Lincoln City (part 17 of 19)

At length the silence was broken by Judge Brewer, who inquired if the attorneys were ready to proceed in the matter of the contempt of the Lincoln City Council. Mr. G. M. Lambertson, their attorney, arose and informed the court that they were ready to proceed, and asked that Councilman Billingsley be per- mitted to show cause why the defendants should not be punished for contempt. Mr. Billingsley had prepared an ehiborate review of the investigation from beginning to end, which, to the minds of the councilmen, presented excellent reasons why they should not be punished for their action. He assured the court that not one ill word or harsh term had escaped the lips of any of the councilmen at the time they took the action that had called forth the writ of attachment, but, on the contrary, they had expressed the deepest regret that a judge of so high character, unquestioned integrity, and great legal attainments should feel it his duty to bar their action in an investigation which to them seemed necessary to secure better municipal government; that the mayor and the city council had endca\ored to act with decorum and propriety becoming their official position; that they relied upon justice at the hands of the court by presenting the justness of their cause. He called the attention of the court to the accession of the city council to the request of the ex-police judge and his attorney, that the case might be heard by the council as a body, and the postponement of the hearing for their accommodation; how he had taken advantage of the postponement to thwart their action; how his attorney had, by misrepresentations in the bill, imposed upon the court; and that without such misrepresentations he felt sure that the court would not have allowed the injunction ; that, while there was a bare possibility that the court might look upon their action in declaring vacant the office of police judge with disfavor, on the other hand a sense of shame, disgrace, and humiliation would follow from a failure to carry out what they considered to be their sworn duty in the premises, a disregard of which would bring upon them the criticism, gibes, and contempt of all good citizens, and would continue in office as police judge for two or three months, or probably until the end of his term of office, one whom they deemed utterly unfit for the position and one who had brought disgrace and shame not only upon the office he held, but upon the City of Lincoln ; that the council had endeavored to inform themselves upon the legal aspect of the case and were thoroughly satisfied that the court was without jurisdiction to entertain the case, and that the ex-police judge, if he had any cause of action, had adequate remedy at law. That the bill of complaint did not show a sum amounting to $2,000 in controversy, exclusive of interest and costs; that these reasons were offered to show the court that the violation of the order was not done insolently or recklessly or without respect to the honor and dignity of the court, and prayed that their honors might consider these reasons in mitigation of the offending.

At the close of Mr. Billingsley's statement Mr. Lambertson asked permission to introduce some oral testimony, which was granted. The mayor was then sworn and examined by Mr. Lambertson as to the character and standing of several members of the city council. Allegations contained in the bill upon which the injunction was secured reflected seriously upon the character and standing of the councilmen, and would naturally lead the judge who granted the order to think that the Lincoln City Council was made up of gamblers, or those in sympathy with the gambling fraternity, and the purpose of the examination was to disabuse the mind of the court of any preconceived erroneous impressions he might have formed. The testimony developed that all of the councilmen were gentlemen engaged in lawful occupations. That they were men of excellent business standing, honest, honorable, and of liigh character, and that they had no sym])athy or afhUation with the lawless elements of the city.

The ex-judge was then called to the stand by his attorney, Mr. Burr, and detailed minutely the circumstances and transactions of the council at the meeting immediately preceding that at which the final vote was taken and the one at which the question of adopting the report of the committee without reading the testimony was discussed and voted upon.

These were the only two witnesses examined. The examination took up the forenoon. Court convened in the afternoon and listened to the argument of counsel. Judge Brewer then stated that he would decide the matter in question at lo o'clock A. M. the next day, and the council filed out, as one of the newspapers stated, "with considerable time left in which to contemplate the uncertainties of this life and vicissitudes of aldermanic existence."

Promptly at lo o'clock the next morning the judges were on the bench and the prisoners in the box. It is needless to remark that they also were on the tiptoe of expectation. During the adjournment they had canvassed the probabilities of a favorable or unfavorable decision of the court and had heard the subject very generally discussed. Most of the members of the bar and public sentiment generally believed that the decision would be favorable, and the buoyant expression of hope beamed from the countenance of the members as they sat awaiting judgment. Councilman Ensign was so sure of a favorable outcome that he was heard to whisper to the members of the council that they needn't worry ; that he would pay all fines that might be assessed against them.

Judge Brewer then began to deliver his opinion, the courtroom being again thronged with spectators. The judge reviewed the case at length and proceeded in an elaborate opinion to show that the court had jurisdiction of the subject matter, and that, while the bill was defective in not stating any amount in controversy, yet that was a matter which could be amended. A court of equity had the right to enjoin the proceedings of a state tribunal in a case of the nature presented by the bill. After sweeping away the various objections urged by attorneys for the council as to jurisdiction, he then came to the reasons urged in mitigation of the offense and said that another matter should be taken into consideration ; that is, what circumstances of expiation, wrong, or trickery, fancied or real, provoked the action which was done.

"It is," said he, "human nature t^o resent an act, a wrong accomplished by a trick, and we must always recognize that as a part of our common human nature. If parties, mistaken or otherwise, fancy they have been tricked into a position where their proceedings are likely to be baffled, it is not to be wondered at that they felt keenly, and the court cannot blind its eyes to such a matter as that."

Then he reviewed what the defendants had said in regard to the postponement of the hearing of the investigation and the acceding to the wish of the ex-judge and the alleged deception practiced upon him by the council.

"These things," said he, "all come in mitigation. These things all have induced me to feel that I would not be justified in imposing (here every countenance brightened up in anticipation that he was about to say 'fine') imprisonment." A bolt from a clear sky could not have produced a greater surprise than when the judge said "imprisonment." They were counting on complete exoneration. "On the other hand," said he, "they are gentlemen of character and position. They represent the second city in the state, as I am advised, in wealth, in population, and in business. (Here a gleam of hope seemed to animate the tired council.) They are the council of the capital city of the state. If the court should say that men occupying so high a position can disregard the process of the courts (here all hope departed) what may we expect from men having no such backing of position, respectability and influence? Can we ask the poor, friendless man to obey the process of the court if men occupying positions, such as these men do, do not? Am I not compelled by the very fact of the respectability of the gentlemen, of the position that they hold, to impose such a fine as shall be a lesson, not merely a punishment to them, but a lesson to all? (At this point the stalwart councilmen showed signs of great depression.) I have tried to look at this case in all of its phases, and, while I am very glad that I was able to- come to a conclusion that no imprisonment was proper, and it will be unnecessary and therefore an improper exercise of power to send any one of them to jail, I have, on the other hand, felt that I could not pass it by lightly, and that I ought to impress a heavy fine. I believe that in so doing I shall benefit these defendants and every good citizen of this state if the size of the fine be such that every citizen, high or low, shall understand that this is a Government of the law. and that the processes of the courts are to be obeyed, and that every wrong may be righted in the orderly administration of affairs, and that no such proceedings of taking the law into one's own hands as was initiated in Chicago can be tolerated anywhere. Three of these gentlemen voted against taking up these matters: Mr. Briscoe, Mr. Burks and Mr. Cooper. The fine imposed upon them will be $50 each. The mayor had no vote, but was enjoined from appointing an officer; he had nothing to do with the removing of the petitioner. After that removal was accomplished, although the mandate forbade him to make an appointment, I can well see how one might say 'here is a vacancy of office, not by my action ; I cannot leave the City of Lincoln without a police judge,' and so acted. The same fine will be imposed upon him. LTpon the other eight the fine will be $600 upon each one. The order will be that they pay this fine and the costs of the proceedings and stand committed to the custody of the marshal until it is paid."

The generous councilman who had promised to take care of the fines was immediately seen by his fellows, but his pocketbook was as emaciated as himself, for it contained only $10.13. It was suggested by some that even that amount might be served to liquidate the fines, had not the witness on their behalf attributed such intelligence and characters as to remove them from the category of ordinary councilmen. As it was, the fat was in the fire, and the only thing left was to be committed until the fine was paid, or their release secured from a higher tribunal.

A hasty consultation was had. In anticipation of the worst that might befall them, a complete record had been made up, as ilCr as it had gone, preparatory for making an application to the Supreme Court for a writ of habeas corpus. The record was completed and Mr. Lambertson took the first train for Washington, D. C, and Marshal Bierbower took the prisoners to the jail at Omaha,

Neb. On the way to jail Councilman Dean grew weary. As they were passing a drug store he told the marshal that he was subject to fits and faintings, and, as he felt his malady coming on, it was necessary for him to get some fit medicine. At the command of the marshal the procession halted. Dean left the ranks, satchel in hand, and entered the pharmacy. In a few moments he returned, apparently rejuvenated, but it was observed that his satchel possessed a much greater specific gravity than when he left. \\'hen asked if he expected to have fits enough to consume all that medicine he replied he did not, but thought his companions might before they got through.

They straightway awarded him a vote of thanks, and gave him the ajjpcllation of Doctor Dean, a name by which he was ever afterwards recognized.

Doctor Dean now fotmd no difficulty in keeping step, and they all marched with military precision, led by the marshal, up the rugged way to the castle on the hill.

The presence of so many fine looking gentlemen carrying knapsacks, marching in perfect order and martial array in that directtion, excited no little curiosity. They were stared at by crowds of men and women, and great numbers of small boys followed the procession, while the dogs did bark as they passed by.

Each glanced at the writing and then at the other. The sentiment was not reassuring, but it was too late to recant, even had they enterained such a thought. The ponderous iron bolts were heard to turn ; the heavy doors swung open, the darksome dungeon yawned to receive them, and they entered in, the door closed, and Lincoln's reform administration was literally barred from the world without. "It was a time for memory and for tears."

Marshal Bierbower delivered the mittimus and prisoners to Sherifl: Coburn, who in return gave him a receipt for each and graciously received the new addition to his already large and variegated family.

After the marshal had taken his departure, Sherift' Coburn said, "I understand you are from Lincoln." All nodded assent. A moment's pause and Dean added, "via Federal Court." The sheriff then conducted his new arrivals to a desk, upon which lay the register of the Hotel De Bastile. Shortly it was illuminated with the autographs of a dozen men, who but yesterday governed a great city, but "now none so poor to do them reverence."

After remarking upon the exceptional page of signatures, he turned to the aldermen and said, "Gentlemen, make yourselves at home. You see I am somewhat crowded. Winter is our busy time. However, you must be content and I will do the best I can for you." He then departed, leaving his guests in a large corridor.

"Take a chair," said Councilman Dailey, as he sat himself down upon the cold stone floor of the apartment. Some obeyed, others stood up, leaning against the walls for support. In this attitude they took in the situation. A combination and mixture of unearthly odors and stenches so rank as to smell to heaven assaulted their olfactories. "Why," said Councilman Pace, "all the perfumes of

Arabia could not sweeten these apartments.'" Nor was the prospect to the eye more pleasing. Some thirty or forty wretched prisoners, ragged and dirty, some with bloodshot and leering eyes, were loose in the corridor, some standing, some walking, and others lying on the floor sleeping off their last night's 'debauch. A still larger number of the more dangerous and desperate class huddled into the several tiers of iron cells that partly surrounded the open court.

The faithful chronicler of whom we have spoken, writing at the time says, "Their hearts were somewhat troubled when they gazed about the corridors into which they had been ushered and where they were obliged to wait nearly an hour before the apartments intended for them were made ready. It afforded a view of several tiers of cells, packed with the vilest looking crowd of hoodlums ever assembled behind iron bars. And the corridor was also occupied by about thirty or forty of the same brand. A shining light in this apartment was the one-armed light of society, named Pasco (I think), who was recently arrested at Lincoln for swindling in land.''

Thirty minutes in this revolting scene and breathing the fetid atmosphere caused a number of the city fathers to experience a feeling of nausea. This was observed by the quick eye of Doctor Dean. He rushed to his satchel, opened it, and took therefrom two huge quart bottles of "fit medicine." Holding them in either hand, he first took a dose himself and then passed the medicine bottles to his companions, assuring them that he had used the medicine for thirty years, and that it never failed to produce good results. The doctor's medicine came like a ray of sunshine into the midst of his companions. When the medicine bottle came to Burks he hesitated. He looked at the bottle, then at the surroundings, and then, addressing his fellow-councilmen, said: "Boys, there is no use in talking; all the fit medicine in Christendom would not suffice to relieve me. I have been indisposed for more than a month. I see the portals of the grave opening to receive me if I am not speedily admitted to the sunlight arid fresh atmosphere. Here (taking from his pocket a certificate from his physician, which he had taken the precaution to procure before leaving home) is what my physician says. \Miile I would willingly stay by you, yet I am admonished by this certificate and my failing pulse that self-preservation is the first law of nature. I have just $50 in my purse. If they will take it I shall willingly give it for my liberty." Doctor Dean made a diagnosis of the sufferer and decided that his medicine was not powerful enough to effect a cure, and that Burks should pay his fine and be discharged. This was accordingly done and Councilman Burks boarded the first train for Lincoln.

An hour passed on. A number had seated themselves upon the cold floor, and were beginning to adjust themselves to their hard conditions, when Sheriff Coburn appeared in their presence. He commanded them to arise and follow him. Again we quote from the same faithful chronicler:

"About 5 o'clock the prisoners were shown to their apartments, which comprise two large rooms and a small room in the southeast corner of the second floor. They are scarcely dungeons in a literal sense of the word. The absence of chairs, racks and thumbscrews is apparent to the most casual observer. A highly polished coal stove keeps out the cold air of November in the highest style of the art, while the floors are handsomely carpeted, and lounges and easy chairs are scattered around in a way that would have made John Bunyan write ten more chapters of his Pilgrim's Progress had he been confined here. Fragrant flowers are in the windows, while the walls are adorned with valuable pictures, among which is a chromo, presumably by Raphael, representing Judas Iscariot iianging himself. The distinguished prisoners contend, however, that the moral value of the picture is impaired, as the only member of the body who could derive a valuable lesson from it is absent. Lace curtains adorn the windows, and handsome chandeliers furnish all the illumination desired. In short, the apartments now occupied by the city fathers in Lincoln are as comfortable as the homes of many aristocrats. It is not at all likely that groans, shrieks, or appeals for mercy will be heard by those without, unless it be as a result of some of Dean's jok^, which are constantly on draught and gurgle around like flowing streams in deserts weary. Their confinement will lack many of the elements of martyrdom. The lack of that esteemed boon known to orators as liberty will be the chief aflliction. A lynx-eyed Ethiopian, who has been so well trained that he already refers to Fred Hovey as 'colonel' and Jim Dailey as 'judge' has been detailed to wait upon them and obey their slightest mandates. A special cook has also been delegated to the task of preparing savory viands for them, which they will eati in a comfortable and spacious dining hall on the first floor, where no other prisoners will be allowed. Parties who have served a term in the Siberian mines freely admit that the punishment inflicted upon the heroes of whom this essay treats is much preferable and not nearly so galling to the spirit.

"The councilmen themselves, while not being superlatively happy, are removed from absolute misery by several degrees. The air of calm resignation that lies upon the face of J. Z. Briscoe is refreshing to the intellectual observer, while his companions are also overflowing with a spirit of 'peace on earth and good will toward men.' At 7 o'clock the gentlemen are thus occupied (the details may be trivial, but they will be interesting to their anguished relatives) :

"L. W. Billingsley, W. J. Cooper, Gran Ensign and H. H. Dean are sitting by the blazing hearth lost in the fascinating excitement attending a game known to science as poker. They seem to control their grief quite manfully, and no sobs have yet been heard.

"J. Z. Briscoe is walking the floor like a caged lion, or like a man who has a large concentrated toothache concealed about his person. He disclaims all remorse or anxiety, however, and will endeavor to hold her nozzel agin the bank till the last galoot's ashore.

"Fred Hovey acts like one who is convinced that whatever is, is right. His appetite is unimpaired, and his friends in Lincoln have thus far no necessity to pine or wither away through anxiety about him.

"The balance of them are scattered around on lounges and cushioned chairs, looking as if their agony had not reached an insupportable point, and most of them will doubtless survive the ordeal. The apartments they occupy were formerly used as the sheriflf's residence, and command an excellent view, of the city. They are clean and pleasant and are furnished with everything necessary for a pious and circumspect life, from a large Polyglot Bible to a copy of Lambertson's petition to a higher court, with the previous translations diligently compared and revised.

"The martyrs will sleep on new cots specially prosided for them, with comfortable clothing. These will be brought in during the evening when the curfew tolls the knell of parting day, and removed during the daytime, to make more room for the doomed men when they want e.xercise. Since they anticipated hard bunks, it is a matter of great encouragement to them that they can 'wrap the drapery of their couch about them and lie down to pleasant dreams' as if they were at home.

"In such a manner has the first day of their imprisonment passed. The ruddy glow of health is still on each cheek, and melancholy has so far marked none of them for her own. Had they been required to enter the dismal cells occupied by the lower criminals, they would have done so without flinching. That they are as comfortable as they are should be a matter of congratulation to Lincoln, for whose sweet sake they are looking out at streets they may not tread.

"Religious literature, sponge cakes, chewing tobacco and other physical and spiritual refreshments should be sent to Mr. Billingsley, who has been appointed as chairman of the committee on supplies. Communications for the mayor or members of the council should be addressed 'in care of Sheriff Coburn" ".

The apartments were those occupied by Deputy Sheriff Major Houck, who kindly turned them over to the councilmen, to whose kind attention and many acts of courtesy they will ever feel themselves deeply indebted.

The good citizens of Omaha contributed much to soften the asperities of prison life. Chief among these was Hon. H. T. Clarke. To facilitate communication with the outside world the Western Union Telgraph Company, through its gentlemanly superintendent, J. J. Dickey, supplied the councilmen and their wives with telegraphic franks, as did also the express companies.

Their apartments became daily veritable reception rooms. Many of the notables of the state paid their respects by their calls and hearty expressions of sympathy and good cheer, among whom was Governor Thayer, who showed a deep interest and assurred the council that if the decision was adverse he would go himself to the President and make an appeal in their behalf ; Hon. J. Sterling Morton, who brought with him for their consolation and edification a copy of the Connecticut Blue Laws; Hon. George L. Miller, Hon. Edward Rosewater, Hon. James E. Boyd, who furnished them with carte blanche to his Opera House; Mayor Broatch and the councilmen of Omaha, who tendered them a banquet, and the ministers of the city who extended a cordial invitation to the pews of their churches.

Flowers, fruits, cigars, and many other good things came pouring in by express till it became necessary to organize a commissary department with James Dailey at the head.

The council availed themselves of the entree to Boyd's Opera House and witnessed among other plays, "Alone in London," "A Great Wrong," and "All is Well that Ends Well."

On the fourth day of their incarceration he dispatched the council that he would have "a hearing before the Supreme Court the first thing tomorrow, Friday morning, and that the decision would probably he handed down on Monday."

Notwithstanding they were being daily besieged with kind friends, good cheer, and stalwart resolutions, they were becoming exceedingly anxious to learn what the Supreme Court would say of them. ''Eagerly they watched the morrow" for some tiding from the court. They were not disappointed. A telegram from Attorney Lambertson stated that the court had "granted a rule to show cause returnable December 12," and that a "writ of habeas corpus would issue later if necessary."

The fact that the court had granted a rule to show cause lent encouragement 10 the hope that the court was favorably disposed, otherwise the rule would have been denied.

The council on receipt of this dispatch wired Mr. Lambertson to make some arrangements whereby they might be admitted to bail, until the final decision, and at the same time be relieved from the expense of going to Washington. The next day, Saturday, the following dispatch was received :

"See telegram to the marshal. Judge Miller doubts the power of Judge Dundy to take bail. He thinks Bierbower ought to allow you to go on parole of honor. If not, writ will issue Monday. Don't give bail, for then the marshal could return that you were not in his custody. G. M. Lambertson."

Pursuant to the above, Marshal Bierbower was seen, but he did not feel that he could take any action in the matter, as he derived his authority from Judge Brewer, whose mandate he must obey until he received orders from a higher power.

"Washington, D. C, December 3d. "Senator Paddock and Congressman McShane went with Mr. Lambertson to see Attorney-General Garland about admitting the mayor and city council to bail, or letting them out on parole of honor. The attorney-general expressed great surprise that they should be imprisoned, and said that he would direct the marshal at Omaha to place the prisoners nominally in the custody of the deputy marshal at their homes in Lincoln until the case is finally decided by the court." Acting upon the order wired him by the attorney-general. Marshal Bierbower placed the council in charge of Deputy United States Marshal Allen, who allowed them to return home on parole of honor to report to him should the decision of the Supreme Court be adverse. This brought great joy to the council, and they began to feel that genuine progress was now being made in their behalf.

Governor Thayer. The register in which were recorded the names of the many guests who had paid their respects during the days of the council's confinement had been packed away with many other trophies to be carried to Lincohi. The register was exhumed, and the governor's name closed the list of distinguished visitors.

"After a pleasant chat his Excellency said that he had just come from Lincoln, where a petition to President Cleveland for an unconditional pardon for the mayor and councilmen had been signed by himself, the supreme and district judges, state and county otificials, members of the bar, and business men generally, which petition he would take pleasure in presenting to the President in the event the Supreme Court denied the writ on final hearing. He further said that he desired every member present to distinctly understand that he cordially endorsed the action of the council in the police judge case from the beginning of the investigation to the present time, and that he was particularly gratified that the councilmen were willing to go to prison in order to test the question of Federal judicial interference with municipal government. He believed they were right and that they would be sustained by the Supreme Court. A question of such vital importance should be speedily settled. Judicial tyranny, said he, was the worst form of tyranny, and he hoped it would never obtain in this country. Mayor Sawyer, on behalf of the councilmen, thanked the governor for his visit and the kindly expressions he had just uttered.

"Firm in the belief that the Federal Court had no jurisdiction to restrain them from proceeding in an orderly way to investigate charges of corruption against a city official, they listened to the evidence and declared the office vacant, and it was for this that they are in jail. 'Every great principle of government,' said he,, 'has triumphed, if at all, at the cost of individual sacrifices, and if the good old democratic principle of home rule for which we stand shall, by this imprisonment, become triumphant then shall our incarceration not have been in vain.'

"Councilman Billingsley thanked the governor for his stand in this matter, and for the many expressions of approval given by the state officers, judges of the Supreme and District Court, and many other citizens of the state. 'We believe,' said he, 'we are right, and, standing for a great principle of home rule, the endorsement of our action by all good citizens of the state gives us great cheer and is a source of great satisfaction. We shall confidently await the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States to say that we are right.'

"No sooner had word that they were coming reached Lincoln than steps were taken to give them a fitting reception. The time was short, but the success of the event and large number who turned out demonstrated most clearly the position taken by the people of this city in this contest against the federal usurpation of local authority. The city officers, the police and fir* departments were out in force, together with a crowd of citizens, the whole headed by the Knight.s of Pythias band, and about half past 9 o'clock they proceeded in a body to the B. & M. depot.

"When the train rolled in cheer after cheer rang out upon the night air. As many as could immediately mounted the car, and the meeting of old friends after years of separation could not have been more enthusiastic. The mayor and council were in charge of Deputy United States Marshal Allen, who, in pursuance of the order previously mentioned, immediately turned them over tO' the care of his deputy, Major Hastings. When the couneihiien were finally permitted to make their way out of the car they were hardly allowed to touch the ground before they were grasped by as many enthusiastic citizens as could get hold of them. As Mayor Sawyer appeared he was grasped by several strong arms, lifted above the heads of the crowd, and carried to the head of the procession. When the vigor of the first meeting had slightly subsided the company moved toward the council chamber led by the band playing Boulanger's March. ' Arriving at this place the police and fire departments formed in lines on each side of the entrance way, and as each councilman passed their ranks he was greeted with hearty cheers."

Many of Lincoln's prominent citizens delivered enthusiastic addresses of welcome and encouraged the council in the belief that the day of their liberty was near at hand.

General Webster, being then called upon, made a few remarks welcoming the council to their accustomed places. The occasion, he said, was one of the best of evidences that the American people are capable of self-government. It is one of the fundamental principles of the Government under which we live that every municipality shall have the sole and uninterrupted administration of its own internal affairs, while to the General Government shall be relegated authority in affairs in which the whole country is involved, and between our own and other nations. The Federal Court, he believed, had no more power to interfere in the local affairs of this city than had a justice of the peace in the State of Iowa. The fine, whether large or small, was a matter of comparative insignificance; but the principle of self-government could not be overlooked. The speaker referred briefly to the manner in which the whole proceeding of the last few weeks in respect to the council of the city had been conducted. No force had been used and everything had been done in the most quiet and deliberate manner. It was not necessary, as has before been done in the history of the world, to tear down the Bastile, for in this land we depend upon constitutional rights. It might have been possible to secure the desired writ from the Supreme Court of this state, but for fear of a clash between state and Federal authority it was thought best to appeal to the highest judicial body in the land. He had, he said, no doubt whatever that the council would be discharged, and when they were the loyal citizens of this city would be out to celebrate the event with their biggest gun. At present the councilmen are still nominally prisoners. If the Supreme Court should determine that Judge Brewer had acted within his jurisdiction, it must be seen to that the representatives of this state in Congress promulgate an amendment to the laws. Such a condition of affairs must not be allowed to exist in a free country. In closing he extended to the members of the council each and every one the heartiest welcome, and assured them that if their fines were not remitted it would be seen to that not a cent thereof should come out of their pockets, and that in this matter of vindicating their rights they have the sympathy of every good citizen.

Responses were made by the mayor and different members of the council, and they repaired to their homes happy in the thought that they were for the time released from imprisonment.

The case had created great interest not only in Nebraska, but throughout the United States. It had been widely commented upon by the press throughout the country, and, with the exception of the Omaha Republican, all the newspapers, so far as we know, were a unit in defense of the position taken by the council. On the I2th of December, 1887, the case was most ably argued before the Supreme Court by attorneys G. M. Lambertson and L. C. Burr, who had filed elaborate briefs therein.

It was expected that on the second Monday thereafter the court would hand down its opinion, and it was thought advisable that the defendants should have a representative present, that, in the event the opinion should affirm the decision of the lower court, an appeal might at once be had to the President.

The mayor was accordingly chosen for this purpose, and, armed with a petition for the pardon of the mayor and council, headed by His Excellency Governor Thayer, and signed by the state supreme judges, many district judges and state officers, and other prominent citizens, he proceeded to Washington, and was present on the coming in of the court on the day the decision was looked for. Case after case was handed down, but not the one in which he was particularly concerned.

As opinions are not given out by that tribunal, except on Mondays, and as there was no certainty that the case would be reached in a week from that time, he felt that he must return home with nothing accomplished. Before returning, however, it was his good fortune to meet Senators Manderson and Paddock, of Nebraska, who manifested great interest in the cause and suggested that they go with him to the President, that he might become acquainted with all the facts and circumstances.

The invitation was gladly accepted. He was introduced to President Cleveland by Senator Manderson. as the mayor of Lincoln, who was supposed to be in jail. At the same time both senators spoke a good work both for the mayor and his cause.

The President accorded them a hearty welcome, then turning to the mayor he said, "My attention has already been called to the case through the press, and I would be pleased to learn more of its nature and the particulars." The mayor then gave a brief history of the case in which the President seemed much interested, and inquired of the mayor when he expected a decision. He told him that it was expected that a decision would be handed down today, but that he had just come from the court room and none had been reached. He then ventured to tell the President his purpose in being in the city, that in case of an emergency he might make an appeal for executive clemency.

The Executive smiled and inquired as to the political complexion of the council. The mayor replied, nominally they are all republicans but two; practically they are all democratic, particularly upon the main question - the right of local self government.

"Well, for a fact," said he, "they do seem to be standing for a sound democratic principle - the doctrine of home rule. It is a principle that ought to be triumphant, and I have no doubt that it will."

four successive Mondays to learn their fate. At length, on the loth of January, 1888, the wires from Washington flashed the news that the council had won. The lower court had acted without jurisdiction, and all its acts were void.

Those desiring further knowledge of the subject are referred to the case entitled In re Sawyer et al., 124 U. S. R., 402, which has become one of the causes celebres.

The Story Of The Crusade

At a public temperance meeting held at the Methodist Church, formerly the Methodist Protestant Church, in Lincoln, Nebraska, February 14, 1874, a meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a Ladies' Temperance Society (which resulted in the crusade) to be held at the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the corner of M and Fourteenth streets. Rev. G. S. Alexander, pastor. At the hour of 2 P. M. a large audience assembled, comprised of the best citizens of Lincoln. Miss Garrison, a temperance lecturer, who chanced to visit the city at this time, was chosen chairman of the meeting. The meeting was opened with singing and prayer was offered by Reverend Davis, presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was moved and carried that "we enter into a permanent organization, to promote the moral influence in our city and to further the cause of temperance so far as may be in our power." The following officers were elected : Mrs. C. B. Parker, president, Methodist ; Mrs. Captain Scott, vice president, Presbyterian ; Mate E. Hardy, recording secretary, Methodist ; Mrs. J. A. Fairbanks, corresponding secretary, L^niversalist ; Mrs. David Butler, treasurer. Christian. The following pledge was then unanimously adopted: "We mutually pledge ourselves to secrecy as to our plans of work and will stand by each other to the end." The meeting then adjourned to meet again on the following day at 9 A. M.

The first visit made by these loyal women was a notable occasion, notable because the treatment accorded them reflected the spirit in which their future campaign would be received by the liquor and vice elements of the city. The party, composed of Mrs. Elder Young, Mrs. G. S. Alexander, Mrs. David Butler, Mrs. Guthridge, Mrs. Doctor Burr, Mrs. G. W. C. T. Fairbanks, Mrs. M. Cedarholm, Mrs. J. W. Hartley, Mrs. J. Torry, Miss Elsie King, Mrs. Elder Davis, Mrs. Captain Scott, Mrs. Bent, Mrs. Colonel Crabb, Mrs. A. C. Ricketts, Mrs. E. M. Roberts, Mrs. D. Buckner, Mrs. H. W. Hardy, Miss M. A. Garrison, Miss Etta Lewis and Mrs. C. B Parker, first visited the saloon owned by the firm of Bailey & Andrews, located on the north side of the public square. The saloon keepers had previously been informed that the women intended to hold a meeting in their place of business and had advertised the fact in the local papers, inviting all the lawless citizens of Lincoln, namely, the drunkards, barroom loafers, gamblers, toughs and dissipated youths, to congregate upon this pccasion and welcome the ladies. They were there in full force and were served with free drinks and cheap cigars, so that when the crusaders arrived they were confronted with a solid wall of stifling tobacco smoke and derisive faces. The women were undaunted and forced their way amidst taunts and rough laughter to the center of the room, to a small space between two l)illiard tables. Here they held their meeting with prayer and song. A few hearts among the uncouth throng were probably touched by the scene, but the majority, encouraged by cheap whiskey, treated the efforts of the noble women as a joke.

The saloon of Councilman T. P. Quick was next visited, but the bartender, a gentleman named Whipple, refused them admittance. Accordingly the women held a meeting upon the sidewalk outside the front door. Ledwith & Menlove's saloon was then visited and here the band of women was again refused entrance. The meeting here was also held upon the outside walk. This ended the work of the first day and the women returned to their homes, discouraged over the treatment accorded them, but firmly resolved to work the harder in the face of the obstacles. There were nineteen saloons in Lincoln at that time.

The next day the women returned to Councilman Quick's saloon, where a large crowd awaited them. Quick himself accosted the women and grew very abusive. Also Mayor Silvers appeared and remonstrated with the women, asking them to refrain from further efforts in the direction of prohibition.

Prayer meetings were held daily in the various churches. The first public sentiment seemed to be against the crusaders, but when their tenacity of spirit became established newcomers to the ranks were plentiful, some two hundred joining within the first few days.

The women were received kindly at the saloon of Jerry Ford and the proprietor promised to quit the business later, which he finally did.' At Graham & Fisher's saloon a good feeling was evident. The Detwiler place under the opera house welcomed the ladies, but asked them to make their visit as brief as possible. Schwaebold's place was in good order and the management acted in a gentlemanly way. The saloon of Tommy Noonan was visited and also that of R. N. Hodskins. One of the women was assaulted by a man in front of the latter place and he was promptly arrested.

The crusaders soon realized that one of the necessities for the young men of Lincoln was a public place where they could loaf and enjoy the same social feeling which they found in the saloons. At one of the regular meetings in the Methodist Episcopal Church, at 2 P. M., February 23, 1874. an organization was ^formed to be known as The Temperance Ladies' Reading Room Association of Lincoln. Rooms were procured and furnished within a very short time.

As the work progressed the time grew near when all the liquor licenses in the City of Lincoln would expire. Realizing that this was one chance to prevent their reissue, the women drew up petitions which were signed by the better part of the community and presented them to the council. The cause was hopeless, however, as the council was largely under the domination of the liquor interests. The petitions were not granted. Wide publicity was given to the work of the crusaders of Lincoln and appeals were made by both sides through the press in the eft'ort to gain the preponderance of sentiment. Samuel Aughey, professor of chemistry and natural sciences, made an analysis of the most popular brands, of whiskey sold over the bar in Lincoln and found them to be very far from real, or good, liquor. The principal ingredients, as he found upon test, were strychnine, strontia, benzine, potash, Brazil wood, sugar of lead, logwood and cayenne pepper. The percentage of alcohol was very small. Four saloons were soon compelled to close up business, but the others continued despite the adverse press notices given them and the growth of the temperance movement. Calls came into Lincoln from other parts of the state, asking that the crusaders extend their efforts to other communities and in some cases these appeals were heeded.

On April i, 1874, a mass meeting was held at the opera house to discuss questions in favor of prohibition and to nominate men for the various political offices, which were to be decided very shortly at a general election. Election day came and passed very quietly, only one arrest being made. The women crusaders were present at the polls and did very effective work. The result of the vote showed that a majority of the temperance candidates had been successful, including the nominee for mayor. A jubilee meeting was held at the opera house the next evening, where speeches, songs and prayers formed the program.

However, the members of the council elected were all whiskey advocates ; also the vote on the marshal had been a tie. The council called a special election and elected Mr. Cooper, one of the saloon supporters, to the office. This gave the anti-prohibition people a majority in public office and then, in turn, they held a jubilee meeting, not of the character of that held by the temperance people, though. A parade was held in the downtown streets ; liquor was dispensed with a free hand ; and the celebration rapidly assumed the character of an orgy.

Shortly after this the council made an ordinance designed to prohibit the women from holding their meetings. The substance of the ordinance was that no person nor persons could sing or pray on the sidewalks of the city. Mayor S. W. Little, a temperance man, vetoed this bill, but the council passed it by vote notwithstanding and thus it became a law. This restriction placed upon the crusaders worked a hardship, for, if they were refused admittance to the saloons, they had no place to hold their meetings, as the public thoroughfare was closed to them.

At a meeting of the temperance committee, attended by many of the citizens of Lincoln, C. B. Parker was ordered to prosecute Councilman Quick for riotous, disorderly and indecent conduct before the crusade ladies. The case vras brought before Judge Foxworthy, who gave Quick a jury of twelve men. A. C. Ricketts and E. G. Adams were attorneys for the prosecution and E. E. Brown acted for the defendant. Although the evidence was clear and unmistakable the jury disagreed. Clearly this was a "hung" jury. They were discharged and a new trial ordered for June ist.

In the meantime, on May 22, 1874, an ordinance was passed by the council requiring bonds in certain cases brought before the police judge. The mayor vetoed it, but it became a law nevertheless.

At the second trial Judge Foxworthy gave Quick a jury of six men. Again the evidence was introduced and Quick pronounced not guilty. The jury, on the judge's instructions, also found that there was no cause for action on the part of the plaintiff. Foxworthy ordered then that the costs, amounting to $57.50, be paid by Parker himself. The latter refused to comply with this order. In an effort to straighten the difficulty and to come to some understanding Attorney Ricketts held a conference with Judge Foxworthy, but the latter, with much profanity and declarations that he wanted his "costs or blood," would not rescind the order. He even went so far as to issue a mittimus on July 9, 1874, for the arrest of C. B. Parker. Parker permitted himself to be led to jail, where many comforts and small favors were showered upon him Ijy the ladies and other supporters of his cause. At 1 1 P. M. he was released on a writ of habeas corpus issued by Chief Justice Lake of the Supreme Court and ordered to appear the next morning at 9 o'clock for trial.

At that hour attorneys Sessions and Ricketts, for the plaintiff, stated the facts of the case and read the mittimus. E. E. Brown, for the defendant, argued at some length immediately afterward. At the close of the argument the judge stated that it was not necessary to consume further time, that the whole procedure had been illegal. In his opinion Associate Justice Maxwell concurred. Accordingly the prisoner was discharged, and Judge Foxworthy failed to get his costs.

The crusade and the different movements resulting from it were absolutely necessary in Lincoln at this time. The city was not morally clean for many years in this period ; corrupt city officials were common and with them came professions and trades which were undesirable to the better class of people. Stringent methods had to be adopted before the city succeeded in purging itself of these elements, a striking instance being the fight waged by the mayor and council in the late '80s and their subsequent arrest for their effort to oust a corrupt police judge. Lincoln has become a city noted for its moral excellence, perhaps better known in this respect than any city of size in the country. The victory has been the result of a hard fight on the part of the better people, who desired better things for the community and the ostracism of the undersirable class of people.

Chapter Xxvii

When one contemplates the many Hnes of steel railroad which cross Lancaster County in every direction, the fact that fifty years ago there was not a rail laid within the present boundaries of the county causes one to marvel at the progress of which man is capable. Lincoln at the present time is equally well equipped with railroads as any city in the Middle West. The citizens of the county have always aided the railroad corporations to construct the roads through this territory because they realized the economic benefit which would result from close railroad connection with other points in the country. The amount of shipping, both in and out of the city, depends in great measure upon the railroad facilities and, as Lincoln has quick access to trade in every direction, the advantage has brought about a corresponding increase in every line of business.

The Legislature of 1869 started by appropriating 2,000 acres of land to each mile of railroad constructed within the state in two years. Four roads were begun accordingly. The first was the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad which started from Plattsmouth; the second was the Atchison and Nebraska from Atchison, Kansas; the third, the Midland Pacific from Nebraska City; and the fourth the Omaha and Southwestern, from Omaha. Later all of these roads were consolidated under one system. The Burlington and Missouri River road was given bonds to the extent of $50,000.00 on the condition that they would build their road through the county. Then the Atchison and Topeka was voted county bonds to the amount of $120,000.00 and the Midland Pacific was given a bonus of $150,000.00. The latter road, on the strength of the large amount voted them, agreed to locate their car shops in Lincoln, but never fulfilled it. The road was built, though, as far as York and the county was greatly benefited.

In 1879 the citizens of the city and county gave the Lincoln and Northwestern Railroad Company $25,000.00 in bonds for the start of the line to Columbus. No sooner had this line been started than the Union Pacific Railroad Company extended a road from Valparaiso in a southerly direction until Beatrice was reached. Between 1876 and 1878 the Burlington and Missouri River Company began a policy of extension which rapidly made it the greatest system in the state. The Nebraska railway was leased and serveral branches promoted. Among the first of these was the line to Hastings, now a part of the Denver route. The Lincoln and Northwestern Railroad was constructed from Lincoln to Columbus in 1879 and in the following year was taken over by the Burlington and Missouri River. The Missouri Pacific constructed a line from Weeping Water to Lincoln in 1886, after receiving from the latter city the sum of

Lincoln Telephone And Telegraph Building

$70,000.00. A few months later the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad was completed from Lincoln to Fremont, receiving a sum amounting to $50,000.00 from Lincoln.

In brief the roads which run into Lincoln are as follows, with the date of their completion and the miles from their starting point to this city. The Nebraska Railway was completed June i, 1871 from Nebraska City to Lincoln, a distance of 58 miles. The Atchison and Nebraska Railroad was completed September I, 1872, from Atchison, Kansas, to Lincoln, 143 miles. The Lincoln and Northwestern constructed their line from Lincoln to Columbus completely by May 18, 1880, covering 73 miles. The Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri \'alley Railroad commenced at Fremont on October 25, 1886, and finished through to Lincoln, taking in Wahoo, Saunders County. The Missouri Pacific was completed from Lincoln Junction, a point near Weeping Water, to Lincoln on August 25, 1886. The Midland Pacific was finished to Lincoln in April, 1871, and was afterwards sold to the Burlington road. The Union Pacific from Valley to Lincoln, 58 miles, was finished in 1877, and from Lincoln to Beatrice, 38 miles, in 1884. On July 13, 1892, the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway was extended from the Missouri River to Lincoln, a distance of 57 miles, and during the same year or next was completed from Lincoln to Belleville, Kansas, there connecting with the main line running to Denver, Colorado. On May 7, 1893, the Rock Island depot in Lincoln was opened. The Burlington and Missouri River depot at Lincoln was completed August 6, 1881, at a cost of $125,000.00. The building is still used by the Burlington Road and has only been remodeled on the interior.

The Morton History of Nebraska states that in the Commonwealth of November 2T,, 1867, notice is given that a railroad meeting in Lincoln "the first symptoms of Burlington dominance appeared." Also that Elder Miller thought "the only show for the people of this county is to connect their interests with the Burlington and Missouri Road." Resolutions were passed that the county issue $100,000.00 bonds for stock to that amount in the first road that is completed to Lincoln.

From the same source the statement is given that in the Nebraska State Journal of May 24, 1869, there is an account of the election in which Lancaster County voted to issue $50,000.00 in twenty year bonds, ten per cent, to the Burlington and Missouri River Road, the same company to have trains running from the Missouri River to Lincoln by September 30, 1870. Also voted on the question of rescinding proposition of November 3, 1868, for $100,000.00 to the first railroad to be completed to Lincoln.

In June, 1869, the citizens assisted in breaking ground for the Burlington and Missouri River Road at the "fill" in Salt Creek bottoms. A procession was formed on Market Square in Lincoln early in the afternoon, headed by David Butler, Thomas P. Kennard and John Gillespie, also Mr. Thielson, chief engineer of the Burlington and Missouri River. At the spot of breaking ground a jjrayer was offered by H. T. Davis. Then Governor Butler turned the first spadeful of earth, followed by Kennard and Thielson.

The State Journal in January, 1870, advertised 200,000 acres of Burlington and Missouri River lands in Saunders, Cass and Lancaster counties. Terms were offered as follows : ten years time, interest at six per cent in advance for two years, the principal in nine annual installments. On two years' time the land might be obtained at twenty per cent less than the ten year price.

In April, 1870, the Burlington and Missouri River Road closed a contract for the location of a depot. The citizens of Lincoln pledged $5,000.03 to obtain the right of way through the west part of town and the railroad company agreed to locate their depot on grounds sold them by the state commissioners for that purpose in the bottom between O and Q streets, west of Eighth.

By this time, 1870, the people of Lincoln began to appreciate the luxury of railroad travel. Hitherto stage journeys were a necessity to the nearest point of railroad connection. However, the coming of "railroads did not abolish the existence of stages, for as late as August, 1870, the Kansas and Nebraska Stage Company operated stages from Lincoln. A stage left Lincoln every morning for Nebraska City ; three time a week for Beatrice, Tecumseh, Pawnee City, Albany and Marysville, Kansas ; every Monday for Camden and McFadden's ; and every Friday for Seward and Ulysses.

The five trunk line railways now entering Lincoln have eighteen diverging lines, which bring the city into communication with a vast trade territory and give distributing facilities which enable the citizens to maintan the highest selling power. Lincoln is nearer to 774 of the 914 railroad stations in Nebraska than any other commercial center. Fully eighty passenger trains leave Lincoln each day. Havelock is the center of the locomotive industry of the Burlington system and at Lakeview the same road has erected one of the largest and costliest gravity freight yards and roundhouses on its lines.

Havelock

Located about four miles from the heart of the City of Lincohi is the Town of Havelock, the home of the Burhngton Railroad shops and the center of a husthng industrial community. In the late "Sos G. G. Smith, W. J. Johnson, O. Master and Dr. J. A. Scott came to the site of Havelock and each erected a building, built of frame and very small. One account has it that the first frame house in the village was built by Charles A. Holderness in 1891, but this seems to be a little late. The marriage of Nellie Holderness and Lester Gleason was the first in the town and the birth of their child was the first also. By 1892 the follow ing buildings had been erected on the site : the Lancaster Block, the Walton Block, the Holliett House, the DuUenty House. "The Ark," the Headley Building and Arnett's Building in which the owner had a barber shop.

On May 6, 1893, ^'i^ Town of Havelock was incorporated with the following first officers: Dr. C. F. Ballard, chairman, J. E. Hutchinson, Charles S. Saberhagen, George Anderson, H. B. Kepner, board of trustees ; Sam Hinkle, clerk ; O. C. Smith, treasurer; C. M. Copp, attorney; and F. C. Perkins, marshal. The land on which the Town of Havelock is situated was given by the Lancaster Land Company to the Burlington Railroad for the location of the shops at this place. The town was named after Gen. John Havelock, of English army fame. Elder Miller formerly owned the land which was donated to the railroad. A. E. Loughlin was the head of the Burlington at the time of the land transfer, which deal comprised 200 acres.

In the '80s the little railroad station of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad was moved from Denton, a mile east, to the spot where it now stands. Later it was decided to locate the repair and manufacturing shops of the western division of the railroad at this point, plans were drafted and a plat of the shops made, together with that of the proposed village. The first dirt was turned for the machine shop in June, 1890, an appropriation of $275,000.00 having been voted by the road directors for that purpose. The shop, which was 400 by 130 feet, was completed in one year. On June 13, 1892, work was begun on a new shop. Later a blacksmith shop was constructed east of the former and in 1893 a boiler shop was put up. This was about all of the building at the shops until 1910 when the sum of $2,000,000.00 was spent in new buildings. From forty workmen at the start the force has now grown to about eight hundred. The presence of the shops in the town has been the incentive to growth, until now it is the second largest town in the county. Most every line of business is represented in Havelock to care for the needs of the army of workmen employed there. Half hour electric car service to the City of Lincoln is given.

The Farmers and Merchants Bank of Havelock was organized in 1900 by W. R. Johnson, president; G. G. Smith, vice president; H. K. Frantz, cashier; and A. W. Butler and Emil Berlet. These men became the first board of directors. In April, 1907, new owners took charge of the institution and the officers elected were : Fred Whittemore, president ; J. A. Espegren, vice president; V. F. Hoffman, cashier; and F. R. Beebe, assistant cashier. The officers are the same at present, with the exception of E. -Anderson, vice president, and M. Alalone, assistant cashier. The capital stock is $i5,cxx).oo; the surplus $88,000.00.

The First National Bank of Havelock was organized as the Citizens State Bank on May 18, 1909, with a capital of $20,000.00, and occupying a small brick building on the south side of Main Street. Emil Berlet was the president; A. F. Ackerman, vice president; and F. R. Beebe, cashier. On May 9, 1910. the name was changed to the First National Bank, with a capital of $25,000.00, with the same officers as before. The present officers are: J. H. Patterson, president; J. W. Hitchcock, vice president; E. E. Andrews, cashier; J. L. Biddlecom, assistant cashier. W. F. Ackerman, Charles Hall and E. I. Andrews complete the board of directors.

The Havelock Electric Light Company was incorporated May 6, 1907, by F. H. Wheeler, J. A. Aspegren, C. F. Ballard, Cornelius Moran, H. M. Eaton and C. O. Johnson. The Havelock Gas Company was incorporated February 11, 1902, by V. F. Hoffman, Archie Adams, E. E. Schuler, C. L. Hempel, E. E. Anderson, F. B. Young, F. L. Sumpter, John Reenan and Fred Krochler.

The Havelock Post, an independent weekly, was established in 1913 and is published by Will C. Israel, with a circulation of 1,440. The Havelock Times, published by Dan Campbell, Jr., was established in 1890. The paper is independent democratic and has a circulation of 1,400.

A new feature of the Town of Havelock, which will be erected shortly, is the new $35,000.00 high school building. The election held for the erection of this building carried in favor of the proposition by 348 to 82.

University Place

The start of the Town of University Place was practically synonymous with the establishment of the Wesleyan Methodist University, an account of which is given elsewhere. The town was originally located upon university land. A partial list of the first settlers of the town is as follows: Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Simpson, 1889; Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Butler, 1890; Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Thompson, 1890; Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Wells, Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Clifton, 1890; Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Robert McCartney, 1890; Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Hullinger, Mrs. Lulu Home, Henry Lee, J. W. Wharton, 1890; Mrs. Nelson Taylor, 1890; Mayme Taylor Hursh, 1890; Rev. and Mrs. H. L. Powers, 1893; M. V. B. Turner, 1888; Rev. and Mrs. James Leonard, 1897; Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Hursey, 1891 ; S. D. Fitchie, 1889; H. Augusta Harris, 1874; H. M. Wineland, 1890; W. T. Good, 1892; E. E. Clifton, 1890;

The First National Bank of University Place was organized May 12, 1905, with a capital of $25,000.00. Charles G. Anderson was the first president ; Dr. D. W. C. Huntington, vice president; E. S. Kirtland. cashier; M. E. Burke, assistant cashier. The present officers are: B. H. Schaberg, president; E. D. Currier, vice president ; G. E. Currier, cashier ; Ralph Currier, assistant cashier. E. J. Hainer, C. H. Roper and M. Weil complete the board of directors. The capital is $40,000.00, the surplus $10,000.00, and deposits over $120,000.00.

The Citizens State Bank of University Place is an institution established in 1908, three years after the First National Bank. The officers of this bank are: E. E. Butler, president; J. S. Hole, vice president; C. E. Staley, cashier; and R. R. Ward, assistant cashier. The capital stock now is $30,000.00; the surplus^ $2,300.00; and the deposits average over $100,000.00. Both of the banks in University Place hold a well merited reputation with the people as being solid and strong financial institutions.

One of the largest business enterprises in University Place is the Clafliii Printing Company, which was started by J. L. Claflin in 1904. In 1909 a stock company was formed and continued to the present day. Besides a regular job printing business, the company publishes a weekly paper called the News, the Union Worker which is the state paper for the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the university publications, and The Teacher. A singular feature of the Claflin Printing Company is that all of the stock is owned by the employes and owners of the plant.

The Windom Bank, now out of existence, was started on April 4, 1891, with $25,000.00 capital stock. LeGrand M. Baldwin, George H. Clark and John C. Allen were the head of the enterprise.

The history of the Town of Bethany is coincident with the history of Cotner University, which place and university were started together and developed together. The history of this university, with sidelights upon the subject by Hon. J. Z. Briscoe, one who has given a greater part of his life for the interests of the school, is written in another part of this volume.

The First State Bank of Bethany was organized in 1905. The officers of the institution are : L. J. Dunn, president ; C. W. Fuller, vice president ; and T. Mile Keith, cashier. The bank carries a capital stock of $10,000.00, a surplus of $3,100.00; and the deposits average about $60,000.00.

College View

The opening of Union College near Lincoln provided the means and opportunity for the establishment of the Town of College View. Since the time of the founding of the school College View has had a fairly large growth. Most of the population is composed of members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, although in recent years numbers of people have moved in here belonging to other churches and societies have been formed by them.

Besides being the home of Union College, College View has the Nebraska Sanitarium, which has been there for twenty years. - All kinds of curable diseases are treated at the sanitarium, which employs a staff of sixty, including forty-five nurses. Many of the methods used at the Battle Creek sanitarium are in use here. At the head of the staff is Dr. J. D. Shively.

The Bank of College View was organized in the year 1906. James Schee is the president; J. H. Morrison, vice president; and S. J. Ouantock, cashier. The capital stock is $25,000.00; the surplus $1,000.00; and the deposits amount to $85,000.00. P. B. Quantock is the assistant cashier.

The foreign work done by this publishing house was formerly done by the Review and Herald in Battle Creek, Michigan, but when their main office was burned in December, 1902, it was decided to move the German, Danish-Norwegian and Swedish papers to College View, in order to co-operate with the strong departments in these languages in Union College.

For a time the small college printing office endeavored to do the work, but as their facilities were inadequate, the International Publishing Association was organized in the fall of 1903. The General Conference issued a call for funds to establish this foreign printing plant, a collection being taken in all of the churches the first Sabbath in February, 1904. About three thousand dollars was thus secured, which was sufficient to purchase and set up a small building for that purpose, with a lot 78 by 150 feet in size. This original building had formerly been used as a store and formed the two-story part of the building now occupied. During the summer of 1904 a new cylinder press and other facilities were added, so that at the first annual meeting in September, 1904, the total value of the property and furnishings was about ten thousand dollars, nearly all being paid for.

The same year the institution purchased from the Review and Herald their entire stock of foreign books, tracts and pamphlets, for $12,000.00, giving notes in payment for the same. As the burden of paying these notes and keeping up a stock of subscription books was heavier than the institution could well carry, the Pacific Press offered to take over the foreign subscription books for $8,000.00. This was done and they assumed the payment of notes to the Review and Herald amounting to $8,000.00. This step connected the Pacific Press in a definite and substantial way with the foreign publishing work, which had developed remark- ably since that time. This was a great rchef to the International Publishing Association, and left with them the responsibility of publishing only tlie foreign papers, trade books, pamphlets and tracts.

The College View plant was considerably enlarged in the fall of i(}Oj by building a large addition to the first floor, making the entire building sixty-six by ninety-six feet in size. More room was thus provided for the type room, and the size of the press room was increased to give room for a new Miehle press which was purchased at this time. A large room was added for the bindery, which had been operated for a year in rented rooms. A steam heating plant was installed to take the place of the hot air furnace previously used. These imjjrovements, and the linotype machine purchased in the spring of 1910. put the office in excellent shajje for doing the work that was required.

In iqio the publication of attractive quarterly magazines in German. Danish- Norwegian and Swedish was begun. A similar magazine in Russian is now being published, and they will be issued in other languages as the demand arises.

The bindery was provided with limited facilities for binding even the large subscription books in the various bindings, and the Pacific Press turned over the printing and binding of several good jobs of this kind, among which may be mentioned "Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation" in Danish and Swedish, and "Practical Guide to Health" in German.

In August. 1914, the International Board came to the conclusion that stronger and better work could be done by the institution if it should be taken over by one of the large English publishing houses, with a preference for the Pacific Press. A memorial was sent to the president of the North American Division Conference, requesting that the matter be given consideration at the council to convene in October. The council requested that the Pacific Press Publishing Association give favorable consideration to this transfer of the institution on the basis of an appraisement to be made by J. J. Ireland, the general conference auditor. The deal was satisfactorily arranged and the College View plant is now known as the International Branch of the Pacific Press Publishing Association.

On section ten. Nemaha Precinct, about seventeen miles east of Lincoln, is located the Town of Bennett, a thriving little community, representative of the better communities in the eastern part of Nebraska. The town site was formerly owned by William Roggenkamp and was laid out by him, in company with Joel N. Converse, and the plat filed for record July 29, 1871. The town was laid out at the time the Midland Pacific Railroad was brought through, and the new community took its name from one of the officials of the road, John Bennett. In the early days the Town of Bennett won considerable reputation on account of the quarries adjacent to the village. The stone strata proved in later years, however, to be of insufficient extent to promote a growing business. Nemaha Branch, a creek a few miles below town, was at one time exploited on account of water power derived therefrom and the strip of timber which bordered its edge supplied plenty of box elder, ash, red and white elm, oak and walnut for building purposes, quite an advantage to the early settlers of the community. Bennett early became noted as an agricultural station, in 1881 about three hundred cars of grain having been shipped from the station here. The first elevator was the Nebraska City Elevator Company's plant, built in 1875, and having a capacity of about twenty thousand bushels. George Eggleston also operated a small elevator at an early day. The flouring mill of D. H. Harris was erected by A. L. Strang & Company in 1875-6 and bought by Harris in 1881 ; it had a capacity of 200 bushels of wheat and 250 bushels of corn per day, and had three runs of stone, two for wheat and one for corn. The plant was known as the Altamaha Mills. The first lumber yard in Bennett was operated by J. E. Vanderlip. Mr. A. Gribling was the first harness and saddlery man in Bennett, moving to the town in 1872, having settled four years previously about four miles north of the town. He was a native of New York.

Dr. Stephen A. Mecham, a native of New York State, was one of the first settlers in the vicinity of Bennett, locating on the Nemaha Branch in 1858, accompanied by his family in a wagon. He was obliged to do his milling at Coonville on Plum Creek, the round trip requiring about two weeks' time. He had to build bridges going and frequently had to rebuild them upon his return trip. He also made some little money by gathering salt along Salt Creek, hauling it to Iowa with cattle, and there selling it. His claim consisted of 360 acres. He hired fifty acres of this broken, at a cost of $5 per acre. His medical knowledge was soon called into use, and he was probably the first practitioner in what was known as Lincoln district. He also secured the first school in that vicinity. Another of the first settlers of the precinct was James N. Miner, who came in 1869, a native of Ohio, and a veteran of the war. Dr. E. T. Piper was another pioneer physician of the county, settling in Stockton Precinct in 1868 and opened a farm. At the time he was the only physician between Lincoln and Nebraska City and his services were constantly in demand.

William Roggenkamp was bom in Prussia in 1832 and crossed to the States when he was in his nineteenth year. After living in New Jersey, Indiana, and Illinois, he came to Nebraska, arriving at Nebraska City by steamboat. This was in the spring of i860. He left his family there and walked out to where Bennett is now located. His first body of land consisted of 120 acres, which he afterwards increased greatly. His first residence was a very small log house, the material for which he hauled from Nebraska City. Afterwards he erected a large log house and it was destroyed by fire in 1871 ; then he built a new home, far better than the former ones.

James G. Southwick erected, at that time, the most imposing business house in Bennett, in 1878. Samuel Tilton and J. A. Whitlock were other prominent men in the precinct who came at an early day.

Thomas Elrod erected the first house in the town in 1871. It was used both as a dwelling and a store. During the next year H. R. Kemper built a hotel, which was first run by Thomas Price. During the year 1872, also, Walter Scott started a store.

Bennett was incorporated as a town on December i, 1881. The first town board consisted of James G. Southwick, F. A. Sidles, J. E. Vanderlip, A. Gribling and J. P. Bratt. W. K. Purvis was the town clerk.

The Citizens Bank of Bennett was organized in 1886, being incorporated on April 3d of that year by J. E. Vanderlip, G. W. Eggleston, C. W. Pierce, J. H. McClay, W. F. Torbitt, W. M. Seely, M. B. Deck and T. J. Pierson, with a capital stock of $50,000.00. The bank is still in existence and is officered by the following at the present day: G. W. Eggleston, president; John I'. Bratt, vice [^resident; H. H. Bratt, cashier; Charles P. Bratt, assistant cashier. The capital stock is $25,000.00; the surplus, $13,000.00; and the deposits amount to $213,- 000.00.

The Farmers Bank was organized in 1906 and has had a steady growth since that date. Elmer W. Jones is the president of this institution ; O. R. Springer is the vice president ; and Harry Honnor is the cashier. The Farmers Bank carries a capital stock of $12,000.00, a surplus of $3,000.00 and deposits amounting to $125,000.00.

The Bank of Bennett was an institution which was started in June, 189 1, with a capital stock of $50,000.00, but which later passed out of existence.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Bennett was organized in the spring of 1879. The first church building was erected the next year, costing $1,500.00. The church now has a strong membership, a commodious house of worship, and is one of the leading churches in the township. The Danish Lutheran Church was organized in the late "70s. The Norwegian Lutheran Church was organized in December, 1874, with the following members : T. Hanson, W. Nelson, J. C. Johnson, Ole Nelson, Henry Bolt, L. Rasperson, O. Anderson, H. Peterson, C. Olson, S. Monk, J. Michilson, and others. The first services were held in a school house in 1878, Rev. C. Jansen of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in charge. After a few years the Danish membership withdrew and formed a church of their own, mentioned above, whereupon the Norwegian church was reorganized. The Church of Christ of Bennett was first incorporated in July, 1883, by R. N. Stall, C. B. Camp, John and Henry Diehl. It was reincorporated in Jvuie, 1884, by J. Z. Briscoe, Charles B. Camp, Branson J. Smith, R. N. Stall, T. L. Turner, Julia Stall, Elizabeth Harper, Mary M. Barnes, John, William S.. Henry G., Elizabeth and Charles Diehl.

The Bennett Sun, a weekly local publication, was established in 191 1. J. H. Bratt is the editor. The circulation is about two hundred and fifty.

The Town of Waverly is located on section 16, Waverly Precinct, and is about twelve miles northeast of Lincoln. The early settlement of this town dates back to a few years before the completion of the B. & M. Railroad through the precinct in 1871. John S. Green, the first permanent settler, located here in 1869. In 1874 he constructed a store and John Berg started a blacksmith shop soon afterwards. Mr. Berg was the second settler in Waverly, and James Schofield came next, the latter becoming one of the most prominent citizens. Walker and Schofield opened the first general store in the town. A. Cook and son were also' early comers to the community in the spring of 1874 ; they established a lumber yard. The postoffice of Waverly was started in 1871, with John S. Green the first postmaster.

There were three grist mills near the town in the early '80s. One of them was located i V^ miles north of town and was built by John Hellman, and derived its water power from Salt Creek. On Rock Creek, northeast of W'averly, Samuel Atkinson had a mill, also D. L. Bundy. The Cook elevator had a capacity of 12,000 bushels. The Town of Waverly was laid out by D. N. and Sophia Smith and the survey made by M. W'illsie. The plat was filed for record on October 8, 1870.

The Bank of W'averly was started in 1885 and incorporated in iSijo by N. H. Meeker and J. T. Beale. The bank has survived the several storms which have wrecked other banks of the state in the past years and is still in existence, doing a strong business and enjoying a great popularity. _ R. M. Beale is the president of the institution and H. S. Beale is the cashier. The capital stock is $10,000; the surplus, $2,500; and the deposits, $75,000. The Lancaster County Bank at W'averly is a comparatively new institution, but has been singularly successful. The officers are: G. R. Buckner, president; George H. Danforth, vice president; and R. L. Tiger, cashier. The capital is $10,000; the surplus, $2,500; and the deposits, $130,000. The bank was started in 1907.

The Congregational Church of W'averly was first incorporated December 9, 1878, by A. McMurray, David Hedges, S. Rogers, Charles M. Headrick, Jacob B. Linninger. The church was reincorporated February 10, 1S81, by Rev. E. Cressman and wife, E. O. W'art, mother and wife, Marion McMurray, William McMurray, Albert McMurray and wife, David Hedges, John Reitz, Jennie Irwin, Ella Rogers, Eva Rogers, William Mocroft, Herbert Mocroft, E. P. Fruit, Mary Mocroft, Edwin Post and wife, Charles Post, Ida P., Delia P., J. G. E., Henry E., and Mrs. James Walker. The Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was formed by Prof. Samuel Aughey of Lincoln and Reverend Kuhlmann, the latter a missionary preacher. The former held religious services in Waverly for a number of years, but it was not until Jtily, 1880, that a regular pastor was engaged in the person of Rev. M. L. Melick. The first church building was completed in 18S1. Jonathan, Samuel, and David Reitz, Jeremiah Heilman and Franklin Fisher were among the original members. The Methodist Episcopal Church was incorporated December 4, 1882. It was organized August 29, 1882, at a quarterly conference of the Waverly charge. William Hotaling was elected secretary and Harry Wells, W. H. Worley, M. B. Bainbridge, Phipps Opp and Henry Stidduth, trustees. The Church of Christ, Scientist, was organized September 9, 1902, at the residence of T. J. Beale.

There is one newspaper, published at Lincoln by the Interstate Company, called the Watchman, which devotes a small space to the Waverly interests.

The Town of Firth is located on section 35, South Pass Precinct, near the headwaters of the Nemaha River. The town was laid out by the railroad and the plat filed for record July 28, 1873. The name was given in honor of Superintendent Firth of the A. & N. Railroad. In the early '80s Firth was the third largest grain market on the railroad, between Atchison, Kan., and Lincoln, Neb., shipping about seven hundred cars of grain and stock in 1881.

Firth was organized as a village in 1879. The first chairman of the board of trustees was G. G. Beams, the clerk at the same time being W. H. Moore. Others

Early in her existence Firth had a number of successful stores, two elevators, a steam grist mill and two hotels. One elevator was operated by Worl & Beams and Schmidt Brothers, the grist mill by Kilbourne & Cooper. The Firth Mills were completed in September, 1881, by the Kilbourne Brothers. The brand of flour made by the mill was known as Golden Crown.

The Kent Flouse, the first hotel in Firth, was erected by H. W. Gable in 1873-74. Another hotel was constructed in 1879 and was owned by Mrs. Kate Morrison.

The Firth Bank was organized in August, 1891, with $40,000 capital stock. The principal men in the organization were : E. R. Spencer, Charles F. Collins, J. J. Harms, G. O. Adams, E. Harms, William Kramer, S. H. Heckman, H. Southblin and H. J. Pebmuke. The present officers are : H. H. Kramer, president; H. Sachtleben, vice president ; and C. E. Groves, cashier. The present capital stock of the bank is $15,000; the surplus, $5,000; and the deposits amount to $175,000.

The Presbyterian Church of Firth was organized in 18S1 by Rev. E. AL Lewis of Lincoln, who later became its pastor. The first church building of this society was erected in 1881, costing the sum of $2,000. The First Reformed Church was organized in July, 1890, prominent among the early members being: PL J. Leselle,

D. Shutte, G. J. TeKolste, J. W. Tempulzen, D. DeBoer, D. Wessink, G. W. Tempulzen and J. Wessink. At a meeting held ALirch 16, 1899, the Church of Christ was organized. Among the early members of this society were: James M. Murphy, W. F. Deitz, Edward Rogers, Jacob Groves, Edward D. Champion.

The first newspaper in Firth was the Times, the first number appearing December 3, 1880; it was founded and published by H. Snyder. This paper has passed away and in 1915 the pttblication of the Advocate was begun by J. H. Curry. The sheet is independent in politics and is issued weekly.

The name Roca implies "founded upon a rock." In the matter of stability and growth, the little town has merited well its name. The town was laid out by W. E. and E. G. Keys, John H. and Eliza Meyer, in 1876. The site of the town was chosen in 1872, located on the farms of the above named people. It was organized as a village in 1876.

Roca was early known as the home of good limestone quarries, in the year 1881 over sixteen hundred carloads of stone being shipped from the town. Also as a grain and live stock shipping point the town owes its early popularity.

The Bank of Roca was organized and opened for business in the year 1907. H. F. Warner is the president; W. H. Meyer, vice president; and Charles Damrow, cashier. The capital stock is $5,000, and the surplus $1,500. Although small, the institution is in the center of a prosperous community and the probabilities are that it will become one of the leading banks among those of the smaller towns of Lancaster County.

porated in May, 1S78, by Rev. A. G. White, Joseph Southwick, Benjamin Allen, Henry Spellman, Moses Mitten, B. Harnley, D. W. Ellis, G. O. Adams and Stephen Feather. There is also a Lutheran Church in the Town of Roca.

On section 33, Saltillo Precinct, is the Town of Hickman. Hickman was laid out by C. H. Heckman and the plat filed for record on September 20, 1872. At first the Town of Hickman progressed very slowly, but in recent years it has been developing rapidly and now ranks with the larger towns of the county.

The Bank of Hickman was started in 1891, among the men back of it being J. H. Catron, Sr., M. E. Catron, E. K. Bradley, L. Enyeart and George W. Hawke. The first capital stock was $20,000. The present officers are: J. H. Catron, president; F. M. Stapleton, vice president and cashier; John Slote, assistant cashier. The capital stock is $20,000 ; the surplus, $6,000 ; and the deposits average $100,000. The First State Bank of Hickman was organized in 1913. S. H. Heckman is the president; Henry Diesel, vice president; and C. H. Heckman, cashier. The capital is $15,000; $2,000 surplus; and $80,000 in deposits. The fact that the Bank of Hickman has had a rapid growth and steady life through the financial difficulties of past years, and that recently a new bank was organized, testifies well as to the stability and virility of the Town of Hickman.

The Hickman Telephone Company was incorporated in July, 1905, by Adam Bruedle, J. F. Judah, C. L. Morrison, Henry Diesel, A. E. Van Burg, H. B. Sinker, R. H. Sawyer, Charles H. Heufel and Aug. Schmutte.

The newspaper of the town, the Enterprise, was started in 1886 by a Mr. Blizzard, and remarkable as it may seem, is still being published as an independent weekly by Cyrus Black, with a circulation of 700.

The small Village of Cheney is located on section 26, in Grant Precinct, located on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. The townsite was platted by Joel Converse in the year 1874 and the plat filed for record at the county seat on July 13th of the same year. The Town of Cheney has grown to be a good agricultural business community and is popular with the farmers of the vicinity. The Bank of Cheney is an institution started in the latter part of 1909 with a capital stock of $10,000. Charles Marshall, J. L. Marshall, J. A. Harlan, W. G. Bullock, John T. Marshall and R. W. Marshall were interested in the inception of this bank. The present officers are: Charles Marshall, president; John T. Marshall, vice president; W. G. Bullock, cashier. The capital remains at $10,000; the surplus is $2,300; and the deposits are $40,000. The Cheney Telephone Company was incorporated in February, 1912, by J. W. Rooney, John O'Brien, H. D. Gove, Roy Vanderslice, and C. E. Cummings. Baptist, Catholic and United Brethren churches are located in Cheney and are all in a prosperous condition with good memberships.

town was started and platted by the Western Town & Lot Company and the plat filed for record October 14, 1886. The Farmers State Bank of Davey was organized in 1903. H. Johnson is the president of the institution; L. Hanson is the vice president; J. M. Hanson is the cashier; and Peter Nelson, assistant cashier. The capital stock of the bank is $8,000; the surplus, $6,000; and the deposits, $95,000. One newspaper, the Mirror, which is published by the Interstate Company of Lincoln, contains items of local interest. There are two churches in the town, the Catholic and Danish Lutheran. In 1893 ^1 Swedish M. E. Church was started.

Denton is a small community situated on section 22, Denton Precinct. Denton was laid out by D. N. and Sophia Smith and surveyed by M. Willsie. The plat was filed for record on August i, 1871. The town is located upon the Burlington Railroad. The Denton State Bank was organized in 1906. The bank is officered by W. M. Rowland, president; Mary Rowland, vice president; and C. M. Rowland, cashier. The capital stock carried by the bank is $10,000; the surplus, $3,000; and the deposits average about $60,000. The Denton Record, a weekly newspaper, is published by the Interstate Company of Lincoln. Catholic and Methodist Episcopal churches care for the religious needs of the people of Denton.

The thriving little Town of Hallam is located on sections 30 and 31 of Buda Precinct. The town plat was laid out by the Kansas Town and Land Company and the plat recorded December 29, 1892. The town is a station upon the Burlington System and is quite a shipping point for the neighboring precincts. The Hallam Bank was organized in 1898 by a company of local men. Gerhard Rippen is the president of the bank at the present time ; F. T. Carsten is the vice president; and C. F. Burk is the cashier. The capital stock is $10,000; the surplus, $2,000; and the deposits average nearly $100,000. On April 24, 1893, in the Llallam Schoolhouse there was organized the German Evangelical Congregational Church. It was incorporated by Albert Gerdes, Peter Gansemer and P. Van Hove. The Farmers & Hallam Telephone Exchange was started in April, 191 1, by C. F. Burk, Andrew Walker, Chris Keller and G. H. Nannen. Another telephone company had previously been organized in 1906, known as the Star Telephone Company.

Holland is a typical Dutch town located on section 3, South Pass Precinct, located on the Burlington Road. The Reformed Church of Holland was first incorporated in September, 1886, by the following: Gert Van Engen, Hendrick Van Beek, Lubbert Lokhorst, Hendrik de \'ries, Quirinus Huyser, Gerrit van der Beek, Hendrik Jan Lubbers, Jan Willem Lecferdink. Hendrik Jan \\'ubhels, and Lubbert Bocve. The church was reincorporated in February, 1890, by Peter Poort, H. J. Te Brinke, A. Kommers, E. Nota, A. Bykert, John Kallemeyr, Martin Klein, Jacob Kallemeyr. Bartain Kallemeyr. John Van Enger, Dick Kallemeyr, Martin Kallemeyr and Jacob Der Hollander. This is the only church in the town ; there are no banks or newspapers.

Kramer is located on section 9, Olive Branch Precinct, and was laid out by L. H. Wilcox and the plat filed for record Alarch 3, 18S8. It is located on the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Two churches, the German Lutheran and the Methodist, are located here.

laid out by M. A. and Emma Showers and the plat filed for record on October 13, 1877. The Malcolm State Bank was organized in 1906 and is now managed by the following officers: A. Otterman, president; \V. E. Behring, vice president; L. E. Cozad, cashier; W. R. Ehlers, assistant cashier. The Malcolm bank has a capital stock of $7,500; a surplus of $3,700; and deposits of $75,000 on the average. The Malcolm Methodist Episcopal Church was incorporated and started in August. 1884, by Rev. A. M. Ogborn, J. C. Mahan, J. W. Miller, J. W. Smith, William W'eyant, John Carpenter, and Chris Roahrer. The jMalcolm Messenger, a local paper, is publishetl by the Interstate Company of Lincoln.

The Town of Emerald is located on section 2^, Middle Creek Precinct, located upon the Burlington Railroad. The Emerald State Bank was started in 191 5, incorporated May 14th, by J. \V. Daily, E. R. Lippe, C. H. Becker, C. F. Hoppman, H. C. W. Jarms, O. Kloeckner, A. C. Heydon and C. E. Shafer. The First Baptist Church was started in August, 1892, by Rev. Chapiuan, F. Mayes, E. S. Davison and G. i\L Yales. The Methodist Church was organized about the same time. Both of these societies are flourishing and are well attended by people from the town and the surrounding country.

Martel is a hustling little village in Middle Creek Precinct. The Martel State Bank was started in 1905. R. E. Moore is the president ; John H. Moore, vice president; W. H. ]\Ioore, cashier; and J. Carl Sittler, assistant cashier. The capital stock is $10,000; the surplus, $2,000; and the deposits, $70,000. One church, the Union Church, was started in 1894 and a house of worship erected then. The Martel Leader, a weekly sheet, is published by the Interstate Company of Lincoln.

The Town of Panama is located on section 3, Panama Precinct, and was located in the late '70s. The Bank of Panama was organized in July, 1S91, by Louis Hobel, Othniel Howe, Charles Marshall, John T. Marshall, Samuel Tilton, John Forrest, Ruben Coun, John Robertson, Thomas J. Dickson, James Dickson and Robert G. Dickson. Charles Marshall is the president of the bank; Samuel Tilton, vice president; and John T. ^larshall, cashier. The capital stock of the bank is $10,000; the surplus, $3,700; and the deposits, $135,000. Three churches, Christian, Presbyterian and United Brethren. The Panama Record is published by the Atlas Company of Lincoln.