesday of April of that year.

The time had arrived when Lincoln was rapidly becoming one of the principal cities of the West, but she was without paved streets, sanitary or surface sewerage, and without an adequate supply of water. She was about to enter upon an era of public improvements commensurate with her growth and population. The good name which the city had formerly possessed for law and order had materially suffered within the last year or two, and license and misrule were in the ascendant to such an extent that the leading citizens organized a Law and Order League for the purpose of aiding the authorities in restoring good government and a decent respect for the ordinances already enacted. Law and order and municipal reform became the watchwords of the good citizens of Lincoln, while the others were in favor of the then established order of things.

There were three candidates for the mayoralty : Edward P. Roggen, exsecretary of state, by the regular republican convention ; Andrew J. Cropsey, by the prohibitionists; and Andrew J. Sawyer, by the citizens' reform movement, which was largely made up of reptiblicans.

The city council after the election consisted of Lorenzo W. Billingsley, Lewis C. Pace, Granville Ensign, William J. Cooper, Joseph Z. Briscoe, James Dailey, John Fraas, Robert B. Graham, Henry H. Dean, Fred A. Hovey, John M. Burks and Nelson C. Brock.

The newly elected officers were in due time inducted into office, took the prescribed oath, pledged themselves to duly and faithfully administer the affairs of the city, see that the laws thereof were carefully executed, and settled down to the performance of their duties as best they knew. Having adjusted themselves to the conditions imposed by the new charter, they selected an entirely new police force, under civil ser\ice rules and regulations, and instructed them to see that all the existing ordinances were strictly and rigidly enforced. They then turned their attention to the work of public improvements, the paving of the streets, construction of sewers, waterworks, and the like, and the general routine of municipal affairs; and so spring passed into summer and summer into fall with little occurring to disturb the serenity of the council or jar the machinery of the new government ; ^ut the sear and yellow leaf brought sore trials and tribulations to the reform administration.

So far as we can judge, the new administration would have had comparatively easy sailing had it not been for the police judge. He had been elected the spring before for a term of two years, and consequently was a hold-over official with yet a year to serve.

There had been rumors afloat for some time that "even handed justice" was not always dispensed from his bench ; that the eyes of the presiding goddess were not infrequently unveiled, and that the scales of justice were scarcely, if ever, accurately adjusted, and that the ermine had even been known to cover the wool-sack at ])laces remote from where the seat of the city court had been permanently established.

Whenever the fountains of justice are corrupted, whether in inferior, limited, general, or su]K'rior jurisdictions, the people within those jurisdictions experience a most unfortunate condition of things, and one of the most intolerable and crying evils of our times is the inefficient and often absolutely corrupt and dissolute personages selected to administer justice in the lower courts and particularly in the police courts of our larger cities.

The citizens cannot be too circumspect in the selection of these officials, for no permanent and effectual municipal reforms can be had imtil these primary courts are thoroughly purged from the corrupt ward strikers and political heelers who, having secured these places for party services by "ways that are dark and tricks that are \ain," in the name of justice perpetrate injustice, fraud, and oppression.

What had been rumor at length took definite form. Three citizens and taxpayers, who had cognizance of the delinquencies of the judge, filed with the city clerk a petition or comjilaint in which they set forth that the police judge of the City of Lincoln had collected large sums of money, in his capacity of police judge, as fines from certain people who were conducting certain out-lawed occupations, and that he had failed to make any report of the same on his dockets or to account to the city therefor. That he had also collected fines for the violation of the statutes of Nebraska to the amount of $329, as shown by his dockets, which amount he had neglected and refused to turn over to the county treasurer as required by law, and assuring the council that they had ample evidence to substantiate the charges, requested that a thorough investigation be made. Under the city ordinance it became the duty of the city council, when charges were preferred against any of the elective officers of the city, to institute an inquiry, and, if the person accused should be found guilty, to declare his office vacant. Accordingly, a committee consisting of Councilmen Billingsley, Briscoe and Pace was appointed to investigate the complaint. A time and place were fixed for the taking of testimony, and due notice was served upon the defendant. The defendant filed his answer, in which he first made a general denial and then admitted that he had failed to turn over to the county treasurer certain funds he had collected, but claimed that his failure was due to his ignorance or misunderstanding of the law. At the time appointed for the taking of testimony defendant appeared with his counsel, Messrs. L. C. Burr, O. P. Mason and C. E. Magoon ; the complainants with their counsel, D. G. Courtnay, J. B. Strode and J. E. Philpot. The taking of testimony occupied some five or six weeks. When the committee came to make their report to the council they stated that in their opinion they had no authority, as a committee, to make findings of fact, or in any sense to try said police judge upon the charges. That as the ordinance stood he should be tried by the council sitting as a body and not by a committee. The council in the meantime had discovered the defect in the ordinance and amended the same so as to authorize a committee to act in lieu of the whole number. The same committee was then reappointed to proceed under the amended ordinance to take testimony and make their report. As much time had already been consumed, it was stipulated that the testimony already taken might be used with the right of either party to offer such additional evidence as he might desire. When the testimony was all in, the second committee, after a most stormy siege and constant bombardment of lawyers on either side, made their report. Among other things, the report showed that in the spring of 1886 the police judge had made arrangements with Gus Saunders, the proprietor of some gambling rooms, that he should pay a monthly fine of $10 and costs for himself, and $5 for each of his employees engaged in gambling. That the police judge collected monthly such fines, in some instances going to the gambling rooms to make collections. That in consideration of the payment of the fines Saunders and his employees had immunity from arrests and trials. The committee also found that no complaints had been filed or warrants issued or arrests made or trials had in such cases. That the same mode of procedure was had concerning the fines for prostitution. That he had collected a large amount of money for fines under the statutes of Nebraska and appropriated the same to his own use, when he should have turned it over to the treasurer of the county. The committee accordingly recommended that the city council declare the office of police judge of the City of Lincoln vacant, and the mayor be requested to fill the office with some suitable person by appointment.

The committee made their report to the council on the 12th of September. Complainants and respondent were present with their attorneys. Both the respondent and his attorneys importuned the council in speeches both eloquent and lengthy not to rely upon the report of the committee but to listen as a body to the reading of the testimony and the further argument of the case. They declared that the committee was without authority to hear the evidence and that both the committee and city council were without jurisdiction to try the respondent on the charges preferred, because, as they said, the ordinance of August 15, 1887, was an ex post facto law; yet if the whole council would listen to the evidence and argument of the attorneys they would be satisfied with the decision reached. The council concluded to accede to the wish of the accused and, at his request, the case was adjourned to a day certain, when the council, as a body, was to sit in judgment in the case. This arrangement seemed to be perfectly satisfactory to the accused. The real purpose, however, in securing the adjournment was not that the council might be aflforded an opportunity to further hear the case, but rather that they might be relieved from having anything further to do with the proceedings ; for, in the meantime, Attorney L. A. Burr, for resixmdent, went to St. Louis and exhibited to the Hon. David J. Brewer, then circuit judge of this circuit, a bill in equity in which he claimed that his client was being tried by the city council of Lincoln, in violation of the Constitution of the United States, and was being deprived of his liberty without due process of 'law, and prayed that a w-rit of injunction might issue to restrain the mayor and city council from further proceedings in the case. Upon hearing the bill, the circuit judge, on the 24th of September, 1887, made an order that the defendants show cause on Monday, the 24th day of October next, at the courthouse in Omaha, why a preliminary injunction should not issue as prayed for, and in the meantime restrained the council from any further proceedings.

The feelings that possessed them when they were served by a deputy marshal with notice that they had been enjoined from proceeding further in the investigation may be better imagined than described. The evidence had disclosed beyond all possible doubt that the police judge w-as guilty of the charges preferred against him. That he had entered into a compact with gamblers and other lawdess members of society to receive at stated times certain fines agreed upon for the conducting of certain occupations which had no right to exist, without the formality of law or proceedings in court. This wanton disregard of duty, this shameless violation of law. this private barter and sale of justice to the gamblers, pimps, and prostitutes of Lincoln were enough to arouse the righteous indignation of every citizen possessing the slightest regard for law, order or decency.

At the time set for the further hearing of the case the council convened. They were certainly in an unhappy frame of mind. They were confronted by a condition and not a theory. The condition was the unseemly spectacle of a police magistrate on the bench in the capital of the state who had shamelessly trailed the ermine of the judge in the filth and mire of the brothels and gambling dens of the city which had honored him with his election.

The theory was the chimerical conception of the police judge and his attorneys that local self-government, which had become an established fact, and endeared to the hearts of the American people ever since the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, and which in fact constituted the very cornerstone of the republic, was, after all, a myth, a delusion, and a snare; that a city, county or state was powerless to purge itself, in the manner pointed out by law, of the corrupt and reckless officials that might fasten themselves upon the bodies politic.

The condition and the theory stood like grim specters in the presence of the city fathers, unwelcome, as they were forbidding, to the presence of all assembled.

To adopt the theory and await the final decision of the Federal Court as to whether they might be permitted to do a little housecleaning on their own account in their own bailiwick, would necessitate the continuance of the condition. And very likely defendant would complete his term of office long before a final decision could be reached, and the end sought to be accomplished by the investigation completely defeated.

On the other hand, not to accept the theory was to go counter to the mandate of the court and incur the risk of fine and possibly imprisonment for contempt of court.

While the mayor and council had the greatest respect for the learning and ability of the eminent jurist (since one of the justices of the Supreme Court) they could not but feel that the injunction had been allowed under false representations, and that, when the true state of affairs was made known to him, he would not be disposed to look with such contemptuous disfavor upon their acts as upon those who procured the writ to issue. Besides, after a careful investigation, they became satisfied that a Federal CoClrt of equity was without any jurisdiction to restrain the action of the council in performance of an act enjoined upon them by the law of the state. Therefore, after a careful, candid, and earnest consideration of the subject, it was unanimously decided to proceed with the investigation, notwithstanding the restraining order of the court.

The council, on the 2yth of September, 1887, confirmed the findings of the committee, declared the office of police judge vacant, and instructed the clerk to notify him of their action.

Upon the receipt of the notice the judge declared his intention to continue to hold possession and dispense justice (?) until removed by force.

"You are hereby notified that H. J. W'hitmore has duly qualified and given his bond, and has been duly commissioned police judge to fill the vacancy occasioned by the action of the city council last evening, and you will please see that he is duly installed in his office.

The order was promptly carried out. The police judge was bodily removed, and thenceforth it was Judge H. J. Whitmore, police judge of the City of Lincoln. It is needless to say that justice was enthroned, the office honored, and the ermine kept unspotted as long as Judge Whitmore presided.

We had crossed the Rubicon, and were waiting for developments. The ex-police judge, no longer permitted to mete out justice, and deprived of the emoluments of office, was in anything but an amiable frame of mind, and his attorneys, thwarted in their plans, were most belligerent.

Dire vengeance was threatened upon every one who had participated in the investigation or who had aided and abetted therein. The consequence was that the developments were not tardy in maturing.

On the 8th day of October following, the ex- judge filed his affidavit in the Circuit Court of the United States, setting forth all that was said and done at the September 29th meeting of the council, from which I make the following excerpts :

"Notwithstanding all this the said mayor and all of said council, except N. C. Brock, proceeded knowingly, wittingly, wilfully, boastingly, and con-

"Affiant further alleges that on the 30th day of September, 1S87, a certain notice was served upon him of the action of said council in declaring his office vacant. A copy of w'hich notice is hereto attached, marked exhibit A.

"Said notice was served upon said affiant by P. H. Cooper, city marshal of said city, and affiant told said city marshal that he would not recognize the action of the said city council, and would not surrender said office until lawfully removed or forcibly ejected. The said city marshal then produced the order from said A. J. Sawyer, mayor, directing him to see that the said H. J. Whitmore is duly installed in said office.

"In pursuance of said order said marshal seized this affiant by the shoulders and forcibly ejected him from said office, and wrongfully and unlawfully installed said Whitmore therein.

"WMierefore it is ordered that you and each of you show cause on Tuesday, November 15, 1S87, at the hour of 10 o'clock in the forenoon at the United States Court room in the City of Omaha, Neb., or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard, why you shall not be attached for contempt, if said suggestions are true.

To the rule to show cause, respondents made return setting forth all the facts in connection with the investigation, the want of jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case, first, because the amount in controversy did not exceed the sum of two thousand dollars, exclusive of interest and cost ; second, because a court of equity had no jurisdiction of the subject matter of the action, and gave the reasons which impelled them to violate the injunctional order, and asked that they might be heard by counsel, and that upon a full hearing they might be discharged from further proceedings.

On the 17th of November, 1887, as appears from Journal M of the United States Circuit Court, the cause came on to be heard upon the order to show cause, and upon the return thereto of the defendants, upon consideration whereof it is ordered by the court that an attachment be and hereby is granted for the arrest of the defendants Andrew J. Sawyer, mayor of the City of Lincoln, Neb., and Joseph Z. Briscoe, John M. Burks, William J. Cooper, L. C. Pace, H. H. Dean, Lorenzo W. Billingsley, Robert B. Graham, Fred A. Hovey, Granville Ensign, John Fraas, and J. H. Dailey, councilmen of said City of Lincoln, returnable at 10 o'clock, A. M., on Tuesday, November 22, 1887.

Warrants were forthwith issued for the arrest of the offenders and placed in the hands of Deputy Marshal Hastings, who lost no time in making the arrests. The ex-judge was now having his innings, and he and his attorneys were in ecstacies over the rapid progress they were making towards the time when condign punishment would be visited upon the culprits who had despoiled him of office and robbed him of the emoluments thereof. They could see no reason why the kind hearted deputy marshal should allow the prisoners sufficient liberty to return to their homes and bid farewell to their wives and families or close up important matters then pending before the council; but the deputy marshal, who was a resident of Lincoln, and who had had long personal acquaintance with his prisoners, felt no fear but what they would be forthcoming, and allowed them their liberty on promise that they would report in court on the day named.

The journal in the city clerk's office on November 21, 1887, records the regular meeting of the council in the evening of that date, the transaction of a large amount of business, and resolution that "when the council adjourned it was to meet at the B. and M. depot next morning at 8 o'clock sharp."

It was about the hour of sunset on Monday, the day before the time appointed for the hearing, when 'Tap" Hastings, the deputy marshal, hurled himself into the presence of the contemptuous councilmen, with those ominous writs which he parceled out to each defendant by name.

After a careful inspection of the documents, Councilman Billingsley, who, with great fortitude, had moved that the office of police judge be declared vacant, was observed to raise his optics from the parchment and gaze with a faraway look'to where the sun was descending behind the western hill tops, but Councilman Dean, whose optimistic nature would not permit him to contemplate any ill omens, and whose unclouded nature was ever as serene as a summer's sky, essayed to dispel the gloom that was settling down upon the disturbed defendants by imitating the action of Richmond when he summoned his trusty generals about him on the eve of the meeting with Richard on the field of Bosworth.

He paused; for the moment solemn stillness reigned. For the time bleak melancholy seemed to mark each pensive prisoner for her own. Meanwhile Dean's eyes swept the heavens as with telescopic vision. Again he broke the silence, "See yonder constellations in the darkening skies, Ursa Minor, Ursa Major, Orion and the far away Pleiades. I tell ye for a truth they are, at this very moment, each and all in complete juxtaposition. From boyhood up I have read the starry heavens as an open book. I have learned to cast the horoscope with the same unerring certainty that the whaler casts the harpoon, and I declare to ye, the heavenly signs are all propitious."

Just at this moment, when he was beginning to wax eloquent over objects too remote for the contemplation or comprehension of ordinary mortals, he was interrupted by Councilman Fraas, who, thinking it unbecoming for one culprit to occupy so much precious time, gave vent to his Teutonic feelings in the laconic words which have since become historic : "Es macht mir miide."

The morrow came; but not the good one predicted by Dean. The sky was o'ercast with clouds. The earth was covered with a mantle of white. The snow was still falling, and the wind was chill and piercing.

At 8 o'clock the city fathers answered roll call at the depot and were soon speeding as fast as steam would carry them into the presence of the court whose majesty they had ofifended. Many of Lincoln's prominent citizens were on board, anxious to learn the fate of their city council. It was here the writer first met the inimitable Walt Mason, dispatched by the Journal to chronicle all that might befall the reform administration.

No one in the state could wield a more ready, graceful, or graphic pen than he, and the daily pen pictures of the trials, tribulations, temptations and vicissitudes of the city fathers furnished by Walt to the press will keep his memory ever green in the recollection of all who had the pleasure of reading them. Nor did he, when the bolts of the prison doors grated harshly upon the ears of the condemned, for once desert them, but boldly entered in, snuiifed the same tainted atmosphere, drank from the same canteen, sat at the same festal board, slept in the same bunks, and gave the world a true and faithful history of prison life as experienced in the Omaha bastile.

But we digress. An hour and a half's ride and the voice of the conductor cried out, "Omaha !" Alighting from the coach and accompanied by the deputy marshal they were soon on their way to the courthouse, the observed of all observers.

Reaching the door of the courtroom, they found the spacious hall of justice packed with legal luminaries and eager spectators. A bailiff in commanding tones said, "Make way for the prisoners !" The way was cleared, and they were ushered across the room and furnished seats in the jury box, at the right of the Honorable Judges Brewer and Dundy, who had already taken their seats and were awaiting the arrival.

When all were seated, such a deathlike stillness pervaded the room that the thumping of the hearts in the breasts of the prisoners could be heard, "like muffled drums beating funeral marches to the grave."