Omaha City (part 20 of 26)

On the 1st of June, 19 14, in this city. Mr. Tomanek was married to Miss Lucy Slunicko, a native of Omaha and a daughter of Hugo Slunicko. an early settler here. Politically Mr. Tomanek is a republican where national issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He belongs to the Z. C. B. J., a Bohemian social organization, and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his rehgious faith is indicated in his membership in the Presbyterian church. He started out as a boy to earn his living when thirteen years of age. His father was an invalid and many of the responsibilities of the home fell upon his young shoulders. These he manfully met and contributed in large measure to the support of the family. This early brought him a realization of the value of industry and he soon learned that success dances as a will-o'-the-wnsp before the visionary, allures the dreamer but yields its rewards to the man of persistent, earnest purpose. His determination and his energy have conquered the obstacles and difficulties in his path and step by step he has advanced along the road to prosperity.

Gustave C. Kuenne

Gustave C. Kuenne is a baker and confectioner of Omaha whose high standing in business circles is indicated in the fact that he has been chosen to the presidency of the Master Bakers' Association, of which organization he has also been the secretary and treasurer. His bakery, lunchroom and delicatessen store constitutes one of the most attractive and ably conducted establishments of the kind in the city. He was in a measure "to the manner born," for his father, August Kuenne, conducted business along similar lines. The latter was born in Westphalia, Germany, and in 1862 came to the new world, settling in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he was successfully engaged in business as a baker for a time, having previously learned the trade in his native country. He was also a high-class confectioner and maintained his business in Fond du Lac most successfully until 1898, when he retired in order to leisurely enjoy the fruits of his former labors. He married Augusta Kunze, a native of Westphalia, who two years after her husband came to the new world brought their family to the United States. She passed away in 1875. To Mrs. and Mrs. Kuenne were born four children, but two of the number have passed away. The surviving daughter is Emma, the wife of W. A. Piel, a druggist of Omaha.

Gustave C. Kuenne, the only surviving son, attended public schools and also private German schools in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, but when a lad of only eleven years started out in business life, working in his father's establishment. He became thoroughly acquainted with every phase of the business, thoroughly mastering the trade of making bakery goods. Severing his business relations with his father when twenty-six years of age, he came to Omaha, where he arrived on the 2d of March, 1886. He was practically unknown in the city, having only a few friends here, but notwithstanding he established business on his own account at No. 1816 St. Marys avenue. His store was originally very small, but the excellence of his products soon found favor wath the public and won him a constantly increasing trade. He started out to make his own deliveries without horse or wagon and he met with various trying circumstances, but he persevered and in time built up one of the leading establishments of the kind in Omaha. After three years his business had so developed that larger quarters were demanded and he removed to 522 South Sixteenth street. During the widespread financial panic and consequent hard times which involved the country from 1894 until 1897 he met with financial reverses caused largely by the failure of a bank of which he was a stockholder. However, he had considerable real estate which he sacrificed and met all his financial obligations. After his failure, however, he borrowed some money and started anew in business at Twenty-third and Leavenworth streets, where again he soon gained a large and gratifying trade. He later removed his business to 2916 Leavenworth street, and when his son Oscar reached sufficient age he became connected with the father. Under their direction the business has since flourished and prospered, and in order that both might be profitably employed Mr. Kuenne in

1910 opened his downtown establishment at No. 504 South Sixteenth street. This he personally conducts and it has proven a success from the beginning. He devotes all his time and attention to the business.

In 1888 Mr. Kuenne was married to Miss Louisa Schrekenstein at Calumet, Wisconsin. She is a native of that state and a daughter of Franz and Caroline (Rothman) Schrekenstein, who were of German descent and represented an old and prominent family of Wisconsin. Her mother was the first white child born in Fond du Lac county, that state, her parents having settled there in the primeval forest among the Indians. The ancestry in Germany is traced back through many generations and on the river Elbe today still stands the old castle of Schrekenstein. They were among the titled families of the fatherland and Mrs. Kuenne's paternal grandfather was a man of high rank who served in the German army. The family name is \'on Schrekenstein, but on coming to American the father of Mrs. Kuenne dropped the prefix. Mrs. Kuenne is a lady of refined character, liberal education and high culture. Mr. and Mrs. Kuenne have two children : Oscar, a very enterprising young man now in charge of the Leavenworth street store, and Carol, the former born in 1890 and the latter on the 7th of January, 1895.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Kuenne hold membership in the Lutheran church and Mr. Kuenne is also identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while in Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and has become a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. In politics he was formerly a democrat but now gives his support to the republican party. When he came to Omaha his cash capital consisted of two hundred and forty dollars and in the intervening period he has worked his way upward to his present success. At the same time he has never developed that grasping nature which sacrifices everything to the attainment of prosperity but has remained a' -cultured gentleman of genuine v.-orth, having a host of friends. He is thoroughly American in spirit and has been a generous supporter of many plans and projects for the, upbuilding of his adopted city along the lines of civic improvement.

C. J. Meitzen, general manager of the Omaha Robe &: Tanning Company, was born in Berlin. Germany, August 18, 1873. ^^^ parents being Albert and Clara Meitzen, who crossed the Atlantic in 1884 and became residents of Persia, lovva. They removed to Avoca, that state, in 1893 and there the father engaged in farming for many years, becoming one of the well known agriculturists of the locality, where he is still living at the age of eighty-eight, while his wife has reached the age of seventy-seven years. In their family were five children : Albert, a banker of Avoca; Susan, living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Marguerite, now the wife of A. J. Eggerss; C. J., of this review; and Mrs. Ella Cold, of Denver, Colorado.

At the usual age C. J. Meitzen became a pupil in the public schools of Germany, there pursuing his studies to the age of eleven years, when he accompanied his parents on the voyage to the new world. Later he became interested in farming at Persia, Iowa, and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits there for twelve years, at the end of which time he sold out and in 1900 came to Omaha. Here he became a salesman in the employ of the Eggerss-O'Flyng Company, which he represented upon the road for twelve years as a traveling salesman. He then, in 191 1, left the road to become general manager of the Omaha Robe & Tanning Company at South Omaha, in which position he has since continued. Through his close application and persistent efforts he has built up a business of large and gratifying proportions, ever recognizing the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. Todav he is at the head of the leading robe and tanning concern west of Chicago and the local plant is one of the best equipped in this section of the country, having modern machinery and thoroughly up-to-date equipment in every department for the handling of the immense lousiness now conducted. The company manufactures leather robes of every description and also fur garments of every kind. The building occupied is a model of its kind, covering a space forty by one hundred and fifty feet, and is two stories in height with basement. The company employs an expert buyer and equally efficient office help and have thoroughly trained and skilled workmen as operatives in the plant manufacturing its product, which is sent to various sections of the country. Mr. Meitzen has thoroughly studied everj' phase and branch of the trade and is familiar with the business from the point of purchase through the various processes of manufacture to the point of final sale.

On the 14th of February. 1905, in Omaha, Mr. Meitzen was united in marriage to Miss Martha Brown, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brown, who were pioneers and highly respected people of Idagrove, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Meitzen have one child, Allen, who was born in Omaha in 1907 and is now attending school.

The parents are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Meitzen exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He has social and genial qualities which render him popular wherever he is known and as a traveling salesman he formed a wide acquaintance. In Omaha he bears the well earned reputation of being a most progressive and competent business man and his life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accompli.shed when there is a will to dare and to do. He has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has pointed out the way and step by step he has reached the desired goal of his ambition.

A well known business man of Omaha is A. I. P. Bertschy, president of the Bertschy Manufacturing and Engineering Company, manufacturers of automobile parts and screw machine products. He was born in McHenry county, Illinois, July 11, 1875, a son of Frederick and Magdalena (Zimpleman) Bertschy, who were natives of France and in 1868 came to America, settling in McHenry county, Illinois. There the father engaged in the cultivation of vineyards and in agricultural pursuits to the time of his death, which occurred in 1899. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1884. In their family were four children, of whom Adolph was the youngest. The others are : Mrs. Lena Siler, of Urbana, Illinois ; George, of Omaha ; and Fred, living in Bowman, North Dakota.

A. J. P. Bertschy attended the public schools of his native county until his tenth year, when he ran away from home and secured a position in a meat market in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Later he took up work along electrical lines and gradually acquainted himself with the electrical construction business. When fifteen years of age he became an employe of the Elgin Watchcase Company at Elgin, Illinois, and when sixteen years of age was made foreman. He handled all the gold cases and special raised work and had made for himself a most creditable position in business circles when a strike occurred in the factory and he was discharged. He then took up electrical construction and lighting system work in northern Illinois and eventually secured a position as foreman with the Bell Telephone Company, remaining in that connection for several years. He then resigned to obtain a better position with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company in their block signal department and continued Avith the road for several years. He afterward entered the service of the Independent Telephone Company of Illinois and while thus engaged he invented the telephone repeater, which is now being universally used on the telephone systems. He still holds the patents on his invention but in 1904 sold an interest therein. After a short time with the Independent Telephone Company he was made manager in 1900 of the trouble department and became connected with the power service as well. About the same time he started in the auto repair business in Chicago, in which he continued for a year. He then went to Woodstock, Illinois, where he conducted a general jobbing shop and built a successful working model of his telephone repeater. He then sold out his shop and went to the Nevada gold fields. In May, 1904, he began experimenting with autogenous welding, on the request of his brother, a mining engineer, to reduce concrete rock, which has since become known as Wolframite. In the same year, through an uncle in Paris, France, a device was perfected known as autogenous welding for the reduction of ore at the tremendous heat of four thousand degrees. At that time, while in Nevada, he was at work on an automobile designed for the purpose of crossing the desert - at that time an unheard of performance. This machine he perfected, but the company which was backing him became financially embarrassed and he was compelled to work his way home. He landed in Council Bluffs in 1907 and for a time was obliged to work for his board. When he secured a position he saved enough of his earnings to organize the Bertschy Motor Company. This company established headquarters in Council Bluffs and Mr. Bertschy severed his connection therewith in 191 1.

He then returned to Omaha practically without means and secured a place to open an auto garage, which he did on the ist of February, 1912. His first day's receipts were five dollars and fifty-five cents. The second day's receipts were fifteen cents, and the third twenty cents. On the 7th of February, 1912, he banked twenty dollars. The excellence of his work soon brought him a growing reputation, followed by a constantly increasing trade, and among automobile owners, when anything became wrong with their machines, the word became current, "Bertschy can fix it." This he finally adopted as a trade mark - "Bertschy Kan-Fix-It." There has been no kind of automobile trouble that he has not been able to remedy and his work has gained a high reputation in many other lines. Something of the volume of his'business is indicated in the fact that while in February, 191 2, he deposited twenty dollars, his total business for the first year was over fifty thousand dollars and his gross profit seventeen thousand two hundred and thirteen dollars. There are today thirty-seven men in his employ, all experienced in their line. The floor space of his repair department is nineteen thousand square feet, devoted exclusively to the repair and manufacture of auto parts. He has the most modern and thoroughly up-to-date machinery and every known device for the repair and manufacture of automobiles, for welding and other machinery. Mr. Bertschy possesses marked inventive genius and there is nothing along mechanical lines which he dare not attempt. In 1908 he patented an air cushion suspension for automobiles and in 1914 he patented an electrical flasher for use on flashlight signs. He is now working on and has practically perfected a process for converting ordinary steel or iron into high grade steel which will reduce the cost from seven thousand dollars per ton to one hundred and forty dollars. On displaying this to steel men, they were amazed and said that if he would make tests that would prove satisfactory to them, they would not hesitate to ofl'er him five hundred thousand dollars for the formula. He has already made his tests in private and they have proven satisfactory.

On the 2d of May, 191 5. Mr. Bertschy was married to Mrs. Helen Graham at Papillion, Nebraska, who by her former marriage had two children, Robert S. Bertschy and Helen M. Bertschy, twins, born in Shreveport, Louisiana, July 6, 1900. The former is now in the manual training high school. He is an apt pupil of Mr. Bertschy, who takes the deepest interest in tlie welfare and progress of his son, who "is also displaying marked mechanical ingenuity and is now completing without assistance from anyone a miniature automobile, child's

Mr. Bertschy is an honorary member of the Elks lodge of Joliet, Illinois. He has membership in the Masonic fraternity and he belongs to the Omaha x^thletic, the Commercial and the Automobile Clubs. He is a member of the American Society of Scientific Engineers and his inventive genius has made him widely known among men who are directing their efiforts along similar lines or whose interest centers in work of kindred character. Unlike many men of inventive ingenuity, he possesses also marked business ability and executive force, his strength and power being demonstrated in the notable success that has come to him within the last five years.

Hollis M. Johnson

While Europe is engaged in a destructive war that is laying waste all that is best in her citizenship and her civilization America is forging to the front along constructive lines of farreaching benefit to her people and to the world at large. Among the important centers of commerce in Omaha is that conducted under the name of the Omaha Sanitary Supply Company, of which Hollis M. Johnson is the head. He may well be termed "a captain of industry" because of his qualities for leadership, for organization and for the direction of forces. He was born at College Springs, Iowa, August 24, 1877, a son of C. M. and Lavinia T. Johnson, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Iowa in 1856, crossing the country with a Avagon train. Mr. Johnson took up his abode upon a homestead claim and there developed a fine farm, which he cultivated for a number of years, but eventually turned his attention to the insurance business in Iowa, in which he continued to the time of his death in 1914, when he had reached the age of sixtyseven years. His widow yet makes her home in Omaha at the age of sixty-nine years.

Hollis M. Johnson, the fifth of their nine children, mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Iowa and afterward entered Amity College, from which he was graduated in 1898. Soon afterward the Spanish- American war was declared and at the first call for volunteers he enlisted. He was assigned to duty in the Philippine Islands and went to the front as a private but returned as a corporal, being honorably discharged at San Francisco, California, in 1899, after having capably and faithfully defended American interests in the orient.

Mr. Johnson at once came to Omaha and, having learned the plumbing and heating business, he began work as a contractor along those lines and in 1906 established what was known as the Johnson Plumbing & Heating Company. His activities brought success and in 1907 he bought out the John Rowe Plumbing Company, after which his business continued to grow and expand along substantial lines. In 191 1 he decided to confine his efforts to the wholesale business exclusively, at which time he incorporated the Omaha Sanitary Supply Company, of which he has continuously been the president. In this connection he is at the head of one of the largest enterprises of the kind in Omaha and one which has been an important factor in the upbuilding of the city. The business which he now controls was started in 1854 and since that time has remained an important industrial and commercial asset of Omaha. Mr. Johnson has had practical experience in every phase of the business. He is a heating and sanitary engineer, holding a science degree, and has been associated with some of the greatest companies of the kind in the country. The United States government has consulted him on important questions along his line and in various sections of the country he has been called upon for expert opinion on engineering problems relating to heating and sanitation. In connection with his government service and his own business he has traveled extensively in the United States, Mexico, the Hawaiian islands and Japan. The Omaha Sanitary Supply Company conducts a wholesale trade in regular staple plumbing, heating and water supplies and are specializing in the more modern improved lines, representing some of the leading factories of the world. They make a feature of the Royal line of cast iron sectional boilers of both the regular and smokeless types - the kind selected by the government experts for use in the White House. They also handle the most modern line of ventilated plumbing fixtures and represent the Tuec Vacuum Cleaner Company in this territory. In fact the lines which they handle represent the more efficient and improved types manufactured and their trade now covers a radius of two hundred miles from Omaha. They furnish employment to a large force of workmen and that the enterprise is of marked benefit to the city is indicated in the fact that they not only pay out much money to Omaha people through their employes but they are in every way strictly an Omaha concern, the members of the company being all prominent Omaha business men. In addition to to Mr. Johnson, who is president of the company, the officers are : W. C. Bullard, secretary ; J. Harold Evans, vice president; and Samuel Rees, treasurer. The constant and steady growth of the business has led to doing away with the contracting department and the concentration of efTort and attention upon wholesale plumbing and heating supplies.

On the 7th of May, 1901, Mr. Johnson was married in Omaha to Miss Addie Gilmore, a daughter of W. R. Gilmore, of Clarinda, Iowa. They have two children, Dorothy and MadeHne, born respectively in 1902 and 1912. The former is now a high school pupil.

Mr. Johnson gives his political support to the republican party and he is well known in various social connections. He belongs to the United Spanish War Veterans, is president of the Concord Club, a member of the Commercial Club and a member of the Omaha Athletic Club. Wherever he is known he is held in high esteem by reason of his personal worth as well as the notable business ability that has brought him to a foremost place in the ranks of the successful men of his adopted city.

Hon. John McCullough Tanner, a member of the state senate and editor of the Nebraska Daily Democrat published at South Omaha, was born in Nevada, Story county, Iowa, April 13, 1861. His parents, Joseph G. and Mary E. Tanner, came to the west in a wagon in the early '50s. The father was a contractor and builder and erected the first wing of the Agricultural State College at Ames, Iowa. He reared a family of seven children.

In the public schools of his native city John M. Tanner pursued his education and when his textbooks were put aside began learning the printer's trade, in which line of activity he has since continued, steadily advancing step by step as he acquainted himself with the various branches of the business. He was employed as reporter and city editor on a number of daily newspapers and he established the Nebraska Daily Democrat at South Omaha, since which time he has devoted his attention to its publication with good success. He has made his paper an influencing factor in molding political opinion and public thought and action along

On the lOth of May, 1886, Mr. Tanner was married to Miss Mary O Byrne, a daughter of Patrick J. O'Byrne, and their children are Joseph W., Hubert James and Frances MeUie, the last named now the wife of William B. Haselmire.

Mr Tanner is well known in various fraternal and social organizations. He has membership with the Elks, the Eagles, the Moose, the Royal Highlanders and the Woodmen of the World. He was president of the South Omaha Aerie No. 154 for a year and was secretary of the Nebraska state association of the

Fraternal Order of Eagles for five years. He belongs also to the Field Club and to the Seymour Country Club, and that he occupies an honored position in journalistic circles in the state is indicated in the fact that he was chosen for president of the Nebraska Press Association in 1912. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is a recognized leader in its ranks, doing much to shape legislation as a member of the Nebraska state senate in 1909, 191 1 and 1917. He gives most earnest consideration to those problems which are to the statesman and man of affairs of deepest import and which affect the political, economic and sociological conditions of the country.

Dr. Thomas E. Dailey, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, was born June 8, 1881, of the marriage of James H. and Anna (McLain) Dailey, the latter a native of St, Louis, Missouri. The father, who was born in Ireland, came to America in his boyhood days and after living for a short time in St. Louis removed to Nebraska in 1876, settling first in Omaha, which was then a small town. There he engaged as roadmaster with the Burlington system and remained in the employ of that corporation for thirty-two years, being one of its most trusted and trustworthy representatives. He died in 1907, at the age of sixty, having for more than a decade survived his wife, who passed away in 1896, at the age of fifty-five years. In their family were ten children.

Dr. Dailey, who was the sixth in order of birth, acquired his early education in Lincoln and afterward entered Notre Dame University of Indiana, while subsequently he became a student in the Sacred Heart College at Denver. He won his professional degree upon graduation from the dental department of the University of Nebraska in 1907, after which he located for practice in Louisville, this state, wdiere he remained for about four years. He then came to Omaha and in the intervening period has built up a large practice, being today well known as a prominent and able representative of the dental profession.

Dr. Dailey is a member of the Omaha, the Douglas County, the Nebraska State and the American Dental Societies and thus keeps in touch with the discoveries that are constantly being made that facilitate dental work and reach out toward perfection in the attainment of the object of the profession.

Dr. Dailey belongs to the Roman Catholic church and to the Knights of Columbus. He also has membership with the Elks and he belongs to the University Club, the Country Club, the Field Club and the Omaha Athletic Club. His political endorsement is given to the republican party, but while well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he has neither time nor inclination to become an active party worker nor office seeker, his profession making growing demands upon his efforts and attention.

Nathan Merriam

Nathan Merriam is one of the pioneer grain men of Omaha, having become connected with the trade here in 1877. Throughout the intervening period of forty years he has operated along this line, maintaining throughout the entire time a leading position as one of the grain merchants of eastern Nebraska. He was born in Merrimack, New Hampshire, in 1849, a son of Marshall and Sarah (Shook) Merriam, the former born in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1801, while the latter was a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Reared in Merrimack, Nathan Merriam attended its public schools and afterward entered the Pinkerton Academy at Derry, New Hampshire, from which he was graduated with the class of 1866. He afterward devoted a year to special work in Dartmouth College and in 1872 sought the opportunities of the growing west, estahlishing a produce commission husiness in Chicago. There he remained for about a year but in 1873 removed to North Bend, Nebraska, where he embarked in the grain trade. In 1877 he arrived in Omaha, for he had the prescience to recognize something of what the future held in store for this small but enter- ])rising and growing city. He began dealing in grain as one of the pioneer merchants in this field and through a period of four decades has maintained a place as one of the leading grain men of the city, his business having early assumed extensive and profitable proportions. He is now president of the Alerriam & Millard Company, and also president of the Merriam Commission Company. At all times his business has balanced up with the principles of fairness and honor, his prosperity being based upon his close application, keen business discernment and square dealing.

In 1876, in North Bend, Nebraska, Mr. Merriam was married to Miss Allie T. Gale, whose father, Nathaniel E. Gale, was a captain in a New York regiment in the Civ^il war. The children of this marriage are: I\Iildred E.. now the vv^fe of Lieutenant Harry Diehl of the British navy; and Natalie, the wife of Barton milliard, a grandson of the Hon. Joseph M. Millard. The religious faith of the parents is that of the Presbyterian church. At one time Mr. Merriam took a very active part in progressive politics and for four years was national committeeman of the progressive party from Nebraska, in which connection he attended the Chicago convention in 1912. He belongs to the University, Omaha and Country Clubs and he is also a member of the Commercial Club, in which connection he stands as a stalwart champion of well organized plans for the city's upbuilding. Throughout the entire period of his residence in Omaha he has cooperated in all the movements for its development, strongly endorsing those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. The entire course of his career has been such as to win for him the unqualified respect and honor of his fellow townsmen and Omaha ranks him v.'ith her most valued citizens.

Hon. Edward F. Trapp

Hon. Edward F. Trapp, a real estate dealer of South Omaha who is also filling the office of justice of the peace, was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, December 8, 1865. His father, Benjamin F. Trapp, was a native of Missouri, born at Warrensburg, and represented one of the old pioneer families of that state, being a son of Andrew Trapp, who for twenty years was district judge at Warrensburg. At the time of the Civil war Benjamin F. Trapp volunteered for service with the federal army, being then but nineteen years of age. He served throughout the entire period of hostilities and was taken prisoner at the battle of Lexington. Later he became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintained pleasant relations with his old comrades in arms. In 1873 he removed to Omaha and for fifteen years was a mail carrier of this city. He also served as justice of the peace for three years and made an excellent record in office. For many years he gave stanch support to the republican party but in later years became a democrat and strong admirer of William J. Bryan. His death occurred in South Omaha in 1894, when he had reached the age of sixty-eight years. He is still survived by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Rachel S. Groves and was born in Ohio. By her marriage she became the mother of six children, of whom Edward F. was the second.

After acquiring his education in the public schools of Omaha, Edward F. Trapp started out at the age of fifteen years to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1914, working at the trade first in the shops of the Union Pacific Railroad. He also served as building inspector of South Omaha for four years and in 191 1 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, which position he has since occupied, forming his opinions without partiality or favor, so that his excellent record in office has "won him golden opinions from all sorts of people." He is an active and loyal supporter of the democratic party. In addition to his official service he was also engaged in the building and contracting business for many years, erecting many homes and public buildings in this city, including the South Omaha high school. He is now engaged in the real estate business, in which he has won a large clientage, operating successfully in South Omaha, where he has handled much valuable property and negotiated many important realty transfers. In 1885, in Omaha, Mr. Trapp was united in marriage to Miss Annie Matza, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Matza, who were early settlers of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Trapp had two children but lost their son, Thomas Edward. The daughter, Mabel, is the wife of Lloyd McClintock, of Omaha. The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Trapp is connected with the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is popular with a large number of Omaha's citizens and he stands for all that is progressive in connection with the city's welfare and upbuilding.

Frank Woodhull Judson

Carefully formulated plans and undaunted enterprise have brought Frank Woodhull Judson to a conspicuous and honorable position in commercial circles of Omaha, where since 1898 he has been connected with the Midland Glass & Paint Company, of which he is secretary and general manager. He has always lived west of the Mississippi and the spirit of western enterprise finds exemplification in his career. He was born in Farmington, Minnesota, in 1874 and comes of a family of English lineage, his grandfather being the Hon. Roswell Judson, a native of New York, while his father was Roswell Carl Judson, who was born in Sherburne, New York, in 1836. In Hastings, Minnesota, the latter was married to Miss Mahala Woodhull. At the time of the Civil war he became connected with the quartermaster's department, his physical condition barring him from active field service. For many years he was numbered among the leading and influential residents of Minnesota, serving at one time as dairy commissioner of the state, while for twenty-one years he was secretary of the Minnesota State Fair Association, which held its annual meetings at Hamline, Minnesota, and under his administration all the present fair buildings were erected, while the interests of the company were placed upon a substantial basis. The last ten years of his life were spent on the Pacific coast, where he was general industrial manager for the Southern Pacific Railway and the Oregon Navigation & Railway Company. His death occurred in Portland, Oregon, in 1906. His widow survived him imtil 1910, when she, too, answered the last summons.

In his youthful days Frank W. Judson mastered the branches of learning which constituted the curriculum of the Farmington high school and later entered the University of Minnesota. In 1890 he went to St. Paul and made his initial step in the business world in the line in which he is now engaged, securing employment in a glass and paint house. Through the succeeding eight years he gained a thorough knowledge of the business in every phase, gradually working his way upward, and throughout the entire period he was actuated by a strong desire to engage in business on his own account. Industry and strict economy made this course possible and in 1898 he came to Omaha, where he organized the Midland Glass & Paint Company, of which he was chosen secretary and general manager. Through the intervening period, covering nineteen years, he has continued as the executive officer of the institution and its growing success is attributable to his well defined plans, carefully executed, and his unfaltering business enterprise. He is also a director and the vice president of the Omaha Crockery

Company, also an important business interest of the city, and his prominence in commercial circles is further indicated in the fact that he served as chairman of the executive committee and later as president of the Omaha Commercial Club, and was elected president of the Omaha Hay Exchange in April, 1916, which position he now holds.

On the I2th of May, 1898, in Farmington, Minnesota, occurred the marriage of Mr. Judson and Miss Minnie E. Burton and they have a daughter, Dorothy Elmira. Mr. and Mrs. Judson are active workers of the First Presbyterian church, in which he is serving as a trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is likewise connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World. His political indorsement is given to the republican party and while he neither seeks nor desires office his cooperation is easily obtained in support of measures looking to the betterment and upbuilding of the city. To this end he has become a member of the Commercial Club and aids in all the movements which are promulgated by that organization for Omaha's benefit. Appreciative also of the social amenities of life, he has membership in the Omaha, Country, University and Athletic Clubs. There have been few idle hours in his life. He is always busily engaged with some interest and he has realized that it is just as important to play well as to work well if one would maintain an even balance in nature and in character. In his business career there is nothing spectacular but it is indicative of the fact that honorable success always follows persistency of purpose and intelligently directed effort.

Kirschbraun & Sons, Incorporated

The house of Kirschbraun & Sons, Inc., of which Louis Kirschbraun is president and Charles Kirschbraun vice president, is well known throughout the west in connection with creamery interests. The name was a synonym of progressive activity along that line in San Francisco and is such in Omaha, where Charles and Louis Kirschbraun now make their homes. Here they are carrying on an extensive business as a dealer in creamery products, poultry and eggs.

Louis and Charles Kirschbraun were born in Prussia, Germany, sons of Esidore and Pauline Kirschbraun, who came to America in 1863 and settled in Nevada, becoming pioneer residents of Virginia City, where the father engaged in general merchandising. In 1890 he removed to San Francisco, where he retired from active business and there passed away in 1908, at the age of eightysix years. His wife died in 1902, when sixty-six years of age. In the family there were three sons and a daughter: Louis, engaged in the creamery business; Hyman, of San Francisco ; Mrs. Minnie Jacobs ; and Charles.

In his early life Charles Kirschbraun attended the schools of Virginia City, Nevada, and later became a student in the San Francisco Business College. He then became connected with the egg and the butter business at San Francisco, entering into active association with the enterprise which had been established by his father a number of years before. In 1881 he came to Omaha and in company with his brother Louis has since carried on their operations as a dealer in creamery products, poultry and eggs. In the intervening period they have developed one of the largest creameries in Nebraska, producing eight million pounds of butter annually. Poultry and eggs are also handled extensively, the trade in that line being proportionate to the butter output. This is the largest individually owned creamery in the west. The business was originally established by their father in San Francisco and afterward a similar enterprise was founded in Omaha. The firm name has never been changed since the father's death and the business, which is a corporation, is conducted by the Kirschbraun brothers. Their interests are conducted along thoroughly scientific and sanitary lines and in the manufacture of butter the most modern machinery is employed. No expense has been spared by the nianagenienl to secure every added improvement in the manufacture of butter and the equipment for handhng eggs is also thoroughly modern. In the various departments only experienced help is employed and there is a clerical force of more than forty for carrying on the immense business and correspondence of the firm. The building which they occupy is a four-story and basement structure and the undertaking is one of the most important business concerns of the city. They have outgrown their present quarters and intend to build a new creamery and cold storage jjlant on land recently bought on the corner of Ninth and Dodge streets. The building will be four or five stories in height with walls to carry additional stories later, will be constructed of steel and concrete fireproof and cost, equipped, considerably over two hundred thousand dollars. It will have a frontage of one hundred and thirty-two feet on Ninth street and seventytwo feet on Dodge street. The creamery will have a capacity of over fifteen million pounds of butter annually and the cold storage department will take care of about one hundred carloads of eggs and butter. In connection with the new creamery Kirschbraun & Sons bring to this city the Collis Products Company, which will build two stories sixty by one hundred and thirty-two feet adjoining on the west to make buttermilk powder from buttermilk secured from the creamery. This company will invest from seventy-five thousand to one hundred thousand dollars and will give employment to twenty-five people.

On the loth of July, 1883. in Omaha. Mr. Charles Kirschbraun was married to Miss Hulda Lowenstein and they have become parents of two children, Edwin and Verna, born in 1890 and 1896 respectively. Both are high school graduates and the son, who attended the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, is now in business with his father, while the daughter is a student in the Lake Forest Academy.

Mr. Kirschbraun belongs to the B'nai B'rith. He is a man of marked business enterprise and keen discernment. His sagacity enables him to recognize every opportunity of the trade and he has worked along progressive lines in the upbuilding of a business which is indeed a valued feature in the commercial circles of Omaha. Someone has said an institution is but the lengthened shadow of a man. It is certainly true that the creamery, poultry and egg business conducted by the firm of Kirschbraun & Sons is the indication of the progressive spirit and business capacity of the brothers who are at the head.

James J. Fitzgerald

James J. Fitzgerald, secretary of the Commercial Savings & Loan Association of South Omaha, where he is also well known through his operations in the field of real estate, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, August 29, 1869. His father, William Fitzgerald, who was also born on the Emerald isle, spent his entire life in his native land where he successfully followed farming. He was also quite active in local politics and served for many years as county commissioner - a position of honor in that land. He died in 1896, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Anna Meagher, always remained a resident of Ireland and by her marriage she became the mother of ten children, six sons and four daughters. She survived her husband until 1897 and was eighty-two years of age at the time of her demise.

James J. Fitzgerald was the ninth child and youngest son in the family. He pursued his education in the national schools of Ireland and spent his youthful days upon the home farm to the age of seventeen years, when he started out to earn his own livelihood. He came to the United States in 1886 and was first employed in brick and tile works at Lincoln, Nebraska. He afterward became foreman of construction on a railroad being built between Danville. Illinois, and Bay City, Michigan, and for a year devoted his attention to that line of work.

Returning to Omaha, he entered the employ of the Omaha Packing Company on the 3d of April, 1889, being given charge of the shipping department. There he remained until February, 1898, when he resigned his position and became secretary of the South Omaha Loan & Building Association, in which capacity he has since remained, covering a period of almost twenty years. The business has since changed its name to the Commercial Savings & Loan Association but Mr. Fitzgerald remains as the secretary. He also conducts what is known in business circles as the James J. Fitzgerald & Company Insurance Agency, with offices at No. 4931 South Twenty-fourth street, and he also handles considerable real estate. His position as one of the prosperous citizens of South Omaha is in marked contrast to his condition at the time of his arrival in America, when his cash capital consisted of but thirty dollars. The change has come as the result of indefatigable effort and fidelity to every trust reposed in him, and his life record proves what may be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do.

On the I2th of February, 1901, Mr. Fitzgerald was married in South Omaha to Miss Katie O'Rourke, a native of Iowa and a daughter of the late David and Katherine O'Rourke, who were early settlers of Iowa and afterward of Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald became parents of four children but lost their first born, Marie Cecelia. The others are : James J., born in South Omaha in 1903 ; Agnes Claire ; and WilHam Francis.

In politics Mr. Fitzgerald is a democrat and has filled a number of local offices, his first position being that of tax commissioner of South Omaha. In 1909 he was appointed by Governor Shallenberger as fire and police commissioner of South Omaha. He was made chairman of the board and filled that office for a year. He has always been interested in civic and political matters and he is also active as a member of the Commercial Club of Omaha. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic and he is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Happy Hollow Club and the Seymour Lake Country Club. His life record makes him a worthy exemplar of that adaptability which is characteristic of the Irish race. Their ready recognition and utilization of opportunities have enabled them to become an effective force in business and political circles everywhere and in these regards Mr. Fitzgerald has made his personality felt.

Charles D. Cummins, founder of the Omaha Realty Company and the C & C Bonded Collection Company, has thus become an active factor in real estate and financial circles of the city. He was born in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, September 17, 1858. His father, John C. Cummins, a native of Kentucky, was a representative of an old family of that state of Scotch and German descent, his ancestors having come to America prior to the Revolutionary war, and in Kentucky they made early settlement. For many years John C. Cummins was a dry goods merchant of Iowa and of Nebraska. He was a pioneer of this state, traveling by boat by way of St. Louis and becoming a resident of Plattsmouth in the early '50s. He was also one of the early lumbermen of the state and was quite successful in the conduct of his business. On coming to this state he secured three hundred and twenty acres of land, for which he paid three hundred dollars and a gold watch. This property is today worth two hundred and fifty dollars per acre. He made his home, however, in Plattsmouth. Mr. Cummins was a man of sterling character and undisputed honesty. He never swerved from any course that he believed to be right between himself and his fellowmen and he was ever a most kind and indulgent husband and father, displaying the utmost devotion to his family. Everywhere he was spoken of as a man of lovable character, so tliat his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret to all who knew him. He attained high rank and prominence in Masonic circles and did much to further the interests of the order in Xebrasl<a. Jn pohtics he was a stanch democrat and for four years he served as treasurer of Cass county. He continued his residence in Plattsmouth until his death, which occurred in October, 1899, when he was sixty-seven years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Salina Colvin, was a native of Zanesville, Ohio, and of Scotch and Welsh extraction. She became the mother of six children, of whom Charles D. is the eldest, and four of the number are yet living.

Charles D. Cummins pursued his early education in district schools, afterward spent four years in a private school and also attended the Bryant & Stratton Business College at St. Joseph, Missouri. On attaining his majority he started out in business independently as a coal dealer of Plattsmouth and met with fair success in the undertaking. In 1887 he joined his father in the lumber business under the hrm name of J. C. Cummins & Son and continued actively in that field until 1900, when he disposed of his interests at Plattsmouth and removed to Lawton, Oklahoma, where he established a lumberyard and also conducted a furniture and undertaking business until 1904. He then disposed of his interests in the southwest and returned to Plattsmouth but in 1907 removed to Sedgwick county, Colorado, wdiere he took up the occupation of farming, but that undertaking ])roved financially disastrous. In October. 19 12, he returned to Nebraska and established his present business in Omaha. Here he turned the tide of his fortunes and in the intervening years has established a large and growing business in collections as well as in the real estate field and in the former line represents many of the leading firms and corporations of this city.

On the 17th of September, 1884, in Plattsmouth, Mr. Cummins was married to Miss Ida Eliza Smith, a native of this state and a representative of an old Vermont family, her parents being Solon C. and Lucy Ann (Bigelow) Smith. The former is now deceased. By her marriage Mrs. Cummins became the mother of five children, although two died in infancy. Those still living are Dean, Murriel and Bess, all born in Plattsmouth, and the son is now junior partner in the firms founded by his father.

Politically Mr. Cummins is a democrat but has never occupied a public position that pays a salary. He served, however, for nine years without compensation as a member of the board of education and the schools have ever found in him a stalwart champion. He has always been deeply interested in politics and civic matters, in which relation he has ever maintained the attitude of a most public-, spirited and progressive citizen. He was made a Mason at Plattsmouth, Nebraska, in 1879 ^^'^ he now holds membership with Chapter No. 3, R. A. M., and with Mount Zion Commandery, No. 5, K. T. His life has been further actuated by the teachings of the Episcopal church, of which he has been a communicant for thirtyfive years.

W. B. Tagg is president and manager of Tagg Bros. & Moorhead, who are a live stock commission company having offices in the Exchange building at the Union Stock Yards in Omaha. He was born in York county, Nebraska, September 28, 1875, the son of Thomas C. and Mary Bodine Tagg, who were married at Lee Center, Illinois, on the 8th of February, 1866. Thomas C. Tagg was born in England and came to the United States when a very young man, settling in Wisconsin, and afterward removing to Illinois. In 1870 they came to Nebraska, settling on a homestead in York county, where he resided until 1877, when they took up their abode in Waco, Nebraska, in which place he was engaged in the live stock and grain business up to his retirement from active life. He removed to Omaha in 1908. His wife was born in Elizabethport, New Jersey, living there many years and later moving with her family to Kentucky. On the 8th of February, 19 16, they celebrated their golden wedding with a reception at the home of their son, W. B. Tagg, 3715 South Twenty-fifth street, Omaha. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Tagg, three of whom are yet living: A. W. Tagg, who is in partnership with his brother, W. B. Tagg, and who is vice president of Tagg Bros. & Moorhead; and Mrs. D. D. Ashley, who is now living in New York city. The eldest son, Harry E. Tagg, passed away in 1910. At the time of the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Tagg in Nebraska, the Burlington Railroad had been extended only as far as Seward, and from that point they travelled to their claim in York county in a covered wagon. In the early days Mr. Tagg bought grain which he hauled to Seward, and later when the railroad was completed he removed his business to Waco, where he continued actively in the grain and live stock business for a number of years, afterward engaging in the conduct of a hardware and implement business and a general store.

W. B. Tagg attended school in Waco and when a very young man went to Grandin, Missouri, where for three years he was connected with the Missouri Lumber & Mining Company. He returned to Nebraska in 1894, securing a position with the Cudahy Packing Company, in whose employ he continued until 1899, when he went in business with his brother H. E. Tagg under the name (as it was then known) of the McCloud-Love Live Stock Commission Company, the firm name later being changed to Tagg Bros. Live Stock Commission Company, and still later to Tagg Bros. & Moorhead, who are now considered one of the m.ost reliable firms in the Live Stock Exchange building. W. B. Tagg has been at the head of this firm for the last seven years.

In 1905 W. B. Tagg was elected a director in the Live Stock Exchange and continued in that position for nine years. In 1914 he was elected vice president of the Exchange and held that position for two years, andJti j^anuary, 19 17, he was elected president of the South Omaha Live Stock Exciiartge. He was also vice president of the National Live Stock Exchange" frbni i^i.j to 1915, and in his business connections has become widely known throughout the country. That Mr. Tagg is interested in community affairs is shown by the fact that he has been serving for three years as a director of the South Omaha Hospital Association. He votes the republican ticket and leans toward the Episcopalian church. He also belongs to the Omaha Commercial Club, and takes an active interest in Masonry, belonging to Bee Hive Lodge No. 184, A. F. & A. M., of which lodge he was master in 1914-15. He has taken the Scottish Rite degrees and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Tagg is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

On the 23rd of November, 1907, Mr. Tagg was married at Louisville, Kentucky, to Miss May Leonard. They have become the parents of three children : Richard Forrest, who was born in 1908; William Leonard, who was born in 1910; and Mary Elizabeth, who was born in 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Tagg have their own home on the South Side, adjoining Highland Park, better known as 3715 South Twenty-fifth street.

His substantial traits of character are many, and while he occupies an enviable position in business circles, he has also those personal qualities which render him popular and gain for him the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Rudolph Dietz

Rudolph Dietz, engaged in the g-ocery business in South Omaha, was born in Snyder, Nebraska^ February 14, 1884. His father, the late George Dietz, was a native of Germany and came to America in 1870, at which time he took up his abode in Dodge county, this state, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres, residing thereon until 1895. He then entered the liquor business, in which he continued until his death in 1905 at the age of fifty-three. He married Charlotte Fisher, a native of Germany, and they became the parents of eight children, all of whom survive.

Rudolph Dietz was educated in the country schools of his native county and at the age of twenty-one years started out on his own account. His early life up to that time was spent on a fann with the usual experiences of the farm bred boy. He was first employed as clerk in a grocery and meat market in South Omaha conducted by his brother-in-law, George Gottschalk, under whom he learned the business in every detail. In 1909 he began business on his own account at No. 329 North Twenty-sixth street in a very humble way and though his start was small he has built up the largest retail grocery and meat market in South Omaha, his business being located at No. 4820 South Twenty-fourth street, where he employs seven men in the handling of a trade that extends to all parts of the city. He has remained at his present location for three years and his business has constantly and steadily developed until it has now reached most gratifying proportions.

On the 20th of May, 1908, in Omaha, Mr. Dietz was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Schworick, a native of this city and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Schworick. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dietz : Hazel, whose birth occurred in Omaha, May 2. 1909; and Irene, born June 2, 191 1.

In the exercise of his right of franchise Mr. Dietz has not been bound by party ties but casts an independent ballot, supporting the men whom he believes best qualified for office. His religious belief is that of the Lutheran church and fraternally he is connected with the Eagles of South Omaha. He also belongs to the Business Men's Association and does everything in his power to further the interests of his city. His own career proves what can be accomplished through persistent efifort and carefully directed energy and, dominated by a laudable ambition, he has steadily worked his way upward until he has made for himself an enviable place in the commercial circles of South Omaha.

Among the younger representatives of the medical profession in Omaha is Dr. W'illiam Nance Anderson, whose position is already a creditable one, w^hile the qualities which he has displayed promise well for future advancement. Nebraska claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Osceola, July 31. 1886. He is a grandson of John Anderson, who although a native of England died in the United States. His father, John Henry Anderson, was born in Rugby. England, in 1838 and came with his parents to the new world when a youth of fifteen years, the family home being established at Racine, Wisconsin. There he was united in marriage to Margaret Clough Higgie and in 1870 they removed to this state. The father had previously served as a member of Company F, Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and toward the close of his term of enlistment was made sergeant of his company. Later he reenlisted and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in a regiment of Wisconsin artillery which formed a part of the famous 'Tron Brigade." He was captured at the battle of Bull Run during the period of his first enlistment and for sixteen months was incarcerated in Andersonville prison. He died in the year 1907 but his widow survives.

After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Osceola Dr. Anderson continued his education in the University of Nebraska. from which he was graduated in 1908. He then took up the study of medicine in the same school and completed his course in 19 10. For twenty months he was interne in the Clarkson Hospital at Omaha, which gave him broad and valuable practical experience along professional lines. In June, 191 1, he became associated with Dr. Le Roy Crummer, of Omaha, for the practice of internal medicine, to

On January 3, 1917, Dr. Anderson was married to Kathryn Elaine Brooks of Rushville, Nebraska, daughter of J. G. Brooks, of that place. Dr. Anderson is a member of the Phi Rho Sigma fraternity at the University of Nebraska. He was for three years a member of the Second Regimental Band of the Nebraska National Guard. He gives his political endorsement to the republican party and is always interested in those forces which make for higher ideals in citizenship and for cleaner government. In Masonry he has taken the Royal Arch degree of the York Rite and attained the eighteenth degree in the Scottish Rite. His social nature finds expression in his membership in the University Club and his religious belief in his membership in the Presbyterian church. He is a young man of great mental caliber, a progressive physician, and is spoken of by the older representatives of the profession as one who may be counted upon for progress and efficient service in his chosen calling.

John Speedie

John Speedie, superintendent of the schools at Benson, has indeed proven a most active factor in the development of the educational opportunities of the town and is recognized as one of the ablest workers in this field in eastern Nebraska. He is a native son of this state, his birth having occurred in western Sarpy county in 1868. His father, William Speedie, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1834, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Matilda Howell, was born near London, England, in 1846. She was a daughter of Robert Howell, also a native of England, who came to America in 1848 and for several years resided at Pottsville, Pennsylvania. In 1856 he came to Nebraska, settling at Bellevue, and a few years afterward went to Plattford precinct, where the family made their home. The grandfather engaged in farming in the southwestern part of Sarpy county and there resided until his death, which occurred in 1896. His wife had died in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather of John Speedie was James Speedie, who remained a lifelong resident of Scotland. The father, William Speedie, came to America in 1854, when nineteen years of age, and for a few years he was employed in Illinois. In the late '50s he engaged in freighting between Pike's Peak and Omaha and at the former place he traded his oxen for a farm which he had not seen in Sarpy county, Nebraska. A few years later he sold that property and homesteaded two miles west of his original place, residing thereon until 1913, devoting all the intervening years to the careful cultivation and improvement of his land, which he converted into a very valuable and productive farm. He then retired and removed to Springfield, where he and his wife still reside. They were married in 1865 and have therefore traveled life's journey together for almost fifty-two years.

Of a family of seven children John Speedie was the third in order of birth. He began his education in the district schools near his father's farm and afterward attended the Fremont Normal School, from which he was graduated in due course of time. He had taught school for several years in Benson and following his graduation from the Fremont Normal, he resumed the profession of teaching. He spent the years 1900 and 1901 in the University of Nebraska and in the latter year became a teacher in the Benson schools. At that time the town contained but one school building of four rooms. He was made principal of the schools and later superintendent, and during his connection with the educational interests of the town he has greatly improved the school system. Today there are three large and substantial school buildings and twenty-nine teachers are employed to care for the pupils in attendance. In 1905 a high school was established and during the first years it had from fifteen to thirty pupils in attendance. Now there are six teachers in the high school, with about one hundred and hfty pupils, and the total enrollment in the Benson schools is about eleven hundred - a great increase from the one hundred and eighty who were in attendance when Mr. Speedie took charge.

On the 1st of February, 1898, Mr. Speedie was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Virginia Patterson, of Papillion, Nebraska, her father being Joseph D. Patterson, an early settler of Cass county. They have two children, Charles Robert and Donald, who are attending school. The parents are active members of the Presbyterian church and do all in their power to promote its work and extend its influence. Mr. Speedie is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his wife is the secretary of the Omaha chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in the work of which she is active. She belongs also to the Woman's Club of Benson and to Vesta Chapter of the Eastern Star. Both Mr. and Mrs. Speedie occupy a very enviable position in social circles where true worth and intelligence are received as the passports into good society. In all of his life work he has been actuated by high ideals and has continually studied progressive methods leading to the further development of the schools and the promotion of efficiency in the system employed in Benson.

Halleck F. Rose

Nebraska has always been distinguished for the high rank of her bench and bar. Perhaps none of the newer states can boast of abler jurists or attorneys. Many of them have been men of national fame, and among those whose lives have been passed on a quieter plane there is scarcely a town or city in the state but can boast of one or more lawyers capable of crossing swords in forensic combat with any of the distinguished legal lights of the United States. While the growth and development of the state in the last half century has been most marvelous viewed from any standpoint, yet of no one class of her citizenship has she greater reason for just pride than her judges and attorneys. In Halleck F. Rose we find united many of the rare qualities which go to make up the able and successful lawyer. His mind is analytical, logical and inductive and he has in an eminent degree that rare ability of saying in a convincing way the right thing at the right time.

Mr. Rose has been a resident of Nebraska since 1884, although Pennsylvania claims him as a native son. He was born in Grove City, Mercer county, in 1863 and represents one of the old families of the Keystone state. His grandfather, Tames Rose, also a native of Pennsylvania, entered from the government a farm in Mercer county which is still in possession of the family. He was a relative of Andrew Rose, an iron molder who made cannon balls for use by the American army in the Revolutionary war. The ancestors of the family came originally from England. James Rose was united in marriage to Martha McKinley, who was an aunt of President William McKinley. James McKinley Rose, father of Halleck F. Rose, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, on the old home farm which his father had entered from the government. In an early day he was a member of the state militia of Pennsylvania. He died in the year 1889 but is still survived by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Maria C. Brandon and was born in Pennsylvania in 1830, being now eighty-six years of age. Their son, William Brandon Rose, is now (191 7) a judge of the Nebraska supreme court.

Halleck F. Rose attended the public schools and a college in Grove City, Pennsylvania, and afterward took up the profession of teaching in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. He also became a teacher in the high school at Mount Jackson, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and after five years devoted to that ];rofession removed to the west, settling at Wahoo, Nebraska, where he read law for a year. He then w^ent to Lincoln, where he studied law and in 1887 was admitted to the bar, after which he located for practice in the capital, remaining an active member of the profession in that city from 1887 until 1908. A. J. Sawyer, an eminent attorney of Lincoln, bears testimony of the character of Mr. Rose as follows :

"Nothing too good can be said in commendation of H. F. Rose as a neighbor, a citizen, a man and a lawyer. I have known him intimately and well for more than a quarter of a century, during most of which time he was a resident of Lincoln, and for some years a close and valued neighbor, until he moved to Omaha. It was here in Lincoln that his career as a struggling young lawyer began, and where, it may truly be said, he won his w^ay to fortune and to fame ; it w-as here that he formed a lifelong partnership with a most estimable and cultured young lady to adorn and make happy his beautiful home; it was here that he won his first spurs in his first important litigation known as the Woolen Mills case.

"Some thirty years ago a promoter from the east landed in our midst and played to such ah extent upon the credulity of many of our good citizens as to induce them to believe that what Lincoln most needed was woolen mills which would give employment to hundreds of employes, materially reduce the price of all woolen fabrics and richly reward all those who should become so fortunate as to get their names upon the stock books of the corporation then to be organized.

"The prospects for success, as put forth by the oily tongued promoter, were exceedingly alluring, and the stock was subscribed with alacrity and avidity. Business men, doctors, preachers, tinkers, tailors and lawyers became the owners of more or less of the much prized stocks. The end of the first scene in the Woolen Mills case closed with the closing of the stock subscription books.

"The beginning of the second scene opened wath the purchasing of a site, building materials, machinery, etc., and the erection of the buildings to accommodate the machinery and large number of employes soon to arrive. All seemed to be going merrily as a marriage bell when, accidentally, one dark night, the buildings, then nearing completion, caught fire and all went up in smoke.

"The third scene disclosed numerous citizens early in the morning in disheveled apparel viewing the charred and smouldering ruins of the prospective woolen mills.

"The fourth scene shifts to the Lancaster county district court where each and all of the aforesaid stockholding business men, doctors, preachers, tinkers, tailors and lawyers were called to tell the court and jury why they and each of them should not respond in damages for neglecting to publish annually the amount of the indebtedness of their corporation as required by law, and as set forth with great lucidity by the attorney for the creditors, Halleck F. Rose. The defendants were represented by more than a score of able attorneys, among whom was the struggling but gifted young advocate, W. J. Bryan.

"Numerous answers were filed setting forth all sorts of defenses. As many obstacles as the fertile minds of ingenious lawyers could think of were placed in Mr. Rose's pathway to victory, and for days the courtroom walls resounded with more fervent eloquence than was ever before or since heard within their confines, but it was all to no effect; Halleck, single-handed and alone, had the brilliant array of advocates against him on the hip; his victory being complete.

*Tn this case of much importance he showed a remarkable degree of preparedness, a wonderful familiarity with the rules of evidence and a thorough understanding of the law of the case. Thenceforward he lacked not for clients, and large retainers. Some years ago, lured by an attractive offer of a large railroad corporation in the metropolis, he left us. much to the regret of all who knew him, to make his home in Omaha, where his worth as a citizen, his integrity and honor as a man, and his fame as a lawyer are well and deservedly known and

Mr. Rose came to Omaha to accept the position of assistant general solicitor with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company but resigned on the

1st of Octoljcr, lyio, and entered into partnershij) with John l"". Stout, while in March, 1913. they were joined by A. R. Wells, thus forming the present tirm of Stout, Rose & Wells. In addition to his professional interests Mr. Rose is president of the Rose Realty Company of Omaha, conducting an extensive and profitable business.

On the 28th of July, 1902, in Omaha, Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Cameron, a daughter of the late John Cameron and Ada (Lovejoy) Cameron. To them have been l)orn three children, llalleck Lovejoy, Homer Cameron and Hudson McKinley.

Politically Air. Rose is a republican, thoroughly versed on the questions and issues of the day but never a politician in the sense of ofifice seeking. The only position which he has filled was in the strict path of his profession. In December, 1885. he became assistant clerk of the supreme court and continued in that office until after his admission to the bar. He belongs to the Commercial Club, in which connection his interest in community upbuilding is expressed. He is also a member of the University Club and the Happy Hollow Club. Every phase of his life will bear close investigation and scrutiny and in a profession where advancement depends solely upon individual merit he has gained a place of notable distinction and honor.

Dr. Edmond F. Shanahan, who came from Ireland to America a poor boy, is now recognized as an able physician of Omaha. He was born in Kerry, Ireland, February 17, 1885. His father, Edmond Shanahan, still a resident of Kerry, has followed the occupation of farming and has also been active and prominent in com- ^mercial lines there, being recognized as one of the successful and honored citizens of Kerry. He wedded Mary Mangan, who passed away January 22, 19 10, when fifty-five years of age. She had become the mother of seven sons and five daughters. She was a sister of the Rt. Rev. Lord Bishop John Mangan, of Kerry, Ireland, a noted prelate known in Catholic circles throughout the world.

Dr. Shanahan was the seventh child and the fifth son in his father's family. He pursued his education in the national schools of Ireland, in St. Michael's College and in Dayplace College at Tralee, Ireland, being graduated from both instittitions on the completion of classical courses. He had lived upon a farm to the age of twelve years and from that experience gained valuable lessons which have proven of worth to him in later years. He first took up the work of an apothecary and was thus engaged in his native country for three years. On the 27th of September, 1905, he arrived in the United States practically a stranger. After five months' travel in the east he made his way westward, locating in Omaha with a view of continuing his studies. Two days afterward he entered Creighton College, from which he was graduated on the 30th of April, 1910, with the degree of M. D. While thus engaged he did hospital work in St. Joseph's Hospital at Sioux City, Iowa, and in June following his graduation he opened an office at 4839 South Twenty-fourth street in South Omaha, where he has since been in active and continuous practice as a physician and surgeon. He keeps in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and investigation through his membership in the Omaha-Douglas County, the Nebraska State and the American Medical Associations.

Dr. Shanahan was married in Omaha, September 14, 191 1, to Miss Agnes Cavanaugh, a native of Iowa and a daughter of John. Cavanaugh, who was an early settler of Loherville, Iowa. Dr. and Mrs. Shanahan have four children : Edmond, John, Maurine and James A. The first two were born in Omaha, the third child in San Francisco and the fourth in Hollywood, California.

Dr. Edmond F. 8Hanahan

he belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Eagles, the Moose and the Mystic \^'orkers. He also has membership in the Seymour Lake Country Club. In politics he is a democrat, much interested in political and civic matters in this country and also in public questions affecting the welfare of the Irish nation. In May, 19 1 2, he was appointed city physician of South Omaha and so served for two terms or until the annexation, when he was made assistant city physician of Greater Omaha, in full charge of the south side. He has also served as colonel on the governor's staff and has been first Heutenant in the medical corps of the National Guard.

Benjamin L. Benson

Among the concerns of Omaha whose trade has reached out to foreign countries as well as extending from one end to the other of the United States is the Nebraska Lightning Rod Company, of which Benjamin L. Benson is treasurer and manager. Theirs is the largest industry of the kind in the country and its product is recognized as standard. Mr. Benson has been identified with Omaha during practically his entire life and has not only been a witness of its remarkable growth but has been a factor in bringing this development about. He was born in Skane, Sweden, September 8, 1861, but in 1866 accompanied his parents, Lars and Ella ( Knutson) Benson, to the United States. They came directly to Omaha, arriving here on the 14th of March. At that time there were no bridges across the Missouri river at Omaha and the train on which they came was ferried across the river three cars at a time. The father soon secured a position as fireman in the firehouse of the Union Pacific Railroad and remained in the employ of that corporation for fifteen years. Later he became a well digger, which was then a profitable business as there was no waterworks system in Omaha and each family had to provide its own supply of water. With the establishment of a waterworks system the damand for the services of well diggers ceased and Mr. Benson then homesteaded land near St. Paul. Nebraska, to which the family removed. He engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in Omaha in 1881. His wife died in 1876. They were the parents of nine children, of whom only two survive, the brother of our subject being John Lars Benson, a resident of Ivanhoe, Minnesota.

Benjamin L. Benson as a boy often visited the Indian village on the river and spent many hours playing with the Indian boys of his own age. He received his education in the public schools of Omaha, and after putting aside his textbooks went to work in a grocery store. Later he established a store of his own which, however, he disposed of in 1900, becoming connected at that time with the Omaha Lightning Rod Company. He spent some time as a manager for that concern, but in 1908 he organized the Nebraska Lightning Rod Company, of which he became treasurer and manager, with John McCaig as president and E. L. Benson as secretary. Following the death of Mr. McCaig in 1916 Otto Baysdorfer became president, Mr. Benson remaining treasurer and manager. Lie has since filled those offices and to him is due no small share of the credit for the rapid growth of the business. The company manufactures pure copper cable conductors which are guaranteed to be absolute protection against lightning, and experts are sent from the factory to teach dealers how to rod buildings properly, thus doing away with all elements of risk. In a government bulletin on the subject of lightning protection it is emphasized that to secure adequate protection it is necessary first that the rods be made of the proper material and second that they be installed correctly. It has been ascertained beyond doubt that pure copper affords the greatest protection and the method of placing the rods on the buildings used by the Nebraska Lightning Rod Company is the result of a careful study of all conditions having a bearing upon the effectiveness of the rods. Attention has also been given to the style of the rods, fixtures and ornaments, so that every kind of building from the finest residence to the barn or shop may be equipped with a system harmonizing in appearance with the character of the structure. The company are manufacturers and wholesalers, selling their products through retail dealers, usually hardware merchants and implement dealers. The equipment of the factory is thoroughly up-to-date and the workmen are all expert in their respective lines.

Mr. Benson was married March i, 1882, to Miss Annie Olson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Olson. She passed away February 9, 1892, leaving two children, Edward L., who was born in 1883, is a graduate of the Omaha high school and is now in business with his father. He was married in 191 1 to Miss Bessie Snook, of Omaha, and they have two children, William Edward and Bernice, aged respectively five and two years. Clarence L., born in 1885, married Elsie Barsballe November 5, 1913. Mr. Benson was again married October 15, 1898, his second union being with Aliss Emma Thoren, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gus G. Thoren.

Mr. Benson is a democrat in his political belief and has discharged to the full all of his obligations as a citizen but he has never been an office seeker. He is widely known throughout the city and is not only held in high respect because of his unquestioned force of character and business ability but is also popular personally. He takes justifiable pride ini the wonderful growth of the business of his company and it is a source of satisfaction to him that the success of the business has benefited not only those directly connected with it but also the city as a whole, increasing its importance as one of the commercial centers of the country.

Henry A. Olsen

Henry A. Olsen, a brass founder of Omaha, is active as a member of the firm of Olsen & Schlinger in the conduct of a business that was established in 1892, and which in the intervening period has developed into an important industrial concern of the city. Henry A. Olsen, now senior partner in the business, was born in Omaha, August 8, 1878. His father, Richard Olsen, a native of Norway, came to America in the early 70s, making his way direct to Omaha where he engaged in stonecutting work, becoming one of the pioneers in that line in the city. He has since established a large and satisfactory business. His wife is Mrs. Gertrude Olsen, and they were married before leaving Norway. They had three children, Henry A., Louis and Olive.

Henry A. Olsen was educated in the parochial schools of Omaha, and at the age of eleven years started out to earn his own living. He first engaged in the dressing of poultry for David Cole, and that he proved a capable, faithful and loyal employe, is indicated in the fact that he was employed by Mr. Cole for fourteen years. He then entered upon an apprenticeship to the brass makers trade and followed his trade as a journeyman until April, 1910, when his present business was purchased from McDonald Brothers. It was established in 1892 at the corner of Fifteenth and Jackson streets. At first there was but one workman employed but the firm of Olsen & Schlinger is today at the head of the largest business of the kind in Omaha, employing on an average six skilled workmen. The shop and plant are now located at No. 1407 Jackson street, and the firm is engaged in supplying the local jobbing trade. The business is now large and is constantly growing for the output fully meets the demand, the product being of excellent quality.

On the 17th of April, 1899, Mr. Olsen was united in marriage to Miss Emma Mastrick, at Omaha. Mrs. (Disen is a native of Omaha and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mastrick, pioneer settlers of the city. They had three children but have lost one, the others being Ethel and Gertrude, aged respectively eleven and five years. The parents are members of the Roman CathoHc church and in politics Mr. Olsen maintains an independent course. His hfe has been one of untiring activity, and industry and determination have enabled him to overcome all the difficulties that have barred his path to success.

Matthew A. AIcNamara, who for long years was closely identified with the building interests of Omaha and thus contributed much to the improvement of the city, arrived' here in 1869, removing from Brooklyn, New York. He was a native of Ireland but was only four years of age when his parents crossed the Atlantic with their family and established their home in Brooklyn, where he was reared and educated. On coming to Omaha he embarked in the wholesale liquor and tobacco business on Fourteenth street, between Farnam and Douglas streets, and continued in that line for about twenty years. He built three houses on South Seventeenth street and he it was who erected the first flat buildings in the city. He also erected his own residence, known as Oak Forest. His activities in this line contributed much to the improvement of the districts in which he operated.

In 1873 Mr. McNamara was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Sullivan, a daughter of P. R. SulHvan, who was born in Ireland and became a resident of Boston. He thence removed in 1869 to Omaha, after which he took charge of the officers' mess at the Omaha, barracks. There he continued for many years and he continued to reside in this city up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1907, when he was seventy-five years of age.

Mr. McNamara at his death left five children, of whom four are yet living, Matthew A., having passed away. The others are Mary, Ellen, Anna and Reba. The daughter Anna is now the wife of J. D. Shields, of Chicago. The family circle was broken by the hand of death when on the 22d of February, 1886, the husband and father was called to his final rest, leaving many friends as well as his immediate family to mourn his loss. In politics he was always a stalwart democrat and was a very public-spirited man, giving active aid and support to many measures and movements for the general good. He served for two or three terms as a member of the city council and he had the first contract for paving and laying the sewers on Farnam street, John F. Dailey doing the work under Mr. McNamara's direction. He held membership in the Catholic church, being a communicant at the Cathedral, and he belonged to the Irish Catholic Association and to the Emmet Monument Association. He had a strong attachment for the land of his nativity as well as for the land of his adoption and was always ready to aid his fellow countrymen in every possible way.

James W. Holmquist

One of the greatest factors in thqi growth of Omaha is the grain trade and among the leaders in that business James W. Holmquist occupies a foremost position. He is president of the Holmquist Elevator Company, which does a general commission business and operates a terminal elevator in Omaha. He is also at the head of the Holmquist Grain & Lumber Company, which has twenty different branches in Nebraska and Iowa. A native of De Kalb. Illinois, he was born October 4. 1866, and is a son of O. and Anna (Johnson) Holmquist. both of whom were born in Sweden but in 1866 emigrated to America. In 1869 they removed to Nebraska and settled on a homestead in Cuming county. There they remained for eleven years but in 1880 took up their residence in Oakland, where the father resided until his death in 1914 at the age of seventy-six years. The mother still survives and is living in Omaha. Their four children are as follows: James W. ; A. C, a resident of Oakland; Mrs. H. L. Olson, of Omaha; and Mrs. E. Broberg, of Minneapolis. Minnesota.

fames W. Holmquist is almost entirely a self-educated man as his opportunities for schooling were very meager. With the exception of fourteen months spent in the Oakland schools he has acquired his knowledge in the school of experience. When but a boy he went to work in a retail lumber yard for his father with whom he remained for nine years, and during that time he gained a thorough knowledge of the business. In 1892 the Holmquist Grain & Lumber Company was organized and operated at five stations and has met with gratifying success from the beginning. From time to time they have established branches in various towns and the Holmquist Grain & Lumber Company, of which he is still the head, now owns elevators in twenty towns and cities of Nebraska and Iowa. In i(}02 he came to Omaha and together with Nathan Merriam organized the Merriam-Holmquist Grain Company, which continued until 1910, when it was dissolved. In that year he organized the Holmquist Elevator Company, of which he is the president, and which is operating a terminal elevator of large capacity in Omaha. The firm does a large business and is well known throughout the grain belt of the middle west. The fact that he has successfully managed the affairs of two large corporations is proof that he possesses the ability to think in large terms, the power to direct the labors of others and the foresight that enables him to anticipate changes in business conditions. In addition to the interests already mentioned he is treasurer of the Nebraska-Iowa Grain Company.

Mr. Holmquist was married on the 22d of November. 1888, to Miss Anna M. Hansen, of Oakland, Nebraska, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hansen, natives of Denmark. To this union have been born eight children, all natives of Oakland. Mrs. George Tyner, a graduate of Brownell Hall, is now living at DeWitt, Nebraska, and has one son, George. Wynlow, who is a graduate of the Oakland high school, is married and has three children. Stella is a graduate of Brownell Hall. Carolyn is a graduate of the Omaha high school, as is Bernie. James is a high school student, and Elden and Graydon complete the family.

Mr. Holmquist is independent in politics, casting his ballot for the candidates whom he thinks will best serve the public good. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine and also has other fraternal connections, belonging to the Elks, the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen of America. He holds membership in the Omaha Club and in the Commercial Club. He takes an active part in the work of the Grain Exchange, of which he is an ex-president. He is a splendid representative of the modern successful business man, recognizing as he does the interrelation of all phases of modern life and the great value of cooperation for a common end.

Louis C. Nash

Louis C. Nash, who since January. 19 14. has been active in the management and ownership of the department store conducted under the name of the Burgess- Nash Company, of which he is the vice president, was born in Omaha, December 2, 1880. His father, Edward W. Nash is mentioned in a more extended article elsewhere in this work.

After mastering the branches of learning taught in the schools of his native city Louis C. Nash entered Notre Dame University near South Bend, Indiana, in which he completed an electrical course by graduation with the class of 1898. He then returned to Omaha and entered the employ of the street car company as road inspector, and the recognition of his ability and initiative advanced him to the position of secretary and treasurer, which he resigned, however, in January. 1914, to become connected with Ward M. Burgess in incorporating the Burgess-Nash Company, of which he is the vice president. They then opened up a well equipped department store, having one of the most attractive establishments in that line in the city. Most careful attention is paid to the personnel of the house, to the character of goods carried and to the treatment accorded patrons, and modern business enterprise has won for them substantial success.

On the 8th of June, 1904, in Omaha, Mr. Nash was married to Miss Janet Eunice Rogers and their children are Edward W., Louis Rogers, Ellen Virginia and Elizabeth. The family are communicants of the Catholic church. In his political views Mr. Nash is a republican, but while he does not seek nor desire public office, he gives active support to various projects for the public good, especially those promoted by the Commercial Club, of which he is an active member, serving now on the executive committee. He finds recreation through his identification with the Omaha, the Carter Lake, the Country and the Field Clubs. His entire life has been spent in his native city and that the record has been a creditable one is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present.

Hugh W. Williams

Hugh W. Williams, president of the Drake Williams Mount Company, has been engaged in this business since 1897, and his initial step in this direction followed previous experience along the same line as an employe. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 30, 1862, a son of William and Alice (Roberts) Williams, who were natives of Wales. Each came to America in the early '50s and settled in Milwaukee. Following their marriage they removed to Chicago, where the father engaged in blacksmithing and horseshoeing, remaining in that city until called to his final rest in 1915, when he was in the eightieth year of his age. His wife passed away in Chicago, in 1908, at the age of seventy-three years.