Omaha City (part 14 of 26)

Melville DeLeal Cameron, occupying an enviable and creditable position in financial circles, is vice president and treasurer of the Peters Trust Company. His residence in Omaha covers fourteen years but he has practically spent his life in Nebraska although his birth occurred upon a farm in. Hancock county, Ohio, in 1858. He was a youth of fourteen years when in 1872 he accompanied his parents, Wallen and Sarah J. (Woods) Cameron, to this state. The father was born near Magnolia in Carroll county, Ohio, in 1833, a son of Alexander and Lydia (Miller) Cameron, and was married in Hancock county in 1857 to Sarah J. Woods. With their removal to the west they established their home in Colfax county, Nebraska, where Mr. Cameron passed away on the i8th of April, 191 5, survived by his widow, who still makes her home in that county. He was a farmer throughout his entire life but at the time of the Civil war put aside all business and personal considerations, responding to the country's call for troops November 18, 1861, at which date he enlisted at Arlington, Ohio, as a private in Company H, Fourteenth Missouri Cavalry. He served one year and then was assigned to the Sixty-sixth Illinois Infantry. He served throughout the war and upon his re-enlistment after eighteen months spent at the front was placed with the company of Sharp Shooters.

Melville DeLeal Cameron attended school in his native state and in Colfax county, Nebraska. He also studied in the graded schools of Schuyler, Nebraska, and in 1883 was graduated from the Nebraska Wesleyan Seminary at York, Nebraska, which is now the Nebraska Wesleyan University of University Place. Nebraska. After leaving college he accepted the position of deputy county treasurer in Colfax county and thus served for two terms. In 1887 he was elected county clerk and recorder of Colfax county and the acceptable manner in which he discharged his duties in that connection led to his reelection so that he remained the incumbent in the office for four years. In 1892 he became associated with the Schuyler National Bank as vice president, remaining in that capacity for ten years ; also engaging actively in the real estate and mortgage loan business. And through a period of ten years controlled a constantly growing business in that connection, but in 1902 closed out his interests there and came to Omaha, where he entered into partnership with R. C. Peters under the firm style of R. C. Peters & Company for the conduct of a mortgage loan and investment business. In 1907 they incorporated their interests under the name of the Peters Trust Company and Mr. Cameron was made vice president and treasurer, still acting in the dual office. Experience has been to him a thorough teacher and has found in him an apt i)upil. From the prompt and faithful performance of each day's duties he has found inspiration, courage and strength for the labors of the succeeding day and throughout his entire business career opportunity has ever been to him the call to activity.

Mr. Cameron has been married three times. His first wife was Miss Mattie Brigham of Table Rock, Nebraska, whose death occurred in 1891 in Schuyler,

Nebraska. In 1893, in York, Nebraska, he wedded Miss Florence Wyckoff, who passed away the following year, their only child, a son, dying in infancy! In 1898 in Schuyler, Nebraska, Mr. Cameron wedded Miss Viola Jennings daughter of the late Rev. Jesse W. Jennings. D. D., Presiding Elder of the Omaha District of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and later Manager of the Kansas City Depository of the Methodist Book Concern in Kansas City, Missouri. Politically Mr. Cameron is a republican, having endorsed the principles of the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has attained the thirty-second degree in Masonry and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also identified with the Commercial Club, the Happy Hollow Club and the University Club. He is an active member and liberal supporter of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Omaha and since 1899 he has been a trustee of the Nebraska Wesleyan University, doing everything i^i his power throughout the intervening years to develop and promote its interests. He is now vice president of the board, chairman of the executive committee and chairman of the finance committee. While his business interests have become extensive and of an important character he has never allowed them to so monopolize his time that it has excluded active participation in projects looking to the intellectual and moral development of the communities in which he has resided. In fact, he counts those things most worth while and has ever felt, as Lincoln expressed it, that "There is something better than making a living - making a life."

Dr. L. Seymour Fields, physician and surgeon practicing at Omaha since June I, 19 1 5, has gained a creditable position for one of his years, being yet a young man. He was born in Clay county, Kansas, January 3, 1886, a son of Alexander J. and Jennie Rebecca (Harmon) Fields^;- The father is a native of Jones county, Iowa, and represents one of the pioneer families of the eastern part of that state - a family of English origin that was founded ton American soil in Potter county, Pennsylvania. Early representatives of the name also lived in Cortland, New York. Alexander J. Fields, however, was reared and educated in eastern Iowa and throughout his life has followed agricultural pursuits. In 1880 he went to Kansas, becoming an early settler of Clay county and later moving to Jackson county, where he still resides. His wife, a native of Ohio, was taken to Iowa in her infancy. They have become parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, of whom Dr. Fields was the first born.

In the public schools of Atchison county, Kansas, and the Atchison County High School in the city of Efiingham, Kansas, L. Seymour Fields pursued his education until graduated with the class of 1906. While his youth was spent upon a farm amid the usual experiences and training of farm life, his great ambition from boyhood was to become a physician. With that end in view he entered the Eclectic Medical University of Kansas City, Missouri, in which he completed a four years' course in 1914 with the M. D. degree. Following his graduation he did considerable hospital work in Kansas City. Missouri, and then entered upon private practice in Omaha, June i, 1915. In the two years which have since come and gone he has made steady professional advancement and his practice has shown that he is in touch with the latest scientific researches, discoveries and methods. He is now a member of the Omaha-Douglas County Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Association and the American Medical Association.

On the 15th of January, 1908, Dr. Fields was married in Horton, Kansas, to Miss Bertha l^issinger, a native of that state, who died in Kansas City, Missouri, March 31. 1913. leaving two children: Elma Bernice, born in Atchison, Kansas, November 15, 1908; and Lola Esther, born in Kansas City, Kansas. May 16, 191 1. On the 19th of May, 1915, Dr. Fields was married in Omaha to Miss Eva

M. Porter, of ]\Iynard. Nebraska, a daughter of William 11. and Alva (Shaw) Porter and a direct descendant of Anthony Wayne, the distinguished Revolutionary war hero of New York. Hers was an old pioneer family of Cass county, Nebraska, where location was made in 1854, and of that family Mrs. Fields is a representative in the third generation. Her grandfather was at one time president of the Nebraska Grange, was a thirty-second degree Mason and was quite prominent in Nebraska politics as a democratic leader.

Dr. Fields also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having been made a Mason on the 25th of September, 1916, in Capital Lodge, No. 3, A. F. & A. M. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Patriotic and Protective Order of Stags. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He worked his own way through the university. After spending some time as a teacher in the public schools of Atchison county, Kansas, he entered the railway mail service in April, 1907. and was thus engaged until he finished his medical course, receiving a salary of fifteen hundred dollars a year when he left the mail service. He carried out his ambition, however, of becoming a member of the medical fraternity and the sterling traits of his character argue for a successful future.

Charles Hansen

Charles Hansen, water commissioner of Benson, is a native of Denmark, his birth having occurred at Fyen on the 24th of May, 1857, his father being H. H. Hansen of that place. The father was interested in various business enterprises, having at different times been engaged in the grocery, real estate and banking businesses. He also held government positions and was a leader in his community. He was decorated by King Christian IX with the Cross of Dannebrog in recognition of long and faithful service, and this cross was saluted by every soldier who met the one wearing it. His family numbered seven children, of whom one died in infancy.

Charles Hansen, the eldest son, was educated in a kindergarten and in private schools of his native country between the ages of seven and twelve years, after which he went to the public schools. Later he again attended a private school, in which he completed his education, after which he began learning the trade of dyeing, serving a five years' apprenticeship. He then made his way to North Schleswig and managed a dyeing plant there for a period of five years. The opportunities of the new world, however, attracted him and in August, 1882, he came to the United States, making his way direct to Omaha, Avhere he was employed at various tasks. In 1883 he entered the Union Pacific railroad shops and there continued for almost a quarter of a century or until 1907, occupying various positions in that connection. He then accepted the position of water commissioner for the sity of Benson and took charge of the pumping plant which pumped the water for the entire city. Something of the development of the system is shown in the fact that when he assumed charge there were one hundred and seventy-five taps on the main pipe lines and today there are over one thousand. The water is drawn from wells and an ample supply of the purest water is secured at three hundred feet. The water from three wells is pumped into the reservoir and from the reservoir into the standpipe. Two pumps lift the water, and one by air system forces the water into the reservoir, while two triplex pumps lift the water from the reservoir into the standpipe. The capacity is nine hundred gallons a minute. All machinery is operated by electricity, the power being obtained from the Omaha Electric Light & Power Company. The waterworks system of Benson is now selfsustaining, the receipts more than meeting the expenses of operation. The plant is kept in excellent condition, extreme neatness characterizing every department, while the most sanitary conditions are maintained.

In October, 1883, Mr. Hansen was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Tender, a native of Schleswig, Germany, to whom he was betrothed in the old country and who made the voyage to America on the same boat which brought him. They became the parents of nine children, as follows: Mary, Hum and Mary, all of whom died in early life; Halvor, who was accidentally killed by a shotgun when eighteen years of age; May, who is now the wife of John Laurritsen and resides in Benson; Betty, at home; Carl Hum, who is a linotype operator in the employ of the World-Herald; Emma, also at home; and Henry, who is employed as a linotype operator on the Omaha Daily News.

Fraternally Mr. Hansen is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has become well known in Benson and Douglas county and as a public official has ever been found to be most trustworthy, capable and efficient.

George H. Brewer

One of the best known men of South Omaha is George H. Brewer, who became one of the early representatives of business activity in his part of the state, taking up his abode there in 1888. Since then he has been constantly and actively identified with business and public affairs looking to the betterment and upbuilding of his locality and his efforts have been far-reaching and beneficial. Mr. Brewer was born in Norwich, New York, his natal day being March 20, 1856. His parents were H. W. and Emeline (Day) Brewer, who were also natives of the Empire state, the father's birth occurring on the same farm on which George H. Brewer first saw the light of day, and upon that place the maternal grandfather was also born. H. W. Brewer lived upon that farm for fifty-five years and devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. He passed away only a short distance from his birthplace in 1896, when he had reached the age of seventy-one years, and his widow died in 191 1 in Norwich, New York, at the age of seventy-eight years. In their family were four children, all of whom are yet living: George H. ; B. Z., a resident of Hartford, Connecticut; M. D., whose home is at Canton, Ohio; and Mrs. May Moore, of Binghamton, New York.

In his youthful days George H. Brewer attended an academy at Norwich, New York, and after leaving school he traveled for a number of years. Eventually he located in Chicago, where he engaged in the business of manufacturing bedding for a number of years. In 1888 he came to Omaha and entered into partnership with W. G. Sloane in the furniture, undertaking and livery business. This he conducted in a highly profitable and successful manner for ten years, at the end of which time the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Sloane took over the furniture business, while Mr. Brewer became proprietor of the livery and undertaking business. He continued to engage in the livery business until 1906, at which time he disposed of his stables and concentrated his entire attention upon undertaking. This business he has since conducted along successful lines. In addition to his office he has built a fine chapel in which funeral services may be held and he is one of the directors of the Graceland Park Cemetery Association.

On the 20th of February, 1891, Mr. Brewer was united in marriage to Miss Etta Young, of Minden, Nebraska, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Young, who were pioneer settlers of Iowa. They have become the parents of a daughter, who is now Mrs. Edith Kunold. She resides in South Omaha and has one child, Dorothy Kunold.

Mr. Brewer votes with the repubhcan party and in 1908 filled the office of county coroner. He is prominently known in lodge circles, having membership in the Scottish Rite of Masonry, also in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He likewise belongs to the Seymour Lake Country Club and he and his family are members of the Presbyterian church.

His has been an active and well spent life measuring up to the highest standards of manhood and citizenship and today he is one of the self-made men of South Omaha, where he also ranks as a leading citizen.

George Holmes

George Holmes, municipal judge of Omaha, his native city, was born on the i8th of October, 1861, when the- city had not yet completed the first decade of its existence, and throughout all the intervening years he has been an interested witness of the changes which have occurred and of the transformation that has been wrought by time and man. His parents, George and Katherine (Harrington) Holmes, were natives of Ireland and in early life came to the United States, and theirs was the seventh marriage celebrated in Omaha. The father engaged in farming where the South Omaha Stock Yards are now located and at length sold his land to the present stock yards company. He died in this city in 1902, at the age of seventy-eight years, while his wife, surviving for four years, passed away in 1906 at the age of eighty. In their family were five children, of whom one is deceased, the others being: William, now a resident of Sumatra, Montana; George; Mrs. Helen Brennan, of Bascom, Montana; and Mrs. Mary Anderson, of Lincoln, Nebraska.

After mastering the branches of learning taught in the district school at South Omaha, George Holmes entered the University of Nebraska and also spent three terms as a student in the normal school at Shenandoah, Iowa. He later took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1894, after which he entered upon active practice in his native city and has since risen to a high place in the legal profession. He was elected municipal judge of Omaha in the election of November, 1916, on the non-partisan ticket, being one of the first judges to have been elected under the new municipal court law, and assumed the duties of the position on the 2d of January, 19 17. The large majority accorded him indicated his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen.

On the 23d of December, 1896, Mr. Holmes was married to Miss Sadie Felix, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Felix, who were representatives of well known families of Reading, Pennsylvania. Judge and Mrs. Holmes are members of the Roman Catholic church and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, Avhile professionally he is identified with the County Bar Association. He is a self-made man, owing his advancement entirely to his own efforts, ability and ambition, and he became one of the well known and leading attorneys of the city.

John Arthur Cavers

Volumes have been written concerning the causation of success but careful analysis always reaches the conclusion that the elements thereof are comparatively few. Thorough mastery of a business, persistency of purpose and reliability in method are the indispensable concomitants toward the attainment of prosperity in a given field. It is through the employment of those three elements that John Arthur Cavers has won his present position as the head of a leading commercial enterprise of Omaha - the Cavers Elevator Company, of which he is the president and which has now developed its trade to large proportions. Mr. Cavers was born in Ontario. Canada, in 1868. His father, James Cavers, a native of Scotland, went to Canada with his parents when but nine years of age and there continued to reside until called to his final rest in 1909.

John A. Cavers

the border into the United States in 1888, when a young man of twenty years. He made his way at once to North Dakota and was employed as telegraph operator by thie Great Northern Railroad Company for five years. He afterward went to St. Paul, Minnesota, in a similar capacity but in 1893 left that city and came to Nebraska. He settled first in Lincoln, where he was employed as telegraph operator by the Burlington Railway Company. For four years he remained in that position, spending the last two or three years, hbwever, in Omaha. He was then made chief inspector for the Western Railway Weighing Association and Inspection Bureau and so acted for seven years or until 1905, when he embarked in the grain trade in Oniaha, organizing the Cavers Elevator Company, of which he is the president. A local publication said : "There is in Omaha, perhaps, no better example of the results of straightforward effort directed into approved channels, the success of a bvisiness based on the principle of solidity, than in the Cavers Elevator Company, receivers and shippers of grain." The business of this corporation has grown steadily along most substantial lines and today the company occupies fine new offices in the Omaha Grain Exchange building and the members of the company are among the most progressive members of the Exchange. Sound judgment, keen sagacity, unfaltering commercial integrity, combined with knowledge gained from long years of experience in the grain trade, won for John yVrthur Cavers the success which is now his. He is also a director in the Whitehall Land & Irrigation Company of Whitehall, Montana, and he is likewise the owner of a ranch in Manitoba whereon he raises stock and engages in general farming.

In October, 1893. in Juniata, Nebraska, Mr. Cavers was united in marriage to Miss Alice May McDonegal, by whom he has three children, Douglas G., Keith M. and Marjorie Alice. Mr. Cavers has given his political allegiance to the republican party since becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States. He has a membership on the Chicago Board of Trade, and belongs to the Chicago Athletic Club, while his local connections are with the Omaha Commercial Club, the Omaha Club, the Country Club, the Omaha Automobile Club ajnd the Athletic Club of Omaha. He is likewise identified with the Council Bluffs Commercial Club and the Council Bluff's Rowing Club. Tiiere is .perhaps->no record in this history which indicates more clearly the force and eft'ectiv-eiiess-of persistency of purpose and laudable ambition when intelligently directed. Starting out in life with a public school education as equipment for meeting the duties and responsibilities of the business world. John A. Cavers has steadily worked his way upward, finding in the faithful performance and mastery of each day's duties inspiration and strength for the efforts of the succeeding day.

Charles A. Richly

Charles A. Richey, conducting business at Omaha under the name of the Richey Sand Company, is a native son of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Afton. May 6, 1873. His father, Francis M. Richey, a native of Ohio, came of Scotch ancestry, the founder of the American branch of the family arriving in the new world about 1775. The father was a successful lumberman of Plattsmouth. Nebraska, where he took up his abode in 1881. In politics he was a republican and he took an active part in local political affairs and civic matters. The regard which his fellov/ townsmen had for him personally and the recognition of his public spirit and ability as an ofiicial was indicated in the fact that they kept him in the office of mayor of Plattsmouth for six years. Fie died in January, 1913, at the age of seventy-two, and Nebraska lost one of its substantial and representative citizens. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Pauline Dickinson, was also born in Ohio and her death occurred in Plattsmouth in 1884, when she

In the family were eight chikh-en, of whom Charles A. Richey was the fourth. He acquired a public school education in Plattsniouth, to which city he went with his parents when a little lad of eight years. At the age of twenty he started out to earn his own li\ing and lirst l)ecame connected with the lumber and grain trades, starting out tor himself on a very limited capital. The undertaking, however, proved quite successful and he continued in the business in Louisville, Nebraska, for a period of eighteen years. In iqocS he entered the wholesale producing sand business, having plants at Fremont and at Louisville, and has continued exclusively in that line. In 1914 he established headquarters at Omaha and from this point has since managed the business, which has grown steadily in volume and importance until it has now reached a large annual figure.

On the 18th of February. 1896, in Louisville, Nebraska, Mr. Richey was joined in wedlock to Miss May Dutton, a native of Plattsmouth and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. W." Dutton, early pioneer settlers of Nebraska. The father has passed away, but the mother still survives and makes her home in California. Mr. and Mrs. Richey have three children, Katherine, Pauline and Mary.

In politics Mr. Richey is a republican, taking active part in the efifort to promote republican successes because of a firm belief in the party platform. For four years he was chairman of the local board at Louisville. Fraternally he is a Mason and an Elk and he holds a life membership in the Omaha Athletic Club. Starting out for himself when twenty years of age, he has proven the value of close application and unremitting diligence in the conduct of business affairs. He has also ever followed the old axiom that honesty is the best policy, his life being an expression of modern commercial enterprise resulting in success.

Bert C. Ranz

Bert C. Ranz, actively engaged in the banking business at Benson as cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank, was born in Claytonville. Iroquois county, Illinois, June 22, 1885, a son of William J. and Matilda (Pielstick) Ranz, the former a native of Iowa and the latter of Illinois. The paternal grandfather, Joseph Ranz, came from Germany to America, accompanied by his wife, and settled near Dubuque, Iowa, where he engaged in farming, becoming one of the pioneer residents of that part of the state. He afterward removed to Illinois, taking up his abode in Iroquois county, being numbered among the early settlers of that locality. He there followed farming for a long period and he lived to be more than eighty years of age. His son, William J. Ranz, turned his attention to mercantile pursuits and for a time conducted business in Iroquois county. In 1887 he came to Nebraska and remained at Atlanta, Nebraska, until he retired from active business in 1906. He took up his residence in Emerson, Iowa, but indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and once more he became connected with general mercantile pursuits, in which he remained until about 1908. He then once more retired from business and he passed away in March, 1914. He never sought to figure prominently in any public connection but gave his attention to his business afi^airs and to his home.

Of a family of five children Bert C. Ranz. was the eldest. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Atlanta, Nebraska, and he passed through consecutive grades to the high school. Later he pursued a course of study in the Capital City Commercial College at Des Moines, Iowa, and when his textbooks were put aside he entered the employ of the Emerson State Bank at Emerson, Iowa, with which institution he was connected for three and one-half years. Subsequently he became an employe of the Red Oak National Bank at Red Oak, Iowa, there spending six months, after which he accepted a position with the Bank of Benson, becoming assistant cashier, in which position he remained for five and one-half years. He then bought a controlling interest in the Farmers &

Merchants Bank of Benson, became the cashier and has since continued, taking active part in the management of the business and the direction of the bank's pohcy. This institution was organized in August, 1907, with a capital stock of fifteen thousand dollars, which has since been increased to twenty-live thousand dollars. When Mr. Ranz became connected therewith, the bank deposits amounted to fifty thousand dollars, but within three years' time this amount had greatlv increased and in November, 1916, die deposits amounted to more than thre*e hundred thousand dollars. The growth of the bank has been continuous and substantial and its business shows a greater percentage of growth than that of any bank in the state for the same period. The present bank building was completed September I, 1913. It is a two story brick structure with stone facing, tile floors, oak trimmings and fittings, and in fact is strictly modern in every particular. It has the latest improved burglar and fireproof vaults and safety deposit boxes and the bank has every reason to be proud of its fine home.

On the 23d of October, 1907, Mr. Ranz was united in marriage to Miss May Elizabeth Barnuni, of Omaha, Nebraska, her father being Horace W. Barnuni, who is a well known pioneer residing at No. 1124 North Eighteenth street. Mr. and Mrs. Ranz have two children, Marjory and Dorothy. Mr. Ranz belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the lodge and the Scottish Rite, and he is also connected with the Mystic Shrine at Omaha. He is a man of genial manner and pleasing address, thoroughly trained in his chosen life work, and his laudable ambition and indefatigable energy have carried him into important relations.

Frank A. Manley

Frank A. Manley, vice president and general manager of the Union Pacific Coal Company at Omaha, was born at Larue, Ohio, March 13, 1867, a son of Robert C. and Celinda (Austin) Manley, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Vermont. The father was descended from an old West Virginia family that has been represented on American soil for seven generations, the first settlement being made near Harper's Ferry. Mrs. Manley was a representative of an old .New York family and they became the parents of four children, of whom Frank A. was the eldest. The father was a druggist in early life. His wife died in Ohio in 1872, and the following year he removed to Nebraska, engaging in the commission business at Lincoln. He became prominent in connection with the public life of that city, giving earnest and active support to the republican party, and in an early day he served as city clerk. His loyalty to his country was manifest by his service as a soldier of the Civil war. Joining the cavalry forces, he became a first lieutenant of Company E of the First Ohio Cavalry, with which he remained for three years. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He had reached the age of sixty-seven years when death called him in 1902.

Frank A. Manley was the eldest of the children. He was educated in the public schools of Lincoln and in the University of Nebraska, from which he was graduated in 1889 with the Bachelor of Science degree. After leaving college he took up the work of engineering with the Burlington Railroad, with which lie continued for a year. He next became connected with the Union Pacific in the coal department in the state of Wyoming, with headquarters at Rock Springs. He began work there as a surveyor, since which time he has advanced through the various departments to his present position as vice president and general manager, with headquarters in the Union Pacific building at Omaha. He has filled this position since July, 191 1, in which connection he controls important and extensive business interests. His advancement has come as a just and merited

In 1899, at Evanston, Wyoming, Mr. Manley was united in marriage to Miss Wood Hooker, a native of that state and a daughter of Dr. W. A. and Alice Hocker, the former being an early settler of Wyoming. The latter is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Manley have three children, Florence, Frances and Betty.

Mr. Manley votes with the republican party where national issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. Fraternally he is a Mason and an Elk and he has membership in the Commercial, Omaha and University Clubs, which indicates his appreciation of the social amenities of life, while his personal qualities are such as render him popular with his fellow members of those organizations.

The tendency toward specialization which characterizes the present age in all departments of business or labor results in high efficiency to a degree that would be unattainable if one endeavored to master every phase of the business in which he engages. Recognizing this fact. Dr. Hoist has in his practice confined his attention to the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat and has attained much more than ordinary skill. He was born in Norway, Illinois, in 1885. His father, John Hoist, a native of Denmark, married Amelia Jensen, in Denmark. They have lived in Omaha since 1889.

Dr. Hoist, a lad of four summers at the time of their arrival in this city, obtained his preliminary education in the public schools. His father is a druggist and naturally his attention was directed to that line. In 1903 he graduated from the Omaha College of Pharmacy, now Creighton College of Pharmacy, and in 1906 finished a course in optometry at the Northern Illinois School of Ophthalmology and Otology, taking special work with Dr. Earl J. Brown, of Chicago. Subsec[uently he took up the study of medicine and in 1913 he was graduated from the Creighton College of Medicine, after which he opened an office and has since followed his profession. For a year he was a teacher in Creighton College on the anatomy of the eye, ear, nose and throat, and specializing in his practice in that field, he has steadily promoted his skill and efficiency until his practice is one of the largest in the city.

Dr. Hoist is a member of the Masonic fraternity and he belongs also to the Elks and the Athletic Club of Omaha. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is w^ell known in this city, where practically his entire life has been passed, and his life record commends him to the confidence, goodwill and friendly regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

Michael L. Endres

Michael L. Endres, treasurer of Omaha and Douglas county, has long been known as an advocate of clean politics and municipal ownership, and has taken an active part in upholding those interests and public measures which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. In business circles he has also been well known as a dealer in wall paper, paints and glass, and as a contractor in work of that character. He was born on the 28th of July, 1875, in Bavaria, Germany, his parents being Michael and Mary (Ruttel) Endres, who were also natives of that country, where the ancestral line is traced back to 1700.

Michael L. Endres partly acquired his education in Germany and continued his studies in Chicago, Illinois, after coming to the new world, spending four years as a public school student there. He was for a year a pupil in the high school and also spent two night terms in a business college in Chicago. Enterinothe field of commerce he became connected with the trade in wall paper and paints, and later began contracting in retail wall paper, paints and glass. He early learned to practice economy and careful management and wise judgment have been salient features in the attainment of the success which has crowned his efiforts.

On the loth of August, 1900, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Michael L. Endres was married to Miss Charlotte Rydell, a daughter of Peter Rydell of Rochelle, Illinois, and they have three sons, Ludwig, Gregor and Carlton.

Mr. Endres is the president of the Druid Hall Company, a corporation, and he holds membership with the Woodmen of the World, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Red Men and other fraternal organizations. He is likewise a member of the Carter Lake Club, the German Club, and other social organizations, and is appreciative of the social amenities of life but never allows matters of pleasure to interfere with the capable conduct of his business or the faithful discharge of his duties. He served by appointment as a member of the city council from 1909 until 1910, and on the democratic ticket was elected in 19 16, treasurer of Omaha and Douglas county. He gives thoughtful consideration to those questions which are to the statesman and man of affairs of deepest import. He believes in municipal ownership of public utilities and he has consistently fought corruption in politics, believing that political conditions should be the expression of an unbiased public opinion. His own record is an expression of his political belief and integrity.

Myron Leslie Learned

It is not difficult to write the history of Myron Leslie Learned, for his is a record of honest accomplishment, of results achieved. Throughout his entire life he has been actuated by high and honorable purposes" and laudable ambition, purposes which have gained him distinction as a lawyer and made his career at all times one that closely conforms to the highest ethical standards of the profession. He was born in South Vernon, Vermont, February it); 1866; a son of John Barr and Lucy Louisa (Davis) Learned. In the paternal line the ancestry is traced back to William Learned, who came to this country from England in the year 1632. On the distaff side he is descended from Dolor Davis, who sailed from England to America in 1634.

Myron L. Learned acquired his general education through study at home and in the public schools of Northampton, Massachusetts, and he also privately took up the study of law and for a time was in the office of the Hon. Daniel W. Bond, an able attorney of Northampton, Massachusetts. Later he matriculated in the law school of the University of Boston, from which he was graduated in 1887 with the degree of LL. B. He recognized the necessity of thoroughness in preparation and when he came to Omaha in 1888 he was well qualified to take up the duties of the profession. He entered into partnership with John L. Kennedy, a relation which continued until 1907. In this connection "the Omaha World- Herald said: 'This combination of talent formed the logical agency for the transaction of big business. When Mr. Learned began practicing by himself, following the dissolution of his partnership with Mr. Kennedy,^ he carried \yith him the prestige gained by years of experience. This experience is now called into play in handling the business of an ever increasing clientele. When growing Omaha requires substantial assistance, when the republican party is in need of active aid and when the progressive business man seeks advice that means dollars - Myron L. Learned is the man consulted."

On the i8th of April, 1893, Mr. Learned was united in marriage to Miss Msvry D. Poppleton, a daughter of Andrew J. and Caroline L. (Sears) I'oppleton.

In politics Mr. Learned has been a lifelong rejniblican and a close student of the political situation and questions of the day. He was a member of the Nebraska delegation to the republican convention in 1908 which nominated \\'illiam H. Taft and he has twice served as chairman of the Douglas county republican county central committee, while for several years past he has been a member of the republican state central committee. In 1910-11 he was endorsed liy the Douglas County and Nebraska State liar Associations as a candidate for United States circuit judge to fill a vacancy caused by the promotion of Judge Vandeventer to the supreme bench. Mr. Learned belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Omaha Commercial Club, the Omaha Country Club and the Omaha Club, of which he was president for several years, and to the Nebraska Chapter of the Society of Colonial Wars, of which he is governor. His activities have constituted an integral chapter in the history of his adopted city. He never falls short of successful accomplishment in anything that he undertakes, while in professional circles he has gained that distinction which is the recognition of individual merit and superior ability. His success in a professional way afifords the best evidence of his capabilities in that line. His is a natural discrimination as to legal ethics and he is so thoroughly well read in the minutiae of the law that he is able to base his arguments upon a thorough knowledge of and familiarity with precedents and to present a case upon its merits, never failing to recognize the main point at issue and never neglecting to give a thorough preparation. His pleas have been characterized by a terse and decisive logic and a lucid presentation rather than by flights of oratory, and his power is the greater before court or jury from the fact that it is recognized that his aim is ever to secure justice and not to enshroud the cause in a sentimental garb or illusion which will thwart the principles of right and equity involved.

John H. Shary

John H. Shary, of Omaha, sole owner of the International Land and Investment Company, which has already colonized a quarter million acres of land in the southwest and is still engaged in extensive development projects along the Rio Grande, has earned the right to rank with the comparatively few men of great constructive business ability. He began his career in the land business with only a small capital, but he has had the foresight, the daring and the sound business sense which combined, produce an empire builder. Another quality that has been indispensable to his success is his strict integrity, for he has recognized that enduring prosperity must be founded upon close adherence to a high standard of business ethics.

Mr. Shary was born in Saline county, Nebraska, March 2, 1872. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm near Wilbur, Nebraska. He attended the district schools of Saline county and completed his education in Doane College at Crete, Nebraska, where he won distinction as an athlete. While a student he became interested in the study of pharmacy and after leaving college started a drug store at Crete, which he conducted for several years. He then sold out his drug business and accepted a position as traveling salesman, part of his territory being the state of Texas, and during his extensive travels in that state he became convinced that large tracts of undeveloped, fertile land in certain parts of the Gulf coast country afforded an unrivalled opportunity for successful colonization. In 1903 he resigned his position as traveling salesman and opened offices in Omaha, organizing the International Land and Investment Company, which he has since conducted. At that time his capital was two thousand five hundred dollars and some idea of his business genius and his indomitable deter- mination may be gained from consideration of the fact that his company has, in the fourteen years intervening, colonized a quarter milHon acres of raw timber land, converting same into prosperous farming communities. Not only has the business returned handsome profits to its owner but has also directed the attention of the middle west to the undeveloped resources of south central Texas and has been one of the leading factors in the progress of that section.

In the vicinity of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mr. Shary has developed several large tracts of land and the rapid growth of that city is directly due to his conversion of thousands of acres of grazing land adjacent to it into thriving farms. At present Mr. Shary is devoting his entire time to the colonization of Sharyland, which he considers far surpasses any of his previous projects. Three years ago Mr. Shary commenced his operations on this tract of land which comprises approximately twenty thousand acres, with a frontage on the Rio Grande river of about two and a half miles.

Located as it is in a region which is part of the delta of the Rio Grande, its rich alluvial soil makes possible the raising of abundant crops without the use of commercial fertilizer. The climate is dry, or semi arid, necessitating the use of irrigation, and for this purpose Mr. Shary has provided as modem and complete an irrigation system as can be found anywhere in the country. The delightful climatic conditions in this section have inspired Mr. Shary to build one of the most beautiful and convenient winter resorts to be found anywhere. On one part of Sharyland his engineers found a natural depression covering an area of about one hundred acres and this prompted the idea of a lake, which was immediately carried out and a more beautiful lake cannot be found. A magnificent club house is now being erected and when completed Mr. Shary may well be proud of his achievement. A golf course, base ball diamonds, tennis courts, bathing and boating are other features of the club.

Mr. Shary's thorough knowledge of agriculture, enabled him to grasp the wonderful opportunity offered citrus fruit growers in the Rio Grande valley, and he has set aside several hundred acres on Sharyland which he has had subdivided into small tracts, of one, two, three and five acres each. This subdivision is known as "Sharyland Orchards." Each tract is planted with trees, grapefruit, oranges, lemons and other varieties of citrus fruit. No dwelling can be built thereon at a cost less than one thousand dollars and already many homes have been built costing much more. Palm boulevards and ornamental shrubs of all kinds add to the beauty of this subdivision.

The remainder of Sharyland is laid out in forty acre tracts. Spacious boulevards intersect the entire tract at every mile. Thousands of acres have already been sold to investors who have been quick to grasp the Shary spirit of progressiveness and the many beautiful farms on Sharyland are a source of pride and satisfaction to all interested. The semi-tropical climate and excellent irrigation facilities give the farmer assurance of an endless variety of good crops. Many crops mature much quicker than in any other place in the United States and thus reach the market weeks and often months ahead of similar crops from other sections and consequently Sharyland truck farmers and fruit growers receive tip-top prices. Another important advantage over competing districts is its geographical location, as it is closer to the great northern markets than either California or Florida and also closer to the Panama Canal. This of course means a marked saving in freight rates and additional profits. Cheap labor is provided by the Mexicans and their work has been found very satisfactory.

There are two wide-awake and thriving towns, Mission and McAllen. within two miles of Sharyland, and the country is well provided with banks, stores, churches and schools. There are none of the hardships to be endured that the pioneers of another day had to face, rather the settler finds himself surrounded by all the conveniences of modern life. - , ,

Taking all of these facts into consideration and bearing in mind the relatively small amount of undeveloped land left in the United States, it is evident

In politics Mr. Learned has been a lifelong republican and a close student of the political situation and questions of the day. He was a member of the Nebraska delegation to the republican convention in 1908 which nominated William H. Taft and he has twice served as chairman of the Douglas county republican county central committee, while for several years past he has been a member of the republican state central committee. In 1910-11 he was endorsed b}' the Douglas County and Nebraska State Bar Associations as a candidate for United States circuit judge to fill a vacancy caused by the promotion of Judge Vandeventer to the supreme bench. Mr. Learned belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Omaha Commercial Club, the Omaha Country Club and the Omaha Club, of which he was president for several years, and to the Nebraska Chapter of the Society of Colonial Wars, of which he is governor. His activities have constituted an integral chapter in the history of his adopted city. He never falls short of successful accomplishment in anything that he undertakes, while in professional circles he has gained that distinction which is the recognition of individual merit and superior ability. His success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in that line. His is a natural discrimination as to legal ethics and he is so thoroughly well read in the minutiae of the law that he is able to base his arguments upon a thorough knowledge of and familiarity with precedents and to present a case upon its merits, never failing to recognize the main point at issue and never neglecting to give a thorough preparation. His pleas have been characterized by a terse and decisive logic and a lucid presentation rather than by flights of oratory, and his power is the greater before court or jury from the fact that it is recognized that his aim is ever to secure justice and not to enshroud the cause in a sentimental garb or illusion which will thwart the principles of right and equity involved.

John H. Shary. of Omaha, sole owner of the International Land and Investment Company, which has already colonized a quarter million acres of land in the southwest and is still engaged in extensive development projects along the Rio Grande, has earned the right to rank with the comparatively few men of great constructive business ability. He began his career in the land business with only a small capital, but he has had the foresight, the daring and the sound business sense which combined, produce an empire builder. Another quality that has been indispensable to his success is his strict integrity, for he has recognized that enduring prosperity must be founded upon close adherence to a high standard of business ethics.

Mr. Shary was born in Saline county, Nebraska, March 2, 1872. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm near Wilbur, Nebraska. He attended the district schools of Saline county and completed his education in Doane College at Crete, Nebraska, where he won distinction as an athlete. While a student he became interested in the study of pharmacy and after leaving college started a drug store at Crete, which he conducted for several years. He then sold out his drug business and accepted a position as traveling salesman, part of his territory being the state of Texas, and during his extensive travels in that state he became convinced that large tracts of undeveloped, fertile land in certain parts of the Gulf coast country afforded an unrivalled opportunity for successful colonization. In 1903 he resigned his position as traveling salesman and opened offices in Omaha, organizing the International Land and Investment Company, which he has since conducted. At that time his capital was two thousand five hundred dollars and some idea of his business genius and his indomitable deter- mination may be gained from consideration of the fact that his company has, in the fourteen years intervening, colonized a quarter million acres of raw timber land, converting same into prosperous farming communities. Not only has the business returned handsome profits to its owner but has also directed the attention of the middle west to the undeveloped resources of south central Texas and has been one of the leading factors in the progress of that section.

In the vicinity of Corpus Christi, Texas, Air. Shary has developed several large tracts of land and the rapid growth of that city is directly due to his conversion of thousands of acres of grazing land adjacent to it into thriving farms. At present Mr. Shary is devoting his entire time to the colonization of Sharyland, which he considers far surpasses any of his previous projects. Three years ago Mr. Shary commenced his operations on this tract of land which comprises approximately twenty thousand acres, with a frontage on the Rio Grande river of about two and a half miles.

Located as it is in a region which is part of the delta of the Rio Grande, its rich alluvial soil makes possible the raising of abundant crops without the use of commercial fertilizer. The climate is dry, or semi arid, necessitating the use of irrigation, and for this purpose Mr. Shary has provided as modern and complete an irrigation system as can be found anywhere in the country. The delightful climatic conditions in this section have inspired Mr. Shary to build one of the most beautiful and convenient winter resorts to be found anywhere. On one part of Sharyland his engineers found a natural depression covering an area of about one hundred acres and this prompted the idea of a lake, which was immediately carried out and a more beautiful lake cannot be found. A magnificent club house is now being erected and when completed Mr. Shary may well be proud of his achievement. A golf course, base ball diamonds, tennis courts, bathing and boating are other features of the club.

Mr. Shary's thorough knowledge of agriculture, enabled him to grasp the wonderful opportunity offered citrus fruit growers in the Rio Grande valley, and he has set aside several hundred acres on Sharyland which he has had subdivided into small tracts, of one, two, three and five acres each. This subdivision is known as "Sharyland Orchards." Each tract is planted with trees, grapefruit, oranges, lemons and other varieties of citrus fruit. No dwelling can be built thereon at a cost less than one thousand dollars and already many homes have been built costing much more. Palm boulevards and ornamental shrubs of all kinds add to the beauty of this subdivision.

The remainder of Sharyland is laid out in forty acre tracts. Spacious boulevards intersect the entire tract at every mile. Thousands of acres have already been sold to investors who have been quick to grasp the Shary spirit of progressiveness and the many beautiful farms on Sharyland are a source of pride and satisfaction to all interested. The semi-tropical climate and excellent irrigation facilities give the farmer assurance of an endless variety of good crops. Many crops mature much quicker than in any other place in the United States and thus reach the market weeks and often months ahead of similar crops from other sections and consequently Sharyland truck farmers and fruit growers receive tip-top prices. Another important advantage over competing districts is its geographical location, as it is closer to the great northern markets than either California or Florida and also closer to the Panama Canal. This of course means a marked saving in freight rates and additional profits. Cheap labor is provided by the Mexicans and their work has been found very satisfactory.

There are two wide-awake and thriving towns. Mission and McAllen, within two miles of Sharyland, and the country is well provided with banks, stores, churches and schools. There are none of the hardships to be endured that the pioneers of another day had to face, rather the settler finds himself surrounded by all the conveniences of modern life.

Taking all of these facts into consideration and bearing in mind the relatively small amount of undeveloped land left in the United States, it is evident that the International Land and Investment Company offers a business proposition well worthy the consideration of the m.ost careful investor. The high standing and the known reliability of the company are indicated by the fact that iu Kansas and Ohio, where there are government bodies charged with the investigation of investment companies, the International Land and Investment Company has received favorable ratings.

Mr. Shary is democratic in politics, but his large business interests have left him no time to hold public office. Fraternally he is well known, being a thirtysecond degree Mason, a member of the Mystic Shrine and an Elk and also belonging to a number of other lodges. He holds membership in the Field Club, which indicates the nature of his recreation. His remarkable force of character and his enthusiasm for carrying to successful completion large projects, have been manifested not only in the direction of his individual business interests, important as they are, but have also been evidenced in work for the advancement of Omaha. Mr. Shary's home office is located in Omaha, all of his extensive land note collections being handled through Omaha banks. His private cars leave Omaha regularly on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, well filled with homeseekers who have spent the day visiting our city. Each day large quantities of his advertising matter are sent out all over the United States and foreign countries, and he has given Omaha promience at all times. He has done much to advertise and further its growth and is justly recognized as one of its foremost citizens.

Charles H. Dougherty

Charles H. Dougherty, now living retired, is numbered among the pioneer settlers of Omaha, having for many years been identified with the city and its development. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June 30, 1853, and while he is still in the prime of life, he has achieved a measure of success that now permits him to put aside further business cares. His parents, John and Margaret (Call) Dougherty, were both natives of Ireland and in 1852 they came to the new world following their marriage, which was celebrated on the Emerald isle. They settled first in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but on the 15th of April, 1855, arrived in Omaha, a tiny village which had been established only the year before. With various lines of business Mr. Dougherty was associated as the years passed on and he remained in Omaha up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1909, when he had reached the age of eighty years. He had long survived his wife, who died in Omaha in 1866.

In a family of six children Charles H. Dougherty was the fourth. His memory compasses the period of Omaha's early development as well as of its later progress. In early life he attended the school which was then conducted in the State House at Tenth and Douglas streets and later he engaged in farming until his twenty-second year, when he returned to Omaha in 1875 and conducted a hotel at Tenth and Douglas, carrying on business there for two years. He then sold out and bought a place at Sixteenth and Marcy streets. Purchasing several teams of horses, he engaged in teaming for a number of years, at the end of which time he disposed of his horses but retained his property, which in the meantime had become valuable owing to the rapid development of the city. He then entered the service of the Union Pacific Railroad Company in the freight department and there remained for seven years. He afterward went west for a time, making his way to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he took up contracting, in which he engaged for six months. On his return to Omaha he became a member of the police force and w^as a patrolman for two years, when he resigned to accept a position with the Omaha Street Railway Company. He remained in that service without the loss of any time for twenty-three years and in 1914 he decided to give up active life and live on his income, which he found to be sufficient to keep him in comfort. Since then he has enjoyed a life of ease and quiet, although he is still a comparatively young man. In appearance he seems scarcely to have passed the fiftieth milestone on life's journey. He has always enjoyed good health and possesses marked energy and vigor.

On the 9th of May, 1875, Mr. Dougherty was married to Miss Mary Duffy, of Omaha, who died February 12, 1912. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Duffy, were also pioneers of this city. By that marriage there are four children who are yet living: John F. ; Veronica, born in Omaha in 1881, and now the wife of Leo A. Hoffmann, by whom she has four children ; Leonard A., who was born in Omaha in 1886 and now resides in Stockton, California, with his wife and three children ; and Josephine, who was born in 1891 and is a high school graduate.

The family adhere to the faith of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Dougherty gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never sought nor desired office. As he has prospered in his undertakings he has made judicious investments in real estate and is now the owner of much valuable property in Omaha, from which he derives a very substantial annual income.

John F. Dougherty

John F. Dougherty, son of Charles H. Dougherty, mentioned above, is the president of the Missouri Valley Marble & Tile Company, one of Omaha's important business concerns. He has been a lifelong resident of this city and has made for himself a most creditable position in business circles. He spent his boyhood days as a pupil in the schools of Omaha and after making his initial step in the business world he rose steadily as his business powers increased and expanded until at length he organized the Missouri Valley Marble & Tile Company, of which he became the president and active manager. He has since controlled the affairs of that undertaking, which is today one of the important business interests of the city. The company handles marble goods and tiling of all descriptions, mantels, flooring, vestibules, etc., and the patronage is now extensive. They deal in first-class products of this character and their reliable business methods constitute a potent element in the growth of their trade.

John F. Dougherty was united in marriage to Miss Frances Schwertly, of Missouri Valley, Iowa, and they are widely and favorably known socially in the city in which he has always lived.

Michael L. Clark

Michael L. Clark, sheriff of Douglas county and a resident of Omaha^ was born at Tarrytown, New York, July 4, 1868. His father, the late Thomas Clark, was born in Dublin, Ireland, aiid in 1865 crossed the Atlantic, settling first at Tarrytown but afterward removing to Flushing, Long Island. In 1882 he came to Omaha where he continued in business as a stone mason to within four years of his death. Through that period he lived retired and passed away at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Julia Caldwell, was also a native of Dublin, and they were married there ere their emigration to the new world. Mrs. Clark passed away in New York in the fall of 1902 when fifty-eight years of age. In their family were ten children of whom Michael L.

came to Omaha, three months after the removal of his parents to this city. Here he worked at various Hnes and for twenty-four years he was em})loyed by the Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Company being advanced in that connection to various important positions. On the 7th of November, 1916, he was elected sheriff of Douglas county on the republican ticket, taking the office on the 4th of January following. He has made an excellent record in the brief time in which he has occupied the office and his friends have no doubt as to his capability or ihe manner in which he will defend the interests of law and order. He has long been known as an active worker in republican ranks, doing everything in his power to promote the success of his party.

In April, 1899, Mr. Clark was married in Omaha to Miss Anna Shinker, a native of Omaha and a daughter of Matt and Margaret Shinker. The mother passed away in Omaha in 191 5. "IMrs. Clark was born in Omaha in 1874 and has never left the state. By her marriage she has become the mother of nine children, of whom six are living, Harold, Margaret, Caldwell, Julia, Michael and John. -Those deceased are, Annie, Celia and Julia.

Mr. Clark is well known in Masonic circles belonging to Covert Lodge, F. & A. M. of Nebraska, Consistory No. i, and to Tangier Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His educational opportunities were limited and from the age of twelve he has been dependent upon his own resources. He has done all manner of hard labor including work of the streets, but by energy and ability has advanced step by step and is now one of the most highly respected officials of Douglas county. He has ever made it his purpose to follow the golden rule, and upon that foundation he has builded not only success but character.

Walter Taylor Page

Walter Taylor Page, manager of the American Smelting & Refining Company, has advanced through successive promotions to his present position of responsibility since arriving in Omaha in 1885 to become assayer and chemist for the corporation. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1861. His father, General Richard L. Page, a native of Clarke county. Virginia, was married there to Alexina Taylor and passed away in 1906, while the death of his wife occurred in 1907. The Pages were one of the oldest and most prominent families of Virginia and General Page served with distinction in the Confederate army during the Civil war.

Walter T. Page after attending the schools of Norfolk, Virginia, to the age of sixteen years, entered the College of Agriculture & Mechanic Arts, now the Virginia Institute of Technology, from which he was graduated in 1879. He was graduated from the University of Virginia at Charlottesville in 1882, after which he spent a year and a half in professional work at Leadville, Colorado, and a similar period in Denver, coming to Omaha, as previously stated, in 1885 to enter upon the position of assayer and chemist with the American Smelting & Refining Company. His ability won recognition in successive promotions. He was made superintendent of the blast furnace department in 1887; superintendent of all departments in 1891 and manager in 1899 and through the intervening period of eighteen years has occupied the latter position, controlling the extensive and important interests connected with the operation of the plant.

On the 17th of Alarch, 1885, in Charlottesville, Virginia, Mr. Page was united in marriage to Miss Anne Page, a daughter of the late Dr. John R. Page. They have become the parents of two children: Anne, now the wife of Captain John R. Trinder of the medical corps of the United States Army; and Richard L., now attending Lawrenceville School, at Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

Mr. and Mrs. Page are Episcopalians in religious faith, their membership being in Trinity Cathedral. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in Masonry he has attained the Knight Templar degree. He belongs also to the (Jmaha Club, the Omaha Country Club and the Commercial Club, associations which indicate something of the nature of his interests, the method of his recreation and the rules which govern his conduct. His ideals of life are high and in his business career he has been guided by an enterprising spirit that taking tangible form in close application, thoroughnness and capability, has brought him to his present prominent position in the business circles of the city.

Hon. Freeman Sydney Tucker

On the whole Florence has been fortunate in the class of men who have occupied her public offices and at the present time she has a public-spirited and patriotic mayor in Freeman Sydney Tucker, who is now carefully directing municipal affairs. He was born in Jersey county, Illinois, February i, 1857, a son of David M. and Hannah (Grammar) Tucker, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. The father was a river captain who made trips out of St. Louis for a number of years. During the high water of 1844 his property was all swept away and that was his last year of active connection with navigation interests. He had been captain of the Bonnycord and also of a number of other boats. He had also been an overseer on a plantation in his early days. After leaving the river work he went to Jerseyville, Illinois, where he engaged in wagon making, and there he made his home until death called him when he was sixty-nine years of age.

Freeman S. Tucker belongs to a family of five children, of whom he is the youngest. He spent his boyhood in Jerseyville and after starting out in life on his own account first engaged in contracting for ties, staves and heading. He took his ties and other manufactured products on his own flatboat and made trips to St. Louis, continuing in that work until he was of age. He also engaged in threshing, and the first steam thresher in Jersey county was purchased and taken to the county by him. He then operated it in connection with his other business interests. In 1877 he went to Nebraska, setthng.ajt Blair, Washington county, where he was actively engaged in farming and in dealing in stock for about eleven years. He was also regarded as a representative citizen as well as a progressive business man. He had been elected assessor and collector for Washington county and in those positions served for several years while engaged in farming. In 1888 he removed to Florence, Douglas county, where he opened a meat market and later added a stock of groceries, continuing in the business there for a number of years. He was afterward elected city clerk and a member of the school board and continued in local office until 1905, when he was elected to the state legislature, in which he made a most creditable record, serving by reelection in 1907 for four years. While a member of the house he gave the most thoughtful and earnest consideration to all questions which came up for settlement and sought ever to promote the public welfare by securing wise constructive legislation. He was a strong supporter of the bill which estabhshed the two cent railroad rate and also -the bill which established the terminal tax and the anti-pass and child labor bills. He supported with equal zeal the pure food law and other progressive measures which were introduced for the benefit of the commonwealth at farge. By Governor Aldrich he was appointed state inspector of dairies for the state and filled that position for two years. During these two sessions, from 1905 until 1909, more progressive legislation was passed than in any other two sessions of the general assembly since the organization of the state, and in furthering such Mr. Tucker took a most helpful and active part, being one of the earnest working members of the house. , t ,

About 1900 he was elected mayor, was afterward reelected, and with the exception of one term while in the legislature, he has served continuously as the chief executive of Florence since 1900. As soon as he hecame mayor he began advocating the building of cenient sidewalks, until the old board sidewalks have been replaced by about ten miles of cement walk. He was also instrumental in developing the present sewer system, the main sewer extending from the high school to the river, lie it was who brought the telei)hone and electric light systems to Florence and he also was instrumental in having about a mile of Main street paved with Ikiffalo brick. This is regarded as the best mile of pavement in Nebraska. After nearly ten years' wear it has the record of having nothing expended upon it for necessary upkeep. It is laid on a five-inch concrete foundation, then sanded and the work carried on in excellent manner. ]\Ir. Tucker was also the prime mover in the erection of the sixty thousand dollar high school building, and owing to a special order of the mayor, trees have been planted along ]\Iain and Fifth streets in Florence.

Aside from his extensive business operations already mentioned, Mr. Tucker has engaged in the real estate business and has erected a large number of houses in Florence, buying and selling much property. While in the contracting business he got out from fifteen to twenty thousand cords of matting willows yearly, which he shipped on barges to various points.

On the 1st of August, 1877, Mr. Tucker was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Lorraine, of Washington county. Ohio, her father being C. J- Lorraine of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who came of French stock. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker are the parents of five children, as follows : Scott, who is now' superintendent for the southern division of the United States for the Shea Construction Company, engaged in draining river lands; ^Martha, the wife of Frederick Armstrong, who is a lieutenant in the Philippine Scouts ; Mabel, the wife of John D. Mann, who is superintendent of the Electric Light & Power Company at Bryan, Texas ; Blanche, who is the wife of M. B. Thompson, superintendent of the Riverview Home at Ottawa ; and Jessie, the wife of Captain Ronan Case, a West Point graduate who is now with the regular army at Manila.

All the children have been graduated from the State Normal School or other educational institutions of equal worth. Mr. Tucker belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of marked force of character, of ability and progressive ideas. He has an extremely clean record but is modest about his achievements and takes no special credit to himself for what he has accomplished. But the specific and distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments but rather to leave the perpetual record establishing his position by the consensus of opinion on the part of his fellowmen, and judged by this standard, Mr. Tucker is a most progressive, valued and honored resident of Florence.

Charles Henry Marley

Charles Henry Marley, an attorney practicing in Omaha since 1907, was born November 14, 1879, in. the city which is still his place of residence. His father, Charles Alarley, a native of Bristol, England, was born in 1841 and on coming to the United States in 1859, when a youth of eighteen years, settled in Beloit, Wisconsin. In 1861 he came to Omaha and afterward went to that part of Idaho territory that is now Montana. Subsequently he returned to Omaha and for many years was employed in the Union Pacific shops, retiring in 19 13. He was married in this city to Mary J. Leech and they are still residents of Omaha.

Pursuing his education in the public schools, Charles H. Marley eventually completed the high school course and then took up the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1907. For seventeen years he was connected with the Burlington Railroad spending nearly all of that time as secretary to General Charles

Charles H. Maeley

F. Manderson, general solicitor for the road. He is now engaged in the private practice of law and is accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage. On the 30th of January, 1901, Mr. Marley was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Alyda- Byrne, daughter of the iate John Byrne. Mr. Marley was connected with the military interests of Omaha for four years as a member of Company G, Second Regiment of Omaha Guards. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and his religious faith is that of the Episcopal church. He is active in Masonic circles, being a member of Nebraska Lodge No. i, A. F. & A. M., and Mount Calvary Commandery, No. i, in both of which bodies he is going through the chairs. He also belongs to the Happy Hollow Club. He is well known in the city in which his entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his labors and interests as to become one of the substantial members of the bar and highly respected residents of the city.

Joseph H. Kopietz

Joseph H. Kopietz, a real estate and insurance broker of South Omaha, was born March 21, 1862, at Franstat in Moravia. His father, Karl Kopietz, also a native of this country, settled in Nemaha county, Kansas, on coming to America in 1867. becoming one of the pioneers of that section. He was a furrier by trade but followed farming during his residence in the new world. He took up a preemption in Nemaha county, but afterward removed to Brown county, Kansas, where he resided until his death, which occurred when he had reached the advanced age of ninety-two years. In early manhood he married Agnes Irsik, a native of Moravia who died in Kansas in 1885. In the family were nine children of whom four are living.

Joseph H. Kopietz spent his early life upon the home farm, being but five years of age when brought by his parents to the new world. The family experienced many hardships and privations during pioneer times. They lived in a sod house and when it rained his mother put him under the kitchen table, for it was the only dry spot in the room. They experienced the hardships incident to the grasshopper plague and the droughts, and when it was possible to raise crops corn sold for only eight cents per bushel, while the best hogs brought but one dollar and sixty cents per hundredweight. They used corn for fuel and ground wheat and corn in a coffee mill in order to make meal. It was amid such conditions that Joseph H. Kopietz was reared.

He attended the district schools, dividing his time between the work of the school room and the labors of the fields until he reached the age of eighteen years when he secured employment in a lumberyard. This was in 1880. His indefatigable energy and his faithfulness won him promotion to the position of manager after two years. He was in the employ of C. E. Miller and later of the firm of Cook & Miller with headquarters at Severance, Kansas. He conducted the business there and afterward was manager for the firm at Everest, Kansas, for some time, being transferred to the latter place when the Missouri Pacific was built through. There he remained until 1886, when he became manager for the Everest Grain Company and a partner in the business. This undertaking proved quite profitable and he continued his connection therewith until March, 1888 when he sold his interest and removed to South Omaha to become foreman of the South Omaha Lumber Company, with which he continued until i8()t when he resigned and entered the coal business on his own account as a retail dealer He gained substantial profits in the handling of his trade and so continued until 1806 when he became general office man with the F. A. Broadwell & Brother Coal Company, with whom he remained until July. 1902, when he organized the Crosby Kopietz Casey Lumber Company of South Omaha. He sold his interest in that business in 1906 and in November of the same year entered the real estate field, in which he has since successfully operated. He handles a large amount of property, is thoroughly conversant with realty values and the real estate market and is now conducting a husiness of gratifying proportions. Since September, 1 90 1, he also represents the Omaha Loan & Building Association at South Omaha.

In Everest, Kansas, in 1885, Mr. Kopietz was married to Miss Mary Lichnovsky, a native of Texas and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lichnovsky, wlio removed from Texas to Brown county, Kansas, in pioneer times. The mother is now living but the father has passed away, and Mrs. Koj)ietz died in South Omaha in 1901, when but thirty-six years of age, leaving three daughters: Julia A.; Emily, the wife of IL H. Hoist, of South Omaha; and Theresa M., a teacher of domestic science in the South Omaha schools.

Politically Mr. Kopietz is a democrat and for four years he has served on the South Omaha park board, being at one time its secretary. He belongs to the Roman Catholic church and has membership with the Knights of Columbus and Knights and Ladies of Security. He is also a member of the Seymour Lake Country Club and of the South Omaha Ilistorical Society. These connections indicate the nature of his interests and the breadth of his activities. His life has been characterized by honorable purposes and laudable ambition, and his well directed efforts have brought him the success which is his.

Albert A. Patzman

Energy and eternal vigilance are the price that we must pay for success. Recognizing this fact, Albert A. Patzman is so directing his efforts that his business as a dealer in real estate and farm loans is constantly growing. Nebraska numbers him among her native sons. He was born at Beatrice, February 25, 1883, his father being Fred F. Patzman, a native of Germany, who in the early '60s came to America, first settling at Springfield, Illinois, where he followed agricultural pursuits and also engaged in the lumber business and in contracting. He arrived in Nebraska in 1869 or 1870, establishing his home in Beatrice among its earliest settlers. He there successfully engaged in contracting for some time and afterward removed to Jefferson county, where he carried on farming, continuing to cultivate the fields until his death, which occurred in 1905 at the age of sixtytwo. In politics he was a stanch democrat, very active in the support of his party, and he was widely known and popular among the people in the district in which he lived. He married Lizette Workman, a native of Illinois and a representative of one of the old families of that state, of German lineage. She became the mother of ten children, of whom Albert A. was the sixth. Mrs. Patzman passed away more than a decade before her husband, her death occurring in 1892.

Albert A. Patzman acquired his primary education in the country schools of Jeff"erson county and afterward attended school in Lincoln and at Grand Island, being graduated from the Grand Island Business College. His youthful experiences and training were those of the farm bred boy and he early learned the eternal principle that industry wins. He started out to provide for his own support when a young man of twenty years and became clerk for the Chicago Lumber Company at Grand Island, continuing with that firm for eighteen months. He later became connected with the Citizens National Bank at McCook, Nebraska, where he filled various positions, remaining there for more than two years. He then came to Omaha and has been continuously engaged in business on his own account since 1905, handling farm loans and real estate. Llis previous experience well qualified him for the step which he has taken in this direction and his close application, unfaltering energy and honorable methods have won for him substantial success.

He is an active supporter of the democratic party, with which he has voted since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and his religious faith is that of the English Lutheran church. He is a self-made man, owing his advancement entirely to his own efforts, and his ability and even paced energy have carried him into important relations.

Colonel Patrick C. Heafey

Long connection with the business interests and the public activities of Omaha has made Colonel Patrick C. Heafey well known in this city. He was born in Ballylongford, Ireland, amid the lakes of Killarney, on the 17th of March, 1861, his parents being Thomas and Deborah (Carmodey) Heafey, who spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle, where the father engaged in farming and cattle raising. He died in the lake district of Killarney in 1909, at the very venerable age of eighty-seven years, while his wife passed away at the early age of thirty-eight years. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five are yet living: ]\Iorgan J. and Mrs. James McCloud, both residents of Omaha; Patrick C. ; and Cornelius and Mrs. Alary Scannell, residents of Ireland.

In early boyhood Colonel Heafey attended the schools of Ireland and at the age of sixteen years and nine months came to America. He was for six months in Brooklyn, New York, and on the 24th of June, 1878, arrived in Omaha, where he entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad Company as receiving clerk. There he remained for five years and in 1883 he took up the undertaking business. Under the direction of his uncle, Mr. O'Connor of Brooklyn, New York, he had previously acquainted himself with the business and in Omaha he succeeded to the interests of Charles McCarthy and Mr. Donnelly in September. 1884. Since then he has become the leading undertaker of the city. His brother Morgan, formerly connected with the Paxton & Gallagher Grocery Company, became his partner in 1885 and they have since won a position of leadership in their line in both Omaha and South Omaha. Colonel Heafey is also connected with the Power-Heafey Coal Company, of which he was president for eight years and is now treasurer. His business affairs have ever been most carefully and wisely directed and his success is the direct and legitimate outcome of persistent, earnest and honorable effort. He is president of the County Undertakers' Association, a social organization with which he has been thus connected for the past seventeen years. He also belongs to the Nebraska State Embalmers & Funeral Association.

On the i8th of November, 1892, Coloned Heafey was married in Council Bluff's by Father Martini, a relative of Pope Leo, to Katherine Irene McDermott, a daughter of John McDermott, who lived in Stanberry, Missouri, and afterward became a resident of Council Bluffs. Mrs. Heafey passed away in Council Bluffs, July 22, 1905, dying in Mercy Hospital after an illness of three months' duration, when thirty-six years of age. On the 9th of November. 1910, Colonel Heafey wedded Miss Margaret T. Maloney, of Omaha, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Maloney, the former a retired farmer of Iowa. Mrs. Heafey is a graduate of the Sacred Heart Academy of Omaha, and they were married in the private chapel of Bishop Scannell.

Their religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church and Colonel Heafey was made a member of the committee to receive Archbishop Harty. who in December, 1916, was installed bishop of Omaha. He is a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, in which he has attained the fourth degree. He is a life member of both the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles and he has been a member of the Field Club and of the Rotary Club since their organization. He also has membership with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, is a past county president and a member of the Emmet Monument Association and the Robert Emmet Club and for two years has been president of the Omaha Good Fellowship Club. He is also a member of the Douglas County Association of Nebraska Pioneers. In politics he is a democrat and for six years he was a member of the Omaha poHce board. He also served on the water board tor a period of six years and has been a member of the fire and poHce commission. He was also coroner of Omaha for two years and served as a member of the staff under four governors - Warner, Shallenberger, Morehead and Neville. He has thus been brought into various prominent public relations and his popularity and worth have firmly established him in public regard.

David C. Patterson

David C. Patterson, attorney at law, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1857. His father, the late Captain George W. Patterson, was a Pennsylvania farmer and at the opening of the Civil war enlisted a company and went to the front as the captain. The founder of the American branch of the family was James Patterson, of Salisbury, England, who came over in 1 714, and took up land in Lancaster county before William Penn was given the state or colony. He was the father of Captain James Patterson 2nd, of the Colonial war period who built Patterson's Fort at Mexico, Pennsylvania, which was the base of supplies for the colonial troops during 1756 and the year following, and he was the father of James Patterson 3rd, the grandfather of the said George W. Patterson, who was wedded to Sarah Cunningham, a descendant of one of the first settlers of William Penn's colony.

David C. Patterson w'as one of a family of seven sons. His early life was spent upon the farm and in the schools of Pennsylvania. When seventeen years of age he began teaching school and at the same time read law. He was admitted to practice in the state, supreme, and federal courts of Nebraska in 1878. He began the practice of law in Wayne county, dealt in real estate, and in 1880 organized a bank called the Logan Valley Bank, which he changed later to the First National. Later he organized the Cedar County Bank at Hartington. now the First National. He moved to Omaha in 1885 and has practiced law and dealt in real estate since that time. He is accounted one of the most substantial business and professional men of the city. He came to Nebraska without means or assistance and his success must be attributed entirely to his own efforts and ability

He was married to Alaude Gamble, a daughter of W. O. and Mary (Widney) Gamble, of Wayne, in 1884. They have three children, namely, Lieutenant D. C. Patterson, Jr., U. S. N., Miriam Boyce and Eugenie. The son was graduated at Annapolis in 1908 and was lately the executive officer of the United States Destroyer Sampson. He now is flag lieutenant on the staff of Admiral Knight at the Asiatic station. David C. Patterson is a Knight Templar, belongs to the Bar associations and the Commercial and Happy Hollow Clubs and in politics has always been a democrat.

Dr. Alfred S. Mattson, a homeopathic practitioner and a graduate of the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, his native city, was born September II, 1859, his parents being Charles H. and Catherine (Simmons) Mattson, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New Jersey. The father spent his entire life in Philadelphia and was connected with commercial interests there as a wholesale grocer. He died in that city in 1861, at the age of thirty-seven years, while his wife survived until 1864, passing away at the age of forty.

Alfred S. Mattson was thus left. an orphan when a little lad of but five years, after which he was reared by his aunt and an older sister. He attended the

Quaker high school at Fifteenth and Race streets in Philadelphia and was graduated in June, 1873, when but fourteen years of age. He then devoted his attention to farm work until he reached the age of eighteen years, when, having determined to enter upon a professional career, he matriculated in the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, in which he completed his course by graduation with the class of 1880, before he had reached his majority. The succeeding year and a half was devoted to hospital work, after which he entered upon the private practice of medicine in Philadelphia, where he remained until 1902, when on account of impaired health he retired. He did not resume active practice until November, 1903, when he opened an office in Omaha, where he has since built up a large practice of a most important character. He belongs to the Nebraska Homeopathic Medical Society and also to the American Institute of Homeopathy. In 1901 he attended the New York Post Graduate School and he has always kept in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and investigation through reading and study.

In October, 1885, Dr. Mattson was married to Miss Eliza N. Frederick, of Philadelphia, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Frederick. She passed away in Philadelphia in 1894. There are five children of that marriage. Mrs. Ethel (Mattson) Heald, born in Moorestown, New Jersey, was graduated from an academy at Moorestown and from Bryn Mawr College. Charles L., also a native of Moorestown, was graduated from Oberlin College of Ohio after comipleting the high school course in Omaha, where he is now living. Alfred S., also born in Moorestown, supplemented his high school course by a year's study at Oberlin. Lloyd H., born in Moorestown, was graduated from the Omaha high school and Oberlin College. Donald F., born in Moorestown. completed the high school course in Omaha, afterward received the B. S. degree from the University of Wisconsin and is now a teacher in its agricultural department.

Fpr his second wife Dr. Mattson chose Gertrude Huston, of Moorestown, New Jersey, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Huston, and they have one child, "Gertrude, who was born in Moorestown and is now a student at the University of Wisconsin.

In poHtics Dr. Mattson is a progressive republican but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties and interests. He Avorked his own way through college and his advancement has resulted entirely from his capability, laudable ambition and determination. Step by step he has progressed until his position as a leader in homeopathic circles is a foremost one.

Colonel Stonewall Jackson Henderson

Colonel Stonewall Jackson Henderson, well known in Omaha as a prominent figure in insurance circles and widely known throughout the state as proprietor of Henderson's Alfalfa Seed Farms at Benkelman, Nebraska, has made valuable contribution to the wealth of the state through his practical demonstration of the fact that alfalfa may be profitably raised in Nebraska. He was born in Wood county. West Virginia, May 14. 1864, and is descended from Alexander Henderson, who came to America in 1607 and was one of the early settlers of Jamestown. A^irginia. One of the representatives of the family was a warm personal friend and companion of George Washington and a man of prominence in the south. The familv comes of Scotch lineage, the ancestral line being traced back for over four hundred years, and members of the family have throughout this period lived in Fife, their chief seat being Fordell. Scotland. The name Henderson or Fordell is one of distinction, well known throughout the kingdom. Robert Henderson was a man of prominence in the reign of James III and was also a distinguished figure at the time of James IV, serving as lord justice and king's advocate. He received a charter under the great seal and for generations the family has had its coat of arms. Representatives of the family were closely associated with various other rulers of Scotland to the time of Mary Queen of Scots. With the founding of the family in America the Hendersons became prominently associated with plantation life in Virginia and James Henderson, the grandfather of Stonewall Jackson Henderson of this review, was a leading and well-to-do planter and slaveholder of that state. His son, Richard Henry Henderson, who was born in West Virginia, became a steamboat captain, making trips between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati on the Ohio river. At the time of the Civil war he served as carrier of troops with his boats but took no part in regular military actions. For several years prior to his death he was a resident of Waterloo, Iowa, and there passed away in 1910 at the age of eighty-four years. He married Maria Shanklin, a native of West Virginia and a member of one of its old families. She passed away in Waterloo, Iowa, in 191 2, at the age of eighty-three years.