Lincoln City (part 7 of 19)

The First Uuiversalist Society of Lincoln was organized at tiic residence of J. D. Monell, September 1, 1870, with W. W. Holmes, 8. J. Tuttle, J. N. Parker, Mrs. Sarah Parker, Mrs. Julia Brown, Mrs. Laura B. Pound, and Mrs. Mary Monell, as charter members. About this time the property now in the possession of the society, on the corner of Twelfth and H streets, was secured by grant from the Legislature of the State. A subscription was also begun, looking toward the erection of a chapel. In the meantime the society held occasional services for worship in the Senate Chamber, in the old Capitol building. During the month of December of this same year Rev. Asa Saxe, D. D., General Secretary of the Universalist denomination, visited Lincoln for the purpose of ascertaining whether it would be advisable to make this a missionary point. His decision was favorable to such a movement. Consequently, with the financial aid of the denomination, the society was able to call Rev. James Gerton, then of Illinois, to be its first pastor. He accepted the invitation, and began work in September, 1871. The following October the corner-stone of the chapel was laid, and on Sunday, June 23, 1872, it was dedicated.

All this was brought about largely through the efforts of one devoted w^omau, Mrs. Mary Monell. It was she who first gathered the few scattered Universalists in the place together. Unaided she raised the subscription to build the chapel ; she collected the funds, saw that the work was done, and paid the bills. The early records of the society reveal the zeal and fidelity with which she did her work, the many difficulties with which she had to contend, and her final triumph. Mrs. Monell must always be looked upon as the patron saint of the First Universalist Society of Lincoln.

In 1873 the denomination was so badly crippled by the panic of the year before that it was unable to continue its financial aid to the society ; and as the society was not strong enough to support a pastor of its own accord, Eev. Mr. Gcrton, after remaining two years, was forced to resign his charge. For nearly ten years after this the society had no settled pastor. Preaching services were held only occasionally and as I'niversalist clergyman Mere passing through the city, or stop- ])inii ill it for a short time. During a portion of this time the chapel was rented to other religious organizations. The society continued in existence, hoMcver, and in the spring of I880 the trustees of the Univcrr-alist (General Convention made arrangements with Rev. E. H. Chapin, the present pastor, to come to Lincoln and take charge of the Mork. l\ev. Mr. Chapin has now been with the society something over six vears, and during that time has quite thoroughly identified himself with the intellectual, moral, and benevolent, interests of the city. Year by year the society has continued to gather to itself numbers and strength. The parsonage, now standing on one of the church lots, was completed in 1886. Connected with the church as auxiliary organizations are the Unity Club, the Ladies' Aid Society, and the Young People's Missionary Association.

Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized November 24, 1881, with five members, Rev. F. Koenig, now of Seward, Neb., presiding. The present jjastor, H. Frincke, took charge of the congregation in April, 1882. During the first year services were held in a small church building corner N and Thirteenth, the present site of the new Y. M. C. A. rooms. The following three years the congregation assembled in the Universalist church, on Twelfth, between H and J streets. In the spring of 1886 the new church was occul)ietl, located on H, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets. In the rear of this church building a school-room accommodating ninety ])iipils was built. This department of the church work is under the <lir('ction of teacher F. Ilellmann, whose school now numbers seventy ]m])ils, who attend the school daily, except Saturday and Sunday. This gentleman, togetlicr witli the pastor, is sustained solely by the <:oiigrcgati()n.

The uiiahered Augsburg Confession, and its Ajjology, the Formula of Concord, the two catechisms of Luther, the Apostolic, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds, form the confessions of this church. It belongs to that great I^utheran organization, the Missouri Synod. The present officers are: Messrs. H. Herpolsheimer, 11. Witte, Peter Grafel- mann, trustees and elders. The status of the congregation is as follows: Souls, 400; voting members - i.e., male members of and above the age of twenty-one years - 60 ; communicants - /. c, all such as are allowed to partake of the Lord's Supper - 285. The current expenses amount to about $1,500 annually. The valuable pro])crty is free from all incumbrances. Services every Sunday at 10 a. yi. and 3 P.M. Evening services every other Sunday at 8 p. m.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1872, by Rev. G. W. Gaines, Presiding Elder of the Nebraska district. The pioneer organization was composed of but eleven members. Its place of worship was located upon the north side of E street, between Tenth and Eleveuth, in 1873, on lots donated by the State, where the home of the society still remains, including the parsonage. A large and handsome building is now being erected there, which will cost, when completed, $6,000.

The society is now in a prosperous condition, and has a growing membership, numbering 110. The Rev. J. W. Braxton is the pastor in charge. He is a popular and successful man with his people.

A prosperous Sunday School is now maintained by this society, comprising 100 scholars, with a library in connection therewith numbering four hundred volumes.

Besides the churches already mentioned, there are a number not so well established, but which deserve a place in a descriptive sketch of Lincoln. Among these is the Mount Zion Baptist Church, located at the corner of F and Twelfth streets. This church maintains regular services and a pastor, Rev. J. L. Cohron.

Besides the German Evangelical Lutheran, there are other societies belonging to the Lutheran denomination. One is Our Savior's Danish, located at 216 South Twenty-third street, of which Rev. P. L. C. Hanson is pastor, and H. J. Nellson clerk. Another is the Swedish church, located on K, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth, Rev. F. N. Swanberg pastor. A third is St. Paul's German, at F and Thiri^enth, Rev. H. Heiner pastor.

A prosperous church has been started at Wesleyan University, whielt maintains the usual services, and of which Dr. C. F. Creighton is pastor.

The Reformed Hebrew Congregation is the society of the leading^ Hebrew people of the city. S. Seligsohn is President, M, ()p])enheimer A'ice President, W. Meyer Secretary, and I. Oppenheimer Treasurer.

The Young Men's Christian Association of Lincoln was organized in January, 1880, with thirteen members. The following officers were elected: President, A. O. Geisinger ; Vice President, Richard George; Secretary, W. W. Peet; Treasurer, M. L. Easterday.

Robert Weidensall, the veteran Secretary of the International Committee, was present at the organization, and has ever since had a deep interest in the progress of the association. After four years' experience the association decided that the only way to keep abreast with like associations in other cities was to employ a competent General Secretary. After considerable correspondence, and through the heljj of the International Committee, the present General Secretary, Jas. A. Dummett, was recommended as a suitable young man to carry forward the work. Mr. Dummett is a graduate of Ad rain College, Michigan, and had l)een an active worker in the Pittsburgh, Penn., Y. M. C. .V. for five years. On the sixth day of August, 1884, Mr. Dunniiett arrived in Lincoln, and during his five years of faithful and efficient service, has succeeded in building up one of the strongest associations west of Chicago. The association during the past five years has kept })ace with the rapid growth of tlie city. A\ lien the ])iesent Secretary arrivc(l tiic association was occu[)ying rooms i'or which they were ])aying the sum of S12,50 })er month, with a membcrsiiip of one hundred. To-day the association is pleasantly situated in a handsome suite of six rooms in the McConncll block, 141 South Tenth street, with a pres- ent membership of five hundred. The association has entirely outgrown its present surroundings, and on the 24th day of July the contract was let for a $60,000 association building, to be erected on the southwest corner of N and Thirteenth streets, to be completed by September 1, 1890.

Y. M. C. A. Building

The building will be a very handsome structure, and when completed it will not only be an ornament to the city, but a great blessing to the multitudes of young men who need just such privileges as the association can offer them in a building specially adapted to its work.

The following members of the board constitute the Building Committee : John R. Clark, Chairman ; C. C. JMunson, Secretary ; A. HW^eir, Treasurer ; Chas. AVest and A. R. Talbott. Ferdinand C. Fiske is the architect, and Louis Jensen the contractor.

Secret And Other Societies Chapter Xix

Secket Orders - The First Lodge Organized in Lincoln - Historical Sketch of all the Principal Orders Now in the City - Other Societies DESER%aNG Mention.

The characteristic of man to plant his hearthstone and religious institutions as soon as possible upon settling in a new country, manifests itself almost equally in reference to his social and benevolent institutions. Hence we find that almost as soon as the early residents of Lincoln had established their homes, secret orders were founded, the first one to set up its altars in the city being the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The history of Odd Fellowship in I^incoln commences almost at the time of the founding of the city, the first lodge being organized on the 21st of April, 1868.

Two of the State Commissioners appointed to locate the capital - Gov. David Bntler and Secretary of State Thomas Kennard - were members of the order in good standing. Their duties, however, in giving the initial impetus to a new State, and laying the foundation of its capital, occupied their time to such an extent that the organization of the first subordinate lodge was left mainly to other men and members.

The lodge first organized was Capital Lodge No. 11, and its charter was committed to the hands of W. H. Stubblefield, Max Rich, Samuel McClay, L. A. Ouyett, and Samuel Leland. At the organization Max Rich was installed as N. G.; Samuel McClay, Y. G.; Samuel Leland, Secretary; and L. A. Onyett, Treasurer. W. H. Stubblefield was appointed District Deputy Grand Master.

Three members were received into membership at that time, viz., L. Lavender, by deposit of card, and S. B, Pound and Seth Robinson by initiation.

On the 18th day of October, 1870, the Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Nebraska, hekl its thirteenth annual session in Lincoln, using the Senate Chamber of the okl capitol buikling.

At that session, ujion the petition of Bros. M. Rich, S. McCiay, John Lamb, I\. A. Bain, Charles Hasbrouck, M. G. Bohanan ; and Sisters 8. E. Lamb, R. Oppcnheimer, P. E. Helman, A. Bain, and L. E. Bax, a dispensation was given to organize a lodge of the degree of the Daughters of Rebekah, to be known as Charity Lodge No. 2.

On the evening of the 19th the lodge was duly instituted by Grand Master John Hamlin, supported by the officers and members of the Grand Lodge. After adjournnient a reception and banquet was given the Grand Lodge and the members of No. 2, by Governor David Butler and his wife, at which many ladies and gentlemen of Lincoln were present. In memory of this occasion, and as an appreciation of its lasting fitness, the lodge has ever, with eminent success, kejDt up the social feature inauourated on thatevenino-.

In 1871, among the members of Capital Lodge and those of other lodges sojourning at Lincoln, a number were found who desired an organization in which they could work in the higher or encampment degrees of Oddfellowship. Accordingly, on the 7th day of April of that year, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of the United States, giving authority to organize a subordinate Encampment in Lincoln, to be known and hailed as Saline Encampment No. 4. On the 12th day of May the encampment was instituted by District Deputy Grand Sire St. John Goodrich, of Omaha.

The officers were Samuel M. Clay, C. P.; W. P. Ensey, H. P.; J. C. Ford, 8. W.; M. G. Bohanan, J. W.; Charles Purcell, Scribe, and Isaac Oppenheimer, Treasurer.

On tiic first day of July, 1872, the Grand Encampment of the Patriarchal I5raiicli I. O. O. F. of Nebraska, was instituted, in the hall of Ca])ital Lodge, the hall being then located in the third story of No. 1023 O street. The Grand Encampment was composed of the Past Chief Patriarchs of the then five Subordinate Encampments in the State. It was instituted by St. John Goodrich, the District Deputy Grand Sire.

The grand officers were D. A. Cline, of No. 1, Grand Patriarch; John Hamlin, Xo. 1, Grand High Priest; W. L. Wells, No. .3, Grand Senior Warden; John Evans, No. 2, Grand Scribe; D. H. Wheeler, No. 3, Grand Treasurer ; H. A. Wakefield, of No. 5, Grand Junior Warden; and St. John Goodrich, of No. 2, Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of the United States.

In 1873 the order had progressed so far that it Avas deemed expedient to organize another lodge. Accordingly about the 1st of May fifteen members, belonging to as many different lodges in diflPerent parts of the county, united in a petition to the Grand Lodge of Nebraska for a new subordinate. The petition was granted, and on the 5th day of June, 1873, the lodge was instituted by D, D.Grand Sire St. John Goodrich, to be known as Lancaster Lodge No. 39.

The next lodge, Germania No. 67, was instituted for the benefit of those who could best work in their native German vernacular. The lodffe was instituted with ten charter members, on the 11th of December, 1877, by Hon. H. W. Parker, of Beatrice, who was Grand Master of the order at that time. The first officers were: George AVebber, N. G. ; G. Rasgarshik, V. G, ; Aug. Droste, Secretary; and G. R. Wolf, Treasurer. Seven parties were initiated. The advantages it brought, and its success in more closely fraternizing a large number of the German element in Lincoln, demonstrated that the judgment that gave existence to the new lodge was well founded. It has, perhaps, dispensed as large a benefice, both material and attentive, as any lodge in the city.

March 29, 1881, a charter was granted for what is knoAvn among Odd Fellows as a degree lodge. On the evening of the same day it was instituted by Grand Secretary D. A. Cline, acting under a special commission. It was known as Magic Degree Lodge No. 2. It existed but a short time.

On the 14th of February, 1885, Ford Uniformed Degree Camp No. 2 was instituted by Isaac Oppenheimer, Grand Patriarch. The members procured an expensive uniform and acquired great proficiency in the peculiar drills of the order, which are of a military character. James Tvler was elected captain. This organization continued and prospered until March, 1887, when it was merged into an organization of more enlarged purpose and of much grander proportions, known as the Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F. The style of the uniform was materially changed. From that time Ford Uniformed Degree Camp Xo. 2 was, and still is, known as Canton Ford Xo. 2 P. M. Chevalier James Tyler again took the office of captain.

As Lincoln grew in size and importance as a city, so did the Independent Order of Odd Fellows as one of its benevolent and fraternal institutions, until a new lodge was deemed to be necessary. Accordingly, on the 22d day of January, 1886, Grand Master Arthur Gibson, of Fremont, placed the charter for Lincoln Lodge Xo. 138 in the hands of the following members: J. E. Douglas, L. C. Dunn, Charles J. Heffley, C. D. Hyatt, O. P. Dinges, E. T. Roberts, D, F. Dinges, A. H. Hutton, John Hill, S. M. Hartzell, S. ^V. Long, T. F. Lasch, J. D. Hurd, and W. D. Fowler, and organized them into a lodge. It prospered as all the lodges have up to this date.

In an organization where the beneficial feature distinguishes it particularly, each lodge must make it a chief object not only to have money in its treasury, but a reserve in the shape of real estate or in some productive form, so as to make good all its promises and pledges to members in their day of need. With such an object in view, numerous schemes were proposed and debated from time to time by the lodges. It was granted that something was needed which would at the same time afford accommodations as a lodge room and as a source of revenue. Until the spring of 1881 but little was accomplished. On the 3d day of May, 1881, articles of incorporation were adopted, executed, and filed, which brought into existence " The Odd Fellows' Hall Association, of Lincoln, X"eb.," with a capital stock of $20,000. The stock was soon taken. On the 1st day of June the first regular meeting of the stockholders was held for the purpose of forming a permanent organization. At this meeting D. A. Cline was elected President ; Charles T. Boggs, Secretary ; W. W. Holmes, Treasurer, and a board of directors composed of nine stockholders, to hold their office for three years.

I..and was secured on the northeast corner of L and Eleventh streets, and by the summer of 1882 a fine-appearing and substantial brick edifice, four stories in height, with two business rooms, was- completed, when the different Odd Fellow organizations then in the city found themselves housed with all the comforts and conveniences necessary.

In the year J 868 Pythianism first obtained a foothold on Nebraska soil, through the efforts of Captain George Crager,who, coming direct from the birthplace of the order, planted its good seed with vigor and earnestness. August 28, 1871, John Q. Goss, the Grand Chancellor, assisted by P. G. C. George Crager, G. Iv. of R. and S. ; E. E. French, G. M. A.; T. J. Lane, and Knight Henry Lauer, visited Lincoln and instituted Lincoln Lodge No. 8, K. of P., the first lodge in this city and the only one instituted that year in the State.

The lodge flourished in numbers and finances, and the members were the most honored citizens of the then small but flourishino- capital city. In 1878 the lodge succumbed to financial reverses and other causes, and surrendered its charter in November oi' that year.

In December a few of the old Knights strong in the spirit, with others, petitioned for a new charter. This was granted December 3, 1873, by Judge J. W. Carter, Grand Chancellor, and the first meeting for institution was held in the attic of the old opera house. The first officers were: C. C, A. Meyer; V. C, G, B. Harris; K. of R. and S.,D. Kalor; M. of Ex., F. E. Smith; M. of F., M. J. Percival; P., P. H. Cooper. The lodge has met with various reverses and successes. It moved from place to place until finally it settled in the old Masonic Hall, corner of Tenth and O streets, which is now completely fitted up with lodge room, banquet room, kitchen, etc., for lodge purposes. It has been honored by the Grand Lodge in the selection of six of it& members to the office of Grand Chancellor, and with eighteen subordinate offices. Its present membership is 186, and it possesses property valued at $3,800. Its present officers are: P. C, H. M. Shaeffer -,. C. C, T. M. Cooke; V. C, S. A. \farner; P., H. C. Fredericks; K. of R. and S., Banks Stewart; M. F., J. W. Percival; M. of Ex., M. Hooker; M. A., Wm. Chichester; I. G., J. J.Young; O. G., C. A. Risings.

the order in tlii^ citv. A petition to the (xrand Chancellor resulted in a dispensation, and Apollo Lodge No. 36 sprang into existence, on August 18, 1884. The lodge flourished from the start, and as a result of its work and influence, the growth of both Nos. 10 and 3() was large, nearly doubling in membership in one year. Its representatives have taken high rank in the councils of the Grand I^odge, and are placed upon the most important committees. It has been honored in the choice of Richard O'Neill as Grand Chancellor, now the sitting Past Grand. It has a membership at present of eighty-three, eleven Past Chancellors, and one P. G. C. Its finances are in good condition. The present officers are: P. C, Walter Keens; C. C, Ed P. Keefer; V. C, F. B. Harris; K. of R. and S., T. D. Scudder ; M. of P., J. North ; M. of Ex., H. W. Kelley ; M. of A., J. J. McClellan ; I. G., AVinnie Scott; O. G. Wm. P. Gronen ; Trustees, J. E. Douglas, T. W. Tait, Phelps Paine.

A. D. Marshall Lodge No. 41 was organized June 18, 1885, by G. C. J. C. McNaughton, with twenty-three members. The lodge was named after the lamented A. D. Marshall, one of the earliest and most enthusiastic Pythian workers of the city, and by good work and careful selection has to-day a membership of 105. The present officers are: P. C, W. H. Berger; C. C, L. T. Gaylord; Y. C, Ed. R. Sizer; P., J. C. Davis; M. of Ex., Jno. F. Hayden; M. of F., H. E. Chapel; M. A., A. Katzenstein ; K. of R. and S., F. Hornefius; I. G., Wm. AVebb; O. G., Chas. Posky. This lodge has already accumulated considerable property.

Ca])ital City Lodge No. 68 was instituted February 9, 1887, during tiie term of Grand Chancellor John Morrison, as a testimonial to him of the esteem in which he is held by the order in the Capital City of the State, with the large number of 135 petitioners, the largest lir t ever presented to a Grand Chancellor for approval, and embracing State, county, and city officials, and leading citizens. This lodge has continued its work with such success that to-day it strives with the mother Lodge, No. 16, for supremacy in numbers, in quality of menibershij), and in wealth ; and ranks second only in members in the State, having at this time 183 Knights, five Past Chancellors, and a District Dej)uty (Jrand Chancellor, S. J. Dennis. The present officers are: P. C, J^rof. F. F. Roose; C. C, C. W. Hoxie; Y. C, G. S. Foxworthy ; P., Charles Burton ; M. of Ex., R. Wackerhagen ; M of r., Fred A. Miller; K of R and S., Q. L. Martin; M of A., A. G. Kellum ; I. G., AV. G. Stanus ; O. G., L. D. Van Kleek. Trustees : W. L. Cundiff, E. B. Graham, F. A. Miller. Financially it ranks well with any lodge in the city.

The Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, has its headquarters for the State in Lincoln, the first division being organized here in 1879, from members of Lincoln Lodge No. 1(). From this start this branch of the order has grown into a brigade of four regiments and thirtysix divisions, with the following officers, who are Lincoln residents: Brigadier General Commanding Nebraska Brigade Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, W. L Dayton ; Col. and Chief of Staff, W. C. Lane; Col. and A. A. G., H. S. Hotchkiss; Col. and Asst. Commissary Gen'l., John B. Wright, Lincoln.

First Regiment Nebraska Brigade, Uniform Rank Knights of Pvthias. Col. H. F. Downs, Commanding; Lieut. Col., J. E. Douglas; Lieut, and Adjt., John Jenkins; Lieut, and Quartermaster, W. N. Rehlaender ; Captain and Chaplain, Rev. E. C. Ralston ; Quartermaster Sergeant, Walter Keens.

Lincoln Division No. 1. Uniform Rank Knights of Pythias, was instituted in 1879, with thirty-two members. The division has been in many contests for honors, and on many occasions has won trophies which now adorn its armory, and at the meeting of the Supreme Lodge of the World, at Toronto, Ontario, in 1886, won the honorable distinction of third prize in competition with divisions from all over the country. The present membership is seventy-seven. The present officers are: Sir Kt. Capt., A. A. Lasch ; Sir Kt. Lieut., J. W. Percival; Sir Kt. Herald, F. A .Miller; Sir Kt. Guard, Nelson Westover; Sir Kt. Sent., F. A. Harris. It has upon detached service Brig. Genl. W. L. Dayton, Chief of Staff, Col. W. C. Lane; Col. and A. A. G., H. S. Hotchkiss; Col. John B. Wright, Commissary Genl. Wm. N. Rehlaender, Lieut, and Quartermaster of 1st Regt. Rev. E. C. Ralston, Capt. and Chaplain of the 1st Regt.

A. D. Marshall Division No. 10, was organized September 28, 188(), with twenty-nine members. This Division, by hard work, is steadily coming to the front, and has a record of three prizes, and the Capt.,W. H. Berger, winning at Columbus during the Brigade encampment of ] 889, an elegant sword as the best commander. The Division is the proud owner of a handsome flag, w^th emblems of the Uniform

Rank worked in silk, and valned at $200, presented to it by its lady friends and admirers. It has a membership of thirty-nine, composed entirely of Knights of Marshall Lodge No. 41. The present officers are: Sir Kt. Capt., Wm. H. Berger ; Sir Kt. Lient., H. E. Chapel; Sir Kt. Herald, G. E. Maxwell; Sir Kt. Gnard, M. D. Clary; Sir Kt. Sent., H. Yanow; Sir Kt. Treas., J. F. Hayden; Sir Kt. Recorder, G. E. A"an Every. Of its members there arc on detached service, Ed. R. Sizer, Col. and A. D. C. to Maj. Genl. James R. Carnahan, Comdg. the Uniform Rank Knights Pythias of the world, and also of the same rank on the staff of Gov. John M. Thayer, of the State of Nebraska ; H. F. Downs, Col. Commanding 1st Regt. U. R. K. P., Nebraska Brigade ; and John Jenkins, I^icut. Adjt. of the 1st Regt.

Apollo Division No. 11 was instituted October ] 1, 1886, with thirty members. The Division has had a short but brilliant career, seventeen of its members participating in the contest at Toronto in July, 1886. The Division won first prize at Hastings, October 13, 1886, in a State contest, two days after institution, and first prize again the following year at Omaha, in a contest open to the world. Later on it was presented Avith a gold medal at Omaha for excellence in drill, and bears the proud honor of being the best drilled Division in the State. The present membership is forty-one. A beautiful flag presented to it by A. E. Hargreaves, is highly valued by its members. There are on detached service, J. E. Douglas, Lieut. Col. 1st Regt. U. R. Neb. Brigade, and Walter Keens, Quartermaster Sergeant. Its membership is entirely from Apollo Lodge No. 36, and Diana Lodge No. 106, Beatrice. The present officers are : Sir Kt. (Japt., C. M. Keefer ; Sir Kt. Lieut., W. E. Churchill; Sir Kt. Herald, Frank B. Harris; Sir Kt. Guard, T. W. Tait; Sir Kt. Sent., Walter Keens; Sir Kt. Treas., R. O'Neill; Sir Kt. Recorder, J. E. Douglas.

In the year 1888, through the exertions of Brother J. E. Douglas, P. C. of Apollo Lodge No. 36, a Board of Relief was organized for the aid and assistance of sojourning Knights who might be in need. This board is composed of representatives from eaclx, lodge, to whom all cases are referred, each lodge contributing, in proportion to its meml)ership, to the fund of the board. The meetings are held on the second Friday of each month, or the board may be convened at any time, if necessary, by the President or upon call of two members. It has

Endowment Rank Knights of Pythias, Section 657, was established February, 1888, with twenty-five members, carrying over $50,000 of insurance, and is in successful operation.

The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the United States, its Territories and Dependencies, Lincoln Consistory No. 54, Chapter of Rose Croix, Council of Princess of Jerusalem, and a Lodge of Perfection, were organized April 23, 1889, with fifty members, by Joseph Mc- Grath, of New Jersey, Grand Inspector General of the Rite as organized A.D. 1807.

It is now about twenty-three years since Dr. Stephenson fornuihited the plans for the organization of the Grand Army of the Kepublie, an organization which should bind together by ties fraternal those who had survived the dangers of the late war, and which should be charged with the care of those who might need the assistance of a brother's hand in time of distress. The founder of the order has long since gone to rest, and his body sleeps in the beautiful cemetery at Springfield, 111.; but his work still goes marching on. Not until September 8, 1879, however, Avas a post of the G, A. R. established in Lincoln. At that time Farragut Post, of thirty-four charter members, was formed, the following being the list :

The first officers were : Commander, S. J. Alexander ; S. V., L, W. Billingsley; J. Y., C. H. Gould ; Chap., H, Masterman ; Adjt.,Geo. K. Amory; Q. M., A. D. Burr; O. IX, R. C. Hazlett; O. G., Al. Masterman, The successive Commanders have been : C. H. Gould, J. C. Bonnell, R. C. Hazlett, Guy A. Brown, S. V. Hoagland, Jos. Teeter, Harry S. Hotchkiss, and O. C. Bell.

This is the largest post in the State, full of energy, whose charity and kindness is being felt by many worthy comrades and by the widows and orphans of fallen comrades. The members of Farragut Post are known by Xebraska comrades for their whole-souled comradesliip and efficiency in tlie work of the order. The meetings of this post are usuallv attended bv between 100 and 150 members.

Secret And Other Socif.Ties

Art. 4, Sec. 3, of its by-laws, reads as follows: ^'Ou the death of a comrade, not over three months in arrears, the sum of one hundred dollars (to be drawu from the relief fund) shall be paid to his widow or legal representative, for funeral expenses. Should there be no legal representative, the post shall take charge of the funeral, the expenses of which shall not exceed one hundred dollars, to be paid from the relief fund." Thus it will be seen that Appomattox Post is a benevolent insurance organization to a certain extent, and no worthy comrade who applies to any of its members for assistance goes away em)>ty-handed.

Its present officers are: D. R. Lillibridge, Post Commander; C. W. Lyman, S. V. C; John Gillespie, S. Y. C; Brad. P. Cook, Adjt.; O. E. Goodell, Q. M.; X. G. Franklin, O. D.; L. J. Alexander, O. G.; J. H. McClay, Q. M. Serg. The post is one of the best in the State, and is in a prosperous and flourishing condition.

The fraternal and benevolent order, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, was started in Lincoln by the organization of Lincoln Lodge No. 9, on the 17th of December, 1885. From this beginning there has been a steady growth, until to-day it has three English and one German lodge, with an aggregate membership of 315, whose protection amounts to the graiid sum of $630,000. There have been but three deaths in this membership since its organization four years ago, showing the care in selection of membership.

Upchurch Lodge No. 15, A. O. U. W., was named after the founder of the Order, and instituted April 18, 1887. It now has forty-five members, and is increasing in membership. P. Zook is the present Master Workman. Representative to Grand Lodge, F. F. Roose.

Capital City Lodge Xo. 80, A. O. L^. W., was organized May 15, 188G, by E. W. McDonald, Grand Lecturer, with a charter list of about thirty. The membership is energetic and pushing. It has been largely instrumental in building up the order in this city, and through its work the Improvement Association of the A. O. U. W. was formed, resulting; in oivino- the order a hall of its own, nicelv furnished, and at a moderate cost. It has to-day 127 members, who have the reputation throughout the State of doing the best degree work. It has a " team " organized for that purpose, the only one in the State. The present officers are: P. M. W., W. S. Houseworth ; M. W., T. J. Berky ; Foreman, Wm. Clark ; Overseer, Frank Pynchon ; Recorder, James Farrell; Financier, W. McClellan ; Receiver, John Rivett; Guide, Wm. Brannon ; I. G., Charles Deahne; Representatives to Grand Lodge, W. S. Houseworth, Henry Mayer, E. W. McDonald, E. L. Holyoke.

Concordia Lodge No. 151, A. O. L^. W., was organized May 17, 1888, with twenty-four charter members. It works entirely in the (ierman language, and is composed of our best German citizens. It has a membership at present of forty-seven, and has work ahead. The present officers are: P. M. W., Carl Schmitt; M. W., Louis Vieth ; Foreman? P. Andressen ; Overseer, A. Kroner ; Recorder, Paul Prigel ; Financier, R Heminghaus; Receiver, R. Hahnermann ; Guide, Joseph Fraasj I. W., Emil Motz; Representative to Grand Lodge, Carl Schmitt.

Logan Legion No. 8, Select Knights A. O. L^. W., was organized in May, 1887. The object of this branch of the A. O. U. W. is additional protection to the amount of 83,000 if desired, and for a rej)- resentative display of the order.

Improvement Association, A. O. U. W.,was formed for the purpose of procuring a hall and furnishing the same for the use of A. O. L^. W. lodges. It is composed of members of the order who are stockholders to the amount of $1,500, shares of which are §5. The stock can l>e increased at an v time if desired. The association has furnished

:au elegant hall over 1114 O street, which is used by the A. O. U. W. and kindred societies. The stock is paying eight per cent, and is bought by the lodges when offered for sale. The officers are: J. T. Rivett, President; .J. AV. McMillan, Vice President; W. 8. Houseworth, Secretary.

The "Modern "Woodmen ^f America" is a fraternal, beneficiary, secret organization. Its founder is Hon. J. C. Root, of Iowa, who organized the first camp in January, 1883, since which time the order has grown with w(_iiiilert'ul rapiility. Not until April 27, 1886, was a lodge of Woodmen organized in Lincoln. At that time Capital City Camp ]S^o. 190 was instituted with a large charter membership, which has since grown to 225 members. The present officers of this camp are : V. C, ^y. J. Bryan ; W. A., T. P. Converse; Clerk, C. C. Calkins; Banker, S. K. Hale; Escort, C. Van Raden; Assistant Escort, E. H. AVhiteside; Sentry, C. J. Olson; Examiner, Dr. J. R. Haggard; ^lanagers, W. A. Manchester, F. F. Roose, D. T. Cook; Delegate, A\'. J. Bryan.

Antelope Camp Xo. U16 was instituted April 4, 1889, with one hundred names on its petition. It erected, in East Lincoln, a hall for its own use, which was dedicated the following July. M. W. of A. was the first order to organize a local society in East Lincoln. Its officers are : V. C, I. H. Strawbridge; W. A., M. Ewing; Clerk, E. C Smith ; Banker. A. W. Field ; Escort, S. D. Woodley ; Watchman,

F. F. Roose Camp Xo. 969, M. W. of A., organized May 2, 1889, started out under the most favorable circumstances. Among those who enrolled as charter members are many of Lincoln's most prominent citizens. The petition for a charter was signed by 190 persons, \Miile the camp is young, its officers and members have entered into the work with the same spirit characteristic of the whole order - push, enterprise, enthusiasm, business, and fraternity. The following are its present officers: V. C, A. R. Talbot; W. A., O. C. Bell ; Clerk, Chas.

G. Burton; Banker, F. S. Kelly: Escort, A. B. Burastead ; Watchman, X. King; Sentry, A. L. Church; Managers, Ed. Young, E. R. Sizer, O. F. Lambertson ; Delegate, W. M. AVoodward. The camp ^was named the ''F. F. Roose Camp" in honor of F. F. Roose, Head

Prof. Franklin F. Roose, one of the proprietors of the Lincohi Business College, is one of the most enthusiastic ''secret order" men, not only in Nebraska, but in the entire West. He is connected with a number of orders, but his position in the order of Modern Woodmen entitles him to more than a passing notice in this work. In the summer of 1886 Mr. Roose was elected by Capital City Camp No. 190, Modern Woodmen of America, as delegate to the Head Camp, at Sterling, 111., which met the following October. At that camp he was elected Head Clerk, and before the session closed was elevated to the place of Head Adviser, the second highest rank in the Supreme Camp. At the Des Moines session of the Head Camp, held in November, 1888, he was elected for another two years' term, his reelection being by acclamation. Prof. Roose was born at Moline, 111., July 3, 1855. His early education was received in the common schools of Rock Island. During the war he used to visit the rebel prison on Rock Island and trade with the soldiers, also w^ith the Indians confined at Davenport for their depredations and murders in Minnesota.

The father of Mr. Roose was a carpenter, and owned a lath and shingle mill in which was employed a number of men, and it was in this saw-mill that the young man began work, at the age of nine years. He continued at tliis work for seven years, when he moved with his father to a farm a few miles from Edgington, 111. He there worked for five years, or until the spring of 187(). At that time Mr. Roose, being twenty-two years of age, bought a team, wagon, plows, harrows, etc., rented ground at |5 per acre, and began farming on his own account, in order to obtain money to complete his education. One year's work gave him, after selling off all his farming implements, $400, and with this amount he started, in the spring of 1877, for Bloomington, where he entered the Illinois Wesleyan University. Here he remained two years. While attending that school an incident occurred which shows the esteem in which he was held by his fellow students. The last and only money he owned was ^i^"), and one night this, together with two concert tickets which he had procured for himself and the ladv who was afterward to be his wife, was stolen.

Hearing- ol"this loss, the senior class of the college made up the entire amount and presented it to Mr. Roose, also making good the loss of his tickets.

In the fall of 187f> ^Ir. Roose engaged as an instructor in Chaddock College, (^uincv. 111., at the same time carrying on his private studies. While connected with this institution he was secretary of the faculty, member of the board of trustees, and secretary of it and of the executive board. In the summer of 1880 Prof. Roose and ISIiss Elizabeth ^Morrison, who afterward became his wife, both graduated in the (jlem City Jkisiness College, and soon after, on September 7, their marriage took place. A week later Prof. Roose took charge of the commercial department of the McKendree University, Lebanon, 111., which he conducted for two years. At the end of that time Prof, and Mrs. Roose each received the degree of B. S., having completed all tlic studies of this course.

On June 20, 1882, the professor and his wife sailed for South America, where he had engaged to teach in the Cullegio Americano, at Pernambuco, Brazil. He occupied that position six months, and then for six months was secretary to the Hon. Henry L. Atherton, United States Consul at that place. Afterward he was auditor for the Recife and Caxanga Railway Company, which position he retained until January, 1 884, when he resigned and returned to North America, the intense heat of that tropical country proving disastrous to his health.

In the fall of 1884 Prof. Roose, his health having been restored by a summer's residence on a farm, came to Lincoln and founded the Lincoln Business College and Institute of Penmanship, Short Hand, Type Writing, and Telegraphy. In 1885 McKendree University gave Prof. Roose and his wife both the degree of M. S,, and in 1886 the Iowa Wesleyan University conferred upon them the degree of A. M. pro merito. His work in Lincoln has been remarkably successful, and while a resident of the city he has built up a social and business standing of the very best.

Prof. Roose is a busy man ; few minutes can go to waste with him, as will be seen by the immense amount of work which he does daily ; and yet he always has time to say a few pleasant words to the friends he meets upon the streets or who call at the pleasant home of Prof, and Mrs. Roose on D street. In addition to the work of his business college, in which enterprise he has associated himself with Prof. D. R. Lillibridge, Prof. Roose has charge of the commercial department of the Nebraska Wesleyan University ; is the editor and publisher of the Western Workman, the official organ of the A. O. U. AV., and one of the editors of the Lincoln Monthly, an educational journal. In addition to these duties Prof. Roose attends to the duties which necessarily fall upon him as a prominent member of several secret orders, and the secretary of several associations. He is Head Adviser, Modern Woodmen; Past Chancellor Commander of Capital City Lodge No. Q^, K. of P.; representative to the K. of P. Grand Lodge of Nebraska for 1889 and 1890; a member of the Masonic order; member of the Select Knights of America; one of the managers of Capital City Camp No. 190, M. W. A.; member of the Phi Delta Theta, the A. O. U. W., and the Nebraska Press Association ; Vice President of the A. O. U. W. Building Association, and was Secretary aiul Treasurer of the Xorthern Eelief Association, A. (). l^. W., for one and one-half years. He is also Vice President of the M. AV. A. board of directors for the State of Illinois, and of the executive council ; Past Master Workman and Deputy Grand Master Workman of Upchurch Lodge No. 15, A. O. U. W., and was a member for 1887 and 1881) of the A. O. U. W. Grand Lodge. The foregoing list is sufficient to show that no man in tlie West is more thoroughly identified with the work of secret orders than is Prof. Roose, and tlie numerous })ositions of honor and responsibility to which his fraternal brothers have elevated him shows in what esteem and confidence he is held by them.

A new secret society in which Lincoln is especially interested is the "Order of Delphians," Avhose Supreme Lodge is located in this city, and the first work of which was done here. This order was instituted in February, 1889, in Lincoln, and is an association designed to promote the interests of mankind by improving the welfare of those engaged in teaching. To this end the teachers are banded together to advance their social relations, provide libraries for their benefit, to promote harmony in the work of the teaclier by adapting the instructor to the places he can best fill. In brief, it is intended to keep, at the Supreme Lodge, a bureau of information for the benefit of all teachers as well as school boards. Throup'h the subordinate lodges places needing teachers, and teachers seeking situations, together with information concerning the merits of the teachers and circumstances surrounding the places to be filled, are to be supplied to the Supreme Lodge. To this bureau all teachers can apply for employment and boards and directors can come for teachers. In this way it is believed teachers can be located in situations they can best fill, thus promoting the general welfare of all concerned.

Lincoln l)egan with a subordinate lodge of twenty-eight members. The Supreme Secretary, Mr. W. S. Bloom, occupies a suite of rooms on the second fioor of the Latta block, at 133-9 South Eleventh street.

The Lincoln Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians was organized on January 21, 1885, by Brother Richard ( )'Keeffe, of Omaha, and John Rush.

lie was called on to explain mIiv he did not comply with tlie constitution, and approach the sacraments with the Division on September 10th, as had been decided on at the previous meeting, (September 3d.) Mr. Egan explained the reasons why he could not consistently abide by the laws compelling members to approach the sacraments in a body, as he felt that there was too much ostentation in parade. Mr. Egan said he was sorry to say that throngii circumstances he was constrained to tender his resignation.

Mr. Egan's resignation was accepted on November 8, 1885, and Mv. James Kelly was thereupon elected County Delegate, which office he still holds.

The Division has made good progress since its organization, and now numbers about ninety members. In the fall of 1888 the Division presented a magnificent pulpit to Right Eev. Bishop Bonacum, for the pro-cathedral. The officers at present are : Thomas McShane, President; Frank Sheppard, Vice President; Michael Corcoran, Recording Secretary ; Edward ]M. INIaher, Financial Secretary ; Thomas McGivern, Treasurer.

Lincoln Lodge No. 35, Independent Order of Good Templars, was organized May 10, 1868. The lodge grcM- very rapidly, attaining a membership at one time of 250. Since its organization it has enrolled about 1,500 members.

Lincoln Lodge No. 35 can boast of having sent out into the field some of the best temperance Avorkers of this country, Mr. and Mrs. John B. Finch, John Sobieski, Joe Critchfield, J. G. Wolfenbarger, and Mr. Sibley, being a few among the number.

The officers of Lincoln Lodge No. 35, for the summer term of 1889 are as follows: C. T., L. A. Willis; Y. T., Nellie Hodge; S. J. T., Emma Hedges; Sec'y, G. H. Crandall; A. Sec'y, Mamie Gulick; F. Sec'y, C. E. Hedges ; Treas., Carrie Brown ; Chap., Mr. Flucard ; M., Mr. Cooper; A. M., Addie Bundy; Guard, Mr. Dili; Sentinel, Sam B. Ijams.

The Ancient Order of Foresters meets on the first and third Fridays of each month, in the K. of P. Hall, at 1007 O street. The list of officers at the opening of the year were: W. Robertson, J. P. C. R.; E. A. Stephens, C. R.; G. R. Knowles, S. C. R.; F. Gather, F. Sec;

The Knights of I^abor first organized in this city in 1881, under Assembly Number 2659 ; but the order lapsed in a short time, and was reorganized in 1885 as Assembly 3774. The organization grew rapidly to about 700 members, but failed to continue. A second reorganization was effected in 1887, out of Avhich grew two locals, one beins: the Lincoln Assembly No. 2659, which meets over 1023 () street, in the A. O. H. hall, and the other being Stephens Assembly 573, named after the National Master Workman of the order. This assembly meets in Central Labor Union Hall, at 1125 O street. Both assemblies are prosperous, and together now number about 800 members. Of Assembly No. 2659 George W. Black is Master Workman and M. Corcoran Secretary. Of 573 J. H. Craddock is Master Workman and S. J. Kent Secretary. It is expected that there will be six locals in the county before the close of the year.

Lincoln has two principal social clubs, the Union and the Elks. The Linion Club was organized May 29, 1879, with the following officers : Edgar S. Dudley, President ; Thomas Sewell, Vice President; J. H. Alford, Secretary; George C. Newman, Treasurer; J. H. Fawell, Master of Ceremonies. On the 19th of May, 1888, the cluU was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with a capital stock of $5,000, divided into shares of $25 each. This allows the club a membership of 200, the present membership being 122. The present officers are: E. B. Appelget, President; J. F. Barnhart, Vice President ; J. A. Marshall, Secretary ; W. \V^ W. Jones, Treasurer. Board of Directors - R. A. Perry, C. O. AV'hedon, R. C. Outcalt, Thomas Sewell, O. W. Webster, and J. H. Harley. The club occupies elegant rooms at the northwest corner of N and Twelfth streets^ fitted up in a most complete manner.

The ''Elks" Club was organized March 10, 1888, with sixty-five charter members, wliicji have been increased to 105 at the present time. The officers of this organization are: W. J. Houston, E. R.; H. R.

The Burr Block

Lincoln is the center of the organization designed to carry the prohibitory amendment at the election of 1890, known as the "Nebraska Non-partisan Prohibitory Amendment League." Mr. C. A. Atkinson is the President of the State I^eague, and Mr. Charles Bobbins Secretary. Messrs. Atkinson, John M. Stewart, and C. F. Creighton, are members of the State Executive Committee.

Among the most worthy benevolent societies of the city is the Woman's Christian Association, designed to aid women in the work of self-support and protection. Also for the help of the needy. It now maintains a Woman's Home, on Eleventh street, between K and H.

The Willard and Lincoln Branches of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union are active contributors to the Christian charities of the city, the former having done noble work for a couple of years past in the management of the city hospital.

Company D of the First Regiment Nebraska National Guards is the best drilled militia company in the State. Captain, L. H. Cheney ; 1st Lieutenant, W. M. Decker ; 2d Lieutenant, C. H. Fox worthy. The company has forty-nine men.

The Irish National League Chapter Xx

The Irish National League - Lincoln as the Head-quartees of this Powerful Organization - Sketch of the Lives of the Lincoln Men WHO ARE Prominent in the League.

Lincoln having been for five years past the headquarters for the Irish National League of America, a brief sketch of that powerful organization will not be out of place.

Since the first attempt of the English to subjugate the Irish people, hardly a generation of Irishmen has passed without protest against the usurpation of Ireland's national rights by an alien government. Through many centuries the story of this national resistance drags its bloody trail, down to the last great rising of 1798, when Antrim, Presbyterian, and Wexford, Roman Catholic, made a daring attempt to establish an Irish republic on Irish soil. They failed; but the memory of their heroism lived on to inspire the patriots of later years.

The agitation of O'Connell had sunk into lethargy; the brave spirits of '98 had gone to other lands, with all their energy and all their genius; famine and pestilence had made Ireland a grave yard ; and the w^orld M'itnessed the greatest exodus of a people since the national migrations of antiquity. Gavan Duffy, sailing for Australia, said he left Ireland a corpse on the dissecting table; but the indomitable heart of the gallant little nation was still beating, thougli feebly. Then it was that James Stephens sewed the seeds that grew into the formidable Fenian Brotherhood. Alas! the curse of dissension made its appearance; the powerful conspiracy was forced into precipitate action, and failure was again written on Ireland's struggles for freedonj. Among the gallant spirits sent to penal servitude for Fenianism was a dark-faced, thoughtful young man, who, though deprived of his right arm, was destined to work great things for Ireland. Michael Davitt, the one-armed young patriot, was sentenced to seven years incarceration in a British dungeon. Better for the enemies of Ireland if they had hanged him. During the lonely hours he thought out the Ti-ish question, and he studied the causes of Irehind's constant faihires. He became convinced that it was only madness to dream of encountering^ Euirland's armies in the field. But he was fi mi liar with the social miseries and inequalities of privilege that formed the common inheritage of the British and Irish masses, and he believed that an agitation in Ireland, going as far as but not beyond the limit of revolution,, for the destruction of the Irish land system, combined with a demand for the establishment of a parliament in Ireland to legislate for local needs, would touch a sympathetic chord in the hearts of the British masses and prove much stronger than merely argumentative pleadings in parliament, and more likely to succeed than armed insurrection. He would agitate wdthout, and proper representatives should voice the people's cry within the walls of the British parliament. When the prison doors were opened, Davitt went to work to put his ideas into practical shape, and the result was the establishment of the Irish Land League in 1879. Davitt and Thomas Brennan, now of Omaha, were its evangelists. Patrick Egan became Treasurer, and Charles Stuart Parnell, the parliamentary and de facto leader of the Irish people, at once espoused the new organization. Soon thereafter branches of the league were formed in America, and the Irish Land League of America became a strong organization. Though Irishmen were not numerous in Lincoln at that period, they made up in energy what tiiey lacked in numbers, and a branch of the Land League was formed here with the following officers: President, Hon. John Fitzgerald;; Vice President, Rev. M. A. Kennedy; 2d Vice President, General Victor Vifquain ; Secretary, Thomas Carr; Treasurer, P]. P. Cagney. It may be remarked, incidentally, that in 1867, the gallant General Vifquain went to Ireland to give the Irish cause the service of his well-tried military experience.

In 1882 (the I^and I/cague was suppressed in Ireland, and Parnell organized the existing Irish National League. Early in 1883 a great convention of Irishmen and descendants of Irishmen was heldin PhiUulclphia, and the American Land I^eague was merged into a new organization known as the Irish National League of America^ the objects of which are simply to sustain in every necessary way, the constitutional policy of l\n"nell in his efforts to secui'c Home Rule for Ireland. Alexander Sullivan, Rev. Dr. O'Reilly, of Detroit, and Roger Walsh, as President, Treasurer and Secretary respectively, con-

«titute(l the first executive officers of the league. At a convention hekl in Boston in 1884, Patrick Egan, then a resident of Lincoln - where he settled after escaping the clutches of Dublin Castle officials, who on any pretext would have hanged him as a recompense for his patriotic devotion - was elected President, and with ]\lr. Egan the headquarters of the league came to Lincoln, where it has since remained. In January, '86, Secretary Walsh having resigned, Jno. P. Sutton succeeded him and became a citizen of Lincoln. The third convention of the Irish National League of America took place in Chicago in August, 1886, and our fellow^ townsman, Hon. John Fitzgerald, was elected to the Presidency by an overwhelming vote, Treasurer O'Reilly and Secretary Sutton being reelected to their respective offices w'ithout opposition. The Irishmen of Lincoln have done good service to the Irish cause. In December, 1885, Lincoln contributed |2,400, and in 1888 ^1,171, besides nearly^600 for the sufferers in the blizzard of January, 1888. The meetings of the League are features T)f Lincoln life^ -and are largely attended. The present local officers are P. O. Cassidy, President; E. P. Cagney, Treasurer, and John P. Sutton, Secretary. The local ex-Presidents are John Fitzgerald, Patrick Egan, and J. J. Butler.

As the names of Fitzgerald, Egan, and Sutton, have been so prominently connected with the League for years, and all being residents of Lincoln, it is eminently proper that this w'ork should give some extended personal notice of these men.

Hon. John Fitzgerald was born over fifty years ago, in Limerick, -county, Ireland. His father was a tenant farmer holding at the same time a small piece of free-hold property, the remnant of a more ample estate that had once been in the possession of his ancestors, but which had been reduced to a few acres by the operation of laws that had proved only too successful in bringing the old landed proprietors to beggary and ruin. Edward Fitzgerald, the father of the subject of our sketch, was evicted from his farm, and seeing the poverty and de- <;ay that surrounded him on all sides, leased his little free-hold, and with his sons sailed for the United States, back in the "forties."

At that time there w^as considerable prejudice against Irish immigration to America, and if the immigrant from the Green Isle found a fair field, he could also say that he found no favor. Americans of that dav are not to be liehtlv blamed. American literature was in its infancy. The mental food of the people was mainly derived from English sources, and the character of the Irish people was delineated by men imbued with racial hatreds. Reared in this atmosphere of distorted teachings, and fed upon unrefuted calumnies, it is no wonder that the mass of Americans felt prejudiced toward the Irish race, whose most numerous representatives were the unlettered and povertystricken victims of a tyranny described by Edmund Burke as the most perfect system ever devised by the perverted ingenuity of man to drive a nation mad. The immigrants, too, had their serious faults, which, though doubtless the engendered results of a century of oppression, helped to increase the aversion prejudice had already excited against them. Intemperance was painfully prevalent, and factionfighting was a vice that long baffled the efforts of the priest and patriot to destroy it. Americans are a just people, and are quick to fling away their prejudices when convinced that they are in error, and few are more ready to recognize and reward true merit.

The Fitzgerald family, after arriving in New York, pushed westward, to find employment in the great public works which evenutually made New York and Pennsylvania the leading States of the Union, They quickly developed qualities of mind and heart which won the confidence and respect of the leading contractors of that day. John Fitzgerald was then a youth of seventeen summers, with a strong, muscular frame, and a vigorous constitution. He Avas then, and always has been, a strict disciple of Father INIathew, from whom he had received the pledge while yet almost an infant. A salient feature of his character is his incontrollable desire to be doing something.

In those early days, after the close of the open season, it was usual for the great armies of canal builders to withdraw for the winter to the neighboring towns, waiting for the spring to resume work. ( )nly too many frittered away in these idle days, all the money they had accumulated by hard labor in the burning heat of summer. The Fitzgeralds were men of a different stamp, and did not believe in making their summers pay for their winters. They sought such work as could be found, even if the remuneration hardly paid their living expenses. It was on one of these occasions that John Fitzgerald accepted work from a farmer for his board and seven dollars per month. At another time he was working for a farmer, digging ditches, when his quick perception showed him how he could do the work by con- ract, make iiioney for himself, secure better wages for his companions, and give greater satisfaction to the farmer. He made his proposition to the hitter, and it was accepted.

In twenty-four hours John Fitzgerald was a contractor, his fellowworkmen became his employes, and he stood on equal ground with liis former employer. The job was finished much quicker than the farmer liad calculated, and the work Avasdoneto his complete satisfaction. Tlic laborers received higher wages than their agreement with the farmer had called for, and John Fitzgerald had a good round sum of money to the credit of his profit and loss account. That was Mr. Fitzgerald's first contract, and to-day he speaks of it with greater pride than of all the enterprises of magnitude he has since completed.

The reputation achieved by Edward Fitzgerald and his sons did much in the districts wherein they labored, to raise the character of the Irish in American opinion, and contractors were glad not only to employ them, but to sublet to them large portions of their work.

After the death of their father, in New York State, the brothers, Edward and John, turned their attention to the construction of railroads. After satisfactorily completing important contracts in New Enghuul during the war, they gradually worked westward until they reached Wisconsin, where they built several hundred miles of railroad. Following the star of empire, the brothers penetrated through Iowa with their iron highways. After the death of liis brother Edward, John assumed control of what had become a vast business, and after building the greater part of the C. B. & Q. in Iowa, crossed the Missouri and took up work for the B. & M. and Union Pacific roads, until his name became inseparably bound up with the history of railroading from the Atlantic to the Rocky mountains.

Mr. Fitzgerald made his first home in Nebraska at Plattsmouth, M-here he owns a very large amount of property. Since becoming a resident of this State, Mr. Fitzgerald, besides his work in Nebraska, was associated witli S. Mallory esq., C. E., of Chariton, Iowa, and Martin Flynn esq., of Des Moines, Iowa, in the construction of the Cincinnati Southern road through Tennessee; also in building the Denver, McmjJiis S: Atlantic railway, in association witli the Fitzgerald & Mallory Construction Company. The latest enterprise of our active townsman is the construction of the St. Louis & Canada railroad in Mic|ii(ran and Indiana.

Mr. Fitzgerald lias very extensive landed property in Nebraska. The man who as a boy looked with tear-filled eyes upon the few fields from which he and his father were evicted, is to-day the owner of two the largest and best managed farms in America, embracing 8,00(J ;acres of unsurpassed fertility at Greenwood, and 6,000 equally as good in Gage county, in this State. In addition, he has several farms .in Wisconsin and other states.

His investments in commercial lines are many and extensive. He -owns the large West Lincoln Brick and Tile Works, and also has a -controlling interest in the Rapid Transit company, of which he is President. He is also President of the First National Banks of Plattsmouth and Greenwood, and of the Nebraska Stock Yards Company, and a Director of the First National and Union Savings Banks of Lincoln. Mr. Fitzgerald is also laro-elv interested in mercantile in- and has stores in different parts of the State.

His first experience with Lincoln was Colonel Tom Hyde's iuvitation to the hospitality of a shanty, and his first bed in the same shanty was a buffalo robe on the gronnd, damp with recent rains. To-day his magnificent residence and beautifully laid out grounds crown Mount Emerald, the finest elevation in the city, and here he loves to -extend the genuine hospitality typical of the Geraldine.

His splendid wholesale business block at the corner of Seventh and P is rapidly approaching completion, and it is but the precursor of other statelv edifices with which Mr. Fitzgerald's enterprise will eni- -bellish the city he has chosen for his home, and which owes so much to his untiring energy.

Although the most liberal and tolerant of men, Mr. Fitzgerald is a strict Roman Catholic, and a munificent contributor to his church. The Convent of the Holy Child Jesus is the gift of Mr. Fitzgerald to the nuns of that order, and his subscriptions in aid of the Catholic of Lincoln have been generous and constant. Some three jears ago he gave a large sum to help in the construction of St. Patrick's Church in Rome, and Pope Leo XIII, in recognition of his generosity, sent him a valuable gold medal.

The Geraldine race, kin with the Gherardini of Florence, and boasting its descent from Eneas, the Trojan hero, has been conspicuous for its heroic fidelity to the fate and fortunes of the Irish nation. Its blood has poured out on every battlefield for Irish liberty, its sons have perished with stoicism in the dungeou, and looked scorn from the scaffold. The castles of the Geraldines stud the river banks and mountain glens of Munster, and few are the tales of fairy lore and Aveird romance in which some Fitzgerald does not play a conspicuous role. With the blood of this fiery clan in his veins, it is but natural that Mr. Fitzgerald should be ardently attached to the cause of Ireland. From boyhood to the present moment he has supported every movement consecrated to Irish liberty, and there has hardly been an Irish convention which he has not attended. Unambitious for office^ with no personal views, but influenced by an earnest desire to see his country enjoy the liberty so many of his race had died for, his time^ and his purse, and his quiet word of sound advice, were ever at the service of Ireland. The qualities of the man could hardly escape recognition, and in 1886 he was chosen President of the Irish National League of America. His period of office has been a troubled one^ great events having transpired during his administration ; but he has filled the position with honor to himself and to the Irish cause. His cool, conservative policy, his strong determination to keep the league free from political entanglements and from alliances that could in any way compromise the action of Parnell and his colleagues, has merited and received the warm approbation not only of the Irish leaders, but of the best friends of Ireland in America. To everything that can add to the welfare of the Irish cause, and to the benefit of his race, John Fitzgerald has been conspicuously generous.

Mr. Fitzgerald is, in American politics, a strong Democrat, and a warm supporter of his party, bus has invariably refused to accept any political honors. From men of all shades of religious and political belief Mr. Fitzgerald receives the respect due to his strict integrity and his boundless energy.

Fortunate in his business, he is equally blessed in his domestic life. Mrs. Fitzgerald is a most estimable lady, and as remarkable for her kind, unostentatious benevolence, as her husband is for his more active qualities. Their family consists of four children, and since their marriage no cloud has darkened the summer of their lives.

John P. Sutton was born in Ireland in ] 845, and came to this country in 1865. Mr. Sutton entered the army and was Post Sergeant Major of Fort Bridger, Wyomiug, in 1866, and subsequently of Fort

Sedgwick, Colorado, in 18G8. When discharged he was First Sergeant of H Company, Eighteenth Infantry. Mr. Sutton was recommended by his superior officers to apply for a commission, but the great reduction of the army at that time, and the prospect of continued peace, gave small encouragement to a young officer's hopes of advancement ; so Sergeant Sutton abandoned his military career after receiving the highest commendations from Col. Carrington, Lieut. Col. Mills, Major A. S. Burt, and other officers. His family had emigrated from Ireland to Canada in 1804, and his father filled a responsible position in the

Hox. Johx P. Sutton

Union Bank of Lower Canada, in Quebec. Mr. Sutton rejoined his family with the intention of remaining only a short time, but smitten by the charms of a young Irish-Canadian lady, he married and settled down in Canada. lie always considered himself an American citizen, and carefully eschewed all participation in Canadian politics. He was for several years accountant for Ross & Co., one of the greatest mercantile houses in Canada. Owing to his independence of all political parties, and his advocacy of tlie Irish cause, he was very popular with liis countrymen in (Quebec, and was President of the Quebec branch of the league while he remained in that city. In 1885 he moved to Chicago, and while there was asked to return to Canada aiid stir up the Irishmen of the Dominion to active support of the cause. His efforts were rewarded with a large measure of success. In January, 1886, he accepted the Secretaryship of the Irish National League during Mr. Egan's administration, but resigned in May of the same year to assume the position of Assistant Treasurer of the Fitzgerald & Mallory Construction Co., offered him by John Fitzo-crald who M-as General Manager and Treasurer of the company. At the Irish League convention of 1886, Mr. Sutton was unanimously reelected Secretary of the league, and returned to Lincoln in October of the same year, and has since resided here. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton have a family of four children.

Hon. Patrick Egan, now Minister Plenipotentiary from the Ignited States to the Republic of Chili, South America, was born at Ballymahon county, Longford, Ireland, August 31, 1841. At the age of fourteen he entered the office of an extensive grain and milling firm in Dublin, and before he was twenty had been promoted to the post of chief bookkeeper and confidential man. Later he was elected managing director of this, as a stock company, it being the most extensive one in Ireland. He was, at the same time, senior pai'tner in the most extensive bakery establishment in the county. He had been an industrious learner before going into business, and all this time took evening lessons of various instructors, and particularly of a brilliant young , Episcopal minister of Dublin named Porte.

His extensive and close connection with the business interests of the country brought him ftice to face with the terrible system of landlord oppression and tyranny which was impoverishing the country and decimating the people, and as far back as 1863 he became an active worker in the ranks of the advanced national party, taking his full share of all the labors and risks of the movement which brought about the attempted insurrection of 1867. In 1871, with Isaac Butt and others, Mr. Egan took an active part in founding the Home Rule League, and as one of the council of that body helped to spread the good work throughout the country.

For ten years prior to the formation of the Land League, in 1879, Patrick Egan was regarded as if not the ablest at least one of tlie most important factors in the national movement in Ireland.

Sio History Of The City Of Lincoln

All this time he was the close fi'iend and confidant of the brilliant Isaac Butt, fonnder of the Home Knle movement; of John Martin, Professor Galbraith, Charles Stuart Parnell, and men of equal eminence.

When the Land League was formed, in October, 1879, Patrick Egan w^as unanimously chosen one of its three trustees and its acting Treasurer, and in December of that year he relinquished the management ot his large business entirely to his partners and threw himself into the work of the Land League relief fund, in which he labored almost night and day for months, distributing relief to the victims of landlord extortion, besides performing much labor for the general amelioration of the agricultural, financial, and commercial, condition of the Irish people. Xear the close of 1880, he, with twelve others, including Parnell, Dillon, Bigger, Sexton, Sullivan, Sheridan, and Harris, were singled out by the government for prosecution for alleged conspiracy. After a costly trial of sixteen days the jury stood ten for acquittal and two for conviction. The crovernment did not dare arraign them again, but brought in a bill to suspend the habeas coiyus act, and to permit the arrest of any one obnoxious to the government, intending to proscribe all members of tiie league.

Messrs. Parnell, Dillon, Davitt, and other patriotic leaders, persuaded Mr. Egan to go to Paris to prevent the government from confiscating the league funds. He took up his residence in Paris in February, 1881, and remained until the close of 1882. Much of this time the entire management and responsibility for the policy and acts of the league fell upon him, because the other members of the executive committee were in English prisons. But he performed the work to the satisfaction of his colleagues, handling large sums of money and accounting for every cent, and so profitably investing it as to turn over to the league 1 26,000 in returns. For these three years he gave his time to the league without a cent of compensation.

During the struggle from 1880 to 1882 Mr. Egan was frequently pressed to stand for parliament, in fact, was twice unanimously nominated, once for Queen's county and again for county Meath, but he declined because he could not take the oath of allegiance to England required by the government.

he quietly removed to Holland, and then came to the United States sind became a citizen of Lincoln, Neb. Here he settled down to his accustomed grain business, but never lagged for a moment in his activity in defense of the cause of Ireland.

. He was one of three upon whose call was held the great Irish convention of April, 1883, at Philadelphia, at which the Land League was dissolved and the present Irish National League of America was founded, and at the next convention of the league, held in Boston, in

1884, he was elected President, which office he held for two years. During his term of office the league in America was eminently successful. It sent to Ireland about ^350,000, besides doing nmch to solidify the Irish element in this country. Under the rules of the leao-ue the President is entitled to a salary of $3,000 per year, but Mr. Egan returned, as a donation to the league fund, his two years salary of $6,000.

cially with reference to the revenue policy of this country, regardingthe free-trade theories as certain to produce the same calamities to the people of this nation as British free trade has brought upon Ireland. In ^lay, 1888, he was elected delegate-at-large to the National Republican Convention by a vote of 594 to 67, and was a conspicuous figure in that convention, declining the chairmanship in favor of Hon. John M. Thurston.

But, perhaps, Mr. Egan's most brilliant achievement remains tobe told. The English Government and I^ondon Times had entered into a conspiracy to destroy Charles Stuart Parnell, and through him the cause of Ireland, by arraigning him before a prejudiced court on a false charge, based on letters forged by a man named Piggott, who had sold the forgeries to the Times for money. By a systematic comparison of Piggott's known writing and language with the forgeries, as well as by means of facts already known in part to Mr. Egan, he was enabled to weave such a demonstration of the forgeries that, at a critical moment in the trial, when the Tories almost felt sure of victory, Piggott was suddenly confronted with Mr. Egan's overwhelming proofs of his villainy. He confessed his iniquity, fled to Europe, and destroyed himself. Of course the case against Mr. Parnell fell to the ground, amid the derision of the Avorld. This culmination came about the first of the present year.

He is the father of fourteen children, nine of whom are living, one daughter being married and a resident of Dublin. One of his^ children was born in France, one in America, and the others in Ireland. His residence in Lincoln has been at 1447 Q street.

Banks And Financial Institutions Chapter Xxi

The first bank of Lincoln was established in June, 1868, by James Sweet and N. C. Brock. Preceding chapters give a record of this bank and the gentlemen Avho conducted it, it being one of the most important and prominent of the early banking institutions of the State. This enterprise was not long allowed to occupy the field alone.

The First National Bank of Lincoln, southeast corner O and Tenth streets, established and chartered February 24, 1871, is the successor^ so to speak, of a private bank founded a short time previously by Judge Amasa Cobb and J, F. Sudduth, Judge Cobb being President, and Mr. Sudduth Cashier. Among the early stockholders of the First National bank can be named Robert D. Silvers, E. E. Brown, A. L. Palmer, John Cadman, J. N. Eckmau, W. R. Field, Chester Schoolcraft, Prof. J. G. Miller, George W. Cobb, and W. P. Phillips. Judge Cobb was the first President of the bank after its incorporation, and J. F. Sudduth the first Cashier. In 1874 Messrs. John Fitzgerald and John R. Clark bought an interest in the bank, and soon after this Mr. Fitzgerald was made President, and Mr. Clark Cashier, Mr. Sudduth being made Vice President, which place he held to the time of his death, which occurred in 1880. No change was made in the officers of the bank from that time until June, 1889, wheu Mr. Clark was made President, D. D. Muir Cashier, and C. S. Lippincott Assistant Cashier. Mr. Muir had previously been Assistant Cashier for a number of years. Since 1880 the management of the bank has been almost entirely in the hands of Mr. Clark, and to his financial ability, and careful management is the success of the institution chiefly due. As a matter of history, and showing the growth of business of the bank, a comparison of some figures from 1872, with the report of its condition on July 12, 1889, will be of especial interest.

Residence Of J. D. Macfarland

1872, by the Richards Brothers, and was purchased by Messrs. E. E. Brown, K. K. Hayden, and others, in 1885, and reorganized. Since the second organization it has made constant progress in its business and in public favor. This will be perceived to be manifest when the fact is stated that in four years past it has doubled its capital, and more than doubled its business, notwithstanding the organization of five new banks in the city during, that period. The confidence of the public in this excellent institution is exhibited in the very large aggregate sum of. deposits its official statements now show. In this proof of public favor it has no superior in the State, all things considered.

The success of the State National Bank doubtless rests upon the able business ability of its officers and directors, and their high character as citizens. It is only necessary to refer to the names of these gentlemen to demonstrate that they are a very strong company, considered in the light of long business experience in this community and State, unquestioned integrity, and their peculiar fitness for conducting the extensive financial affairs of the bank.

Hon. E. E. Brown, President of the bank, has been identified with the city and its progress almost from the time Lincoln was founded; He was Mayor of the city in 1872, and was for years recognized as the most able attorney, and scarcely excelled in legal acquirements in the State. He was always distinguished for his very thorough business habits, his prudence and sagacity in business, and his financial success. He discontinued his law practice when he accepted the Presidency and a large share of the responsibility in the management of the bank, in order to give its affairs the more perfect attention.

Hon. J. J. Imhoff is the Vice President of the State National Bank, and also one of the directors. Mr. Imhoff was a successful merchant and capitalist of Nebraska City before Lincoln was platted, in 1867, and was one of the leading founders of the city. He built up the Capital Hotel property from a value of |5,000 to a value of §115,000 in fifteen years. He is one of the largest, most successful, and enterprising capitalists of Lincoln, and one of the city's most useful and respected citizens.

Hon. G. M. Lambertson, for eight years United States District Attorney for Nebraska, now serving his second term as the City Attorney for Lincoln, and one of the most able lawyers and business men of the city, is also a director in this strong financial institution. Mr.

Another director, and also the Cashier of this bank is Mr. K. K. Harden, who is one of the most thorough business men in Nebraska. Ml-. Hayden has built himself into his present honorable and responsible })osition by his unyielding courage, his tireless application to every detail of all business entrusted to his charge, and his inflexible adherence to strict business methods at all times. His personal career has been admirable as well as remarkable. He was born on a planta- tion in St. Mary's county, Maryland, in 1855, and was the child of luxury and the pet of his own slaves until the war totally ruined the family ftrtunc and brought young Hayden to a))solnte ])overty. After the war he sold papers on the streets of Jialtimore, and earned his way by hard experience in other occupations. He came to Omaha in 1866,. and in 1870 secured a position as bell boy in the First National J5ank of Omaha, at a salary of $15 per month. Within five years, or when twenty years old, he was teller in that bank, and remained with the I'ir.-t National for eleven years. He then accepted the position of

Banks And Financial Institutions. 31 7

Assistant Cashier in the Nebraska National Bank of the same city, and hekl this position until he was appointed National Bank Examiner by President Cleveland, in 1885, his district being Nebraska and Kansas.

His duties made iiim acquainted with the business ])rospects ofLin- "Coln, and the merits of the State National Bank of this city, and he resigned his office as Bank Inspector, to accept the position of Cashier of this bank, a position he has held ever since. It is easy, therefore, to understand why the State National Bank is popular, and commands the respect of business men, with such thorougli business men as the gentlemen named, with all their special training, on guard over the details of its business.

The other directors of the bank, Messrs. Geo. McMillan, E. Finney, and H. L. Smith, though not so familiar to the people of Lincoln as some of the gentlemen named, are of scarcely less merit in financial or business standing, and their equal in personal integrity. Mr. C. E. Waite is the Assistant Cashier, and is a man who attends strictly to business, and has also had considerable banking experience, having resigned the cashiership of the First National Bank, Humboldt, Neb., to accept his present position with the State National Bank.

No financial institution of Lincoln has shown a more constant growth than the Nebraska Savings Bank, now located at the southeast corner of O and Thirteenth streets, and no other bank in the city is more progressive in adopting methods that contribute to the interests and advantage of the people of the city and surrounding country. This bank was organized on July 20, 1886, and its deposits have grown from less than §2,000 on August 1, 1886, to about $85,000 on the same date in 1889. It does a general banking business.

The management of the bank seeks to encourage habits of frugality and success among the people, and to this end has adopted a savingsbank department for the public schools of the city, similar to the system so successful in Europe and some of the Eastern States. In this course the Nebraska Savings Bank was in advance of all other banks in this State. The principle of this system is to open accounts with the school children and receive deposits of ten cents or more, upon which interest is paid at the rate of five per cent per annum, compounded semi-annually. This education in economy is carricil on sy>- tematically, by visiting the schools and seeing all the pupils, a growiiig^ nuinl)er of whom are becoming regular depositors, thus inculcating fixed habits of saving and business, in a manner never to be eradicated during life, and which will be of great value to the pupils when they have grown to manhood and womanhood. The schools have regular deposit days, and 1,500 children have opened accounts and deposited the large sum of |8,000, of which about §4,000 stands to their credit at this date. This feature of banking has the hearty approval of leading educators and the progressive public.

The Capital National Bank, located on the southeast corner of O and Eleventh streets, is one of the most carefully-managed and successful banks in the city. It has a capital stock of $300,000. Of this bank C. W. Mosher is President; H. J. Walsh, Vice President ; R. C. Outcalt. Cashier; and J. W. Maxwell, Assistant Cashier.

The American Exchange Bank was incorporated on December 1, 1888, and began business at the southeast corner of N and Eleventh streets, with a capital stock of $100,000. It is a carefully-managed institution and transacts a general banking business. Its officers are: I. M. Raymond, President; Lewis Gregory, Vice President; S. H. Burnham, Cashier; and D. E. Wing, Assistant Cashier.

Tiie Lincohi Savings Bank Safe and Deposit Company was established on January 1, 1881), at the southeast corner of P and Eleventh streetSjWith a capital of §250,000. Its specialty is the safe-deposit vault, built of twenty-seven tons of steel, containing 1,000 safes for customers. This vault is both fire and burglar proof, and is the only one of its kind in tiie city. The officers of this bank are: Henry E. Lewis^ President and Manager; A. P. S. Stewart, Vice President; John H.

McClay, Treasurer; and R. Welch, Teller. Tiie Directors are: A. P. S. Stewart, H. J. Walsh, Henry E. Lewis, John Vy. Wright, W. H. McCreery, Fred Williams, H. P. Lau, Wni. McLaughlin, and John H. McCleary.

The Kicharps Block

of Eleventh and O streets. It transacts all forms of a banking business, and its prosperity grows steadily from year to year. It was organized in August of 1882. Its present capital is $100,000, and its surplus is $35,000. Its officers now are : Nathan S. Harwood, President ; R. E. Moore, Vice President; (\ T, Boggs, Cashier; and Frank M. Cook, Assistant Cashier.

The Union Savings Bank, at 111 South Tenth street, was incorporated under the hnvs of the State April 26, 1886, and has been very successful. Its capital stock is ,$200,000, and the liabilities of the stockholders are $400,000. Its deposits amount to $180,000. Its officers are : R. E. INIoore, President ; E, E. Brown, Vice President ; C. H. Imhoff, Cashier; and the Board of Directors - John Fitzgerald, C. E. Yates, R. E. Moore, E. E. Brown, T. E. Calvert, J. J. ImhoU; John R. (/lark, K. K. Hayden, and J. McConniff.

( )ne of the oldest existing financial institutions in Lincoln is the Lancaster County Bank, located at 117 South Tenth street. It was organized about nineteen years ago, now enjoys a large business, and is in a sound condition, its capital being |50,000 and its surplus |17,- 000. Its present officers are: AV. J. Lamb, President; W. A. Green, Vice President ; and E. B. Green, Cashier.

A prominent financial institution of Lincoln is the German National Bank, located in the Burr Block, at Twelfth and O streets. It was established on December 10, 1886, and has steadily grown in public favor. It has a paid-in capital of $100,000, and a surplus of $20,000, and transacts a general banking business, making a specialty of foreign collections. Its officers are : Herman H. Schaberg, President; C. C. Munson, Vice President; Joseph Boehmer, Cashier; and O. J. Wilcox, Assistant Cashier. The Directors are : Messrs. Herman H. Schaberg, C. C. Munson, Joseph Boehmer, C. E. Montgomery, Alex. Halter, F. A. Boehmer, B. J. Brotherton, Walter J. Harris, and J. A. Hudelson.

The Lincoln Loan and Trust Company is located in the basemen:j of the Richards Block. It was organized in 1884, and is officered as follows: N. S. Harwood, President; W. (i. Houtz, Vice President; C T. Boggs, Treasurer; and Jose})h Kelly, Manager. The Directors are: J. E. Houtz, John H. Ames, and AV\ R. Kelly.

- The Capital J^oan and Investment Company is located on the sixth floor of the Burr Block. It was organized May 1, 1889, makes a specialty of building loans, and has a growing business. It has a corps of officers as follows: J. T. Englehardt, President; W. W. A\'. Jones, Vice President; A. J. Millikin, Treasurer; H. F. Albers, Secretary; and S. B. Pound, Attorney,

The Baldwin luvestraent Company, at lOG South Thirteenth street, IS a new and popular financial concern, incorporated on June 1, 18S9. It was organized for the purpose of buying and selling commercial paper and other negotiable securities, including real estate mortgages. It has an authorized capital of |100,000, and a paid-in caj^ital of $50,- OOO. Its business is conducted with great prudence, the management having adopted the plan of loaning only on "two-name" paper, running not longer than eight months. In all cases they require written statements as to financial condition from the makers of paper, who must also have good commercial rating and a reputation for prompt paying. This plan carried out will insure to the company first-class securities to offer to its Eastern correspondents. The Board of Directors, who pass upon all loans, have had years of experience in loaning in Lincoln, and are competent judges as to the quality of paper offered. Its real estate loans are all made on not to exceed forty percent of a conservative valuation, with insurance policy assigned with mortgages, or additional security, making this class of investments perfectly safe. The company invests its own funds in all paper offered for sale and guarantees payment at maturity. Its business has been very successful to date, it being large and growing constantly. Its are: Le Grand M. Baldwin, President; L. C. Humphrey, "Vice President; and A. H. Humphrey, Secretary and Treasurer.

The Security Investment Company is located in rooms 1, 2 and .'), -on the second floor of the Richards Block, corner of O and Eleventh streets. It was organized February 1, 1886, and has since been very prosperous, now having over $5,000,000 loaned in Nebraska. It -also buys municipal bonds. Its officers are: R. E. Moore, President; John Moore, Vice President; T. W. Moore, Secretary and Treasurer. Its capital is $100,000.

The Clark & Leonard Investment Company, with offices in the First National Bank building, at Tenth and O streets, was organized October 1, 1886, and is one of the excellent institutions of the 'kind in Lincoln. It does a large business in mortgage loans, bonds, and other securities, having a capital of $200,000. Its officers are : Wm. M. Clark, President; J. W. McPonald, Secretary; and Wm. jM. Leonard, Treasurer.

One of the most prosperous financial institutions in the city, probably because one of the most carefully managed, is the Farmers & ^Merchants Insurance Company. As its name indicates its risks are mainly confined to the property of prudent merchants and good farmers, and for that reason its financial condition continues to improve from year to year.

It was organized on July 2, 1885. According to law it made to the Auditor of State its first annual statement on December 31, 1885,. as follows:

Assets

The business of the Company steadily progressed, and in a manner mo.st favorable to the success of the management of the company's aflPairs, as the exhibit of its condition reported to the State Auditor^ under oath, on December 31, 1888, will show, when compared witli the like .statement of December 31, 1885:

Another feature of peculiar merit connected with this company's business policy is that it discards the technical delays in paying lo.>^ses, which are so aggravating and injurious. It has paid losses within twenty-four hours after the fires occurred, and seldom allows a delay of over three or four days in paying a loss. Thi.s reform has won it much popular favor.

The officers for the present year are: D. E. Thompson, President; H. J. Walsh, Vice President; S. J. Alexander, Secretary; C W Mosher, Treasurer.

Dun's Commercial Agency is represented by a local office in the First National Bank block, by Frank D. Blish. This office was established in 1882, and is one of the best conducted institutions of the city.

An office of Bradstreet's Commercial Agency was opened in the State National Bank building during the present year, of which II. C. Patterson is the accommodatino- manager.

Chapter Xxii

The Press of Lincoln - As in Other Things, so in Newspapers, Does Lincoln Stand at the Front - The Papers That Have Been and are and the ]Men Who Publish Them.

I^incoln has been fortunate in many particulars, and among others in having good newspapers. A good newspaper is a standing advertisement to the outside world that a good town is behind it, and this has been the only advertisement that Lincoln has ever had.

On the 14th of August, 1867, the Commissioners for the location ot the seat of government for the State of Nebraska, selected and officially announced Lincoln, up to that time the town of "Lancaster," as the place. On the following day there appeared in the columns of the Nebraska City Press a prospectus for the publication of a weekly newspaper at Lincoln, to be called the Nebraska Commonwealth, over the signature of C. H. Gere. On the 7th day of September, the first <;opy of the new paper Avas printed at the office of the Press, there being at that time no accommodations for a newspaper office at the new capital. "C. H. Gere & Co." were the announced publishers.

On November 2d, the second number of the Commonwealth was issued at Lincoln, printed in the office of Hon. S. B. Galey, a stone building on the north side of the Government square, W. W. Carder, publisher, and C. H. Gere, editor. It was a seven-column sheet, of dingy appearance, the type being some old primer and nonpareil taken from the used-up material of the Nebraska City Press; the press used being the first *' Washington" ever brought across the Missouri river into Nebraska territory.

Before the third number was issued (and it came out two weeks later) the Commomoealih had moved into an office of its own, a stone building of small dimensions on the corner lot of the Academy of Music block, which was torn down several years ago to make way for improvements. The issues thereafter were regular, except when some accident of transportation prevented the arrival of printing paper in time for the press.