Omaha City (part 3 of 26)

Charles Edward Black

Charles Edward Black, a well known representative of mercantile interests in Omaha, has been here engaged in business since 1900 and in the intervening period of sixteen years the term "Black, the Hatter," has become a familiar one to his fellow townsmen and. moreover, it is recognized as a synonym for business enterprise and commercial progressiveness. Mr. Black was born in Freeport, Illinois, in 1863 and is descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry although the family has been represented in America for several generations. The greatgrandparents were residents of Pennsylvania and in that state John Black, the grandfather, was born. He became a resident of Canton, Ohio, in the early part of the nineteenth century and there in 1830 occurred the birth of Benjamin F. Black, who had four brothers, all of whom were soldiers of the Civil war, while one of the number, George A. Black, was appointed governor of Utah territory. Benjamin F. Black wedded Maria Louise Flanagan, a native of New Jersey, and for many years they resided in Freeport, Illinois, where he engaged for some time in merchandising but afterward became connected with the mail service. He passed away in 1893, while his widow, long surviving him, died in 1910.

The youthful memories of Charles E. Black cluster around Freeport, where as a boy and youth he attended the public schools until graduated from the high school at the age of eighteen years. He then started out in the business world as an employe in the offfce of the Freeport Weekly Journal, in which he learned the printer's trade. After two years he went to Chicago, where he followed his trade for three years and then became a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he resided for five years, working in a printing office in the winter months, while the summer seasons were spent with a surveying party in Wyoming. He dates his residence in Nebraska from 1888, in which year he settled in Pierce, where he was employed in the office of a milling company for six months. In October of the same year he came to Omaha and opened a wholesale distributing agency for the Pierce Milling Company of Pierce, Nebraska, which he thus represented until 1900, when, desirous of conducting business on his own account, he established a hat store and the name of Black, the Hatter, has since figured most prominently in the commercial circles of the city. He has developed his business along the lines which ever lead to commercial success - carefulness in the selection of the personnel of the house and of the goods carried, combined with courteous treatment of patrons and thoroughly reliable methods in trade. Gradually his success has grown and he is now one of the prosperous merchants of the city. He has also become a director of the Omaha Loan & Building Association.

On the 25th of February, 1892, in Creston, Iowa, Mr. Black was married to Miss Lilly L. Rex, a daughter of H. B. Rex, who was born in Ohio and went to the front at the time of the Civil war with a regiment from that state. Mr. and Mrs. Black became the parents of a son and a daughter but both died in infancy. They attend the Presbyterian church and Mr. Black gives his political endorsement to the republican party. He is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine and is also a representative of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the board of governors of Ak- Sar-Ben and was the nineteenth king of that organization three years ago. By reason of his business connections he has become a member of the Associated Retailers Club and, appreciative of the social amenities of life, he has membership in the Omaha, Ad and Happy Hollow Clubs. He is also identified with the Commercial Club, realizing the opportunities of that organization for the upbuilding of the city and cooperating with all its well defined plans for civic improvement.

Hon. John Montgomery Macfarland

Hon. John Montgomery Macfarland, former member of the Nebraska senate and an active and successful practitioner at the bar since November, 1889, was born upon a farm in Jefiferson county, Virginia, now West Virginia, January 14, 1856. He is a representative of an old Pennsylvania family, his grandfather being John Macfarland, who was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, whence in early manhood he went to Virginia as superintendent of the armory at Harpers Ferry. His son, John M. Macfarland, was born in Jefiferson county, that state, in 1826 and completed his education at the Gettysburg (Pa.) College, where he was a classmate of the Rt. Rev. Richard H. Clarkson, the pioneer Episcopal bishop of Nebraska. In Virginia he wedded Jane Douglas, also a native of Jefferson county, and his death occurred January 10, 1856. four days before the birth of his son and namesake. The mother survived for more than a half century, passing away at the old homestead in September, 1913. She was related to the Lee, Douglas and Washington families, three of the most distinguished families of Virginia.

Reared in Winchester, Mrginia. John M. Macfarland was graduated in 1872 from the Shenandoah Aalley Military Institute and in 1874 completed a course in the Glenwood Military Institute, near Baltimore. Maryland. He then entered Princeton University, at which time President Woodrow Wilson was connected with the institution. He completed his course to his junior year and in 1875 ^^'^^ a member of the Princeton crew. Leaving that school in 1876, he entered the University of Mrginia, wherein he completed a law course with the class of 1877 but devoted the year 1878 to post graduate work. He was admitted to the bar at Wheeling', West Virginia, upon examination before the supreme court in December, 1878, and immediately afterward came to Omaha, where he was admitted to practice before the supreme court of Nebraska on the 10th of January, 1879. On the loth of May of the same year he opened an office in Columbus, Nebraska, where he remained for a decade, or until November, 1889, when he returned to Omaha, where he has since followed his profession. His practice has been extensive and of an important character and his comprehensive knowledge of the law enables him to hnd a ready solution for intricate legal l)roblems. He also quickly sees the relation of cause and effect and his deductions are logical and his reasoning sound.

On the lOlh of December, 1878, in Charles Town, West Virginia, Mr. Alacfarland was married to Miss Agnes Lyle Forrest, a great-great-granddaughter of Commodore Thomas Truxton, the first commodore of the American navy. The children of this marriage are : Forrest, now of Portland, who married Alice Piggon and has a daughter, Anna; John M., who is married and also lives in Portland; Louise, at home; Thomas Truxton, who is with the Shawmut National Bank of Boston, Massachusetts; Charles Richardson; and Donald Douglas.

1 he parents attend the Episcopal church and Mr. Macfarland belongs' to the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He has been very prominent in the first named organization, having in 1889 been elected grand chancellor of Nebraska, while later he was chosen supreme representative of the Knights of Pythias and served for four years. He is also identified with the Commercial Club of Omaha and he has been active in politics as a supporter of the principles and candidates of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. In 1881 he was elected mayor of Columbus and for two terms was chief executive of the city, while for two terms he was city attorney. In 1894 he was nominated for district judge in Omaha but did not make the run. In 1912 he was elected state senator for a two years' term and in 1916 was again made the nominee of his party, which recognizes the value of his public service and his loyalty to the principles in which he believes. His opinions are based upon a thorough understanding of political questions and issues, and he supports his position by intelligent and comprehensive argument.

William Martin Jeffers

William Martin Jeffers is general manager of the Union Pacific Railroad Company and his rise has been so rapid as to seem almost meteoric in character, yet a careful analysis of his career shows that he has based his advancement upon the qualities of close application and indefatigable industry, which constitute the indispensable elements for success in every walk of life, and although at a glance his career seems somewhat spectacular it is nevertheless proof of the fact that "Success is a cumulative process." He was born at North Platte, Nebraska, in 1876, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Jeffers, both of whom have now passed away, the former in 191 2 and the latter in 19 10. The father was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1840 and following his marriage, which was celebrated in Wales, came in early manhood to the United States, arriving in 1866. He first settled in New Haven, Connecticut, and in 1873 became a resident of North Platte, Nebraska.

It was in the public schools of that city that William M. Jeffers pursued his education until he became a high school pupil. His textbooks, however, w^ere put aside when he was fourteen years of age and he started out in the business world, making his initial step in railway circles as office boy in the office of the assistant superintendent of the Union Pacific at North Platte. W'hile thus employed he used every available moment to learn telegraphy and after a year, or in November, 1892, he was given a position as an operator and in that capacity served at several stations. His father was an employe in the shops of the Union Pacific at North Platte, but there was no one on the staff of officials or heads of departments to use any influence to obtain promotion for him. He did not shirk any task assigned him, however menial, and it was not an unusual thing to see him in those early days running a lawn mower or watering the trees in the park around the office building. He regarded all work as honorable and he brought to it every ounce of energy that he could muster and from each experience learned the lesson therein contained. He had serv'ed as telegraph operator for but a brief period when he was made train dispatcher in the same office where he had first been employed as an office boy. From that time on his rise was most rapid. He rose to the position of chief dispatcher and was afterward made trainmaster on the Colorado and Wyoming divisions. The next step brought him to the superintendency of the Utah, Wyoming and Nebraska divisions, respectively, and he was then promoted to the position of general superintendent on the ist of November, 1915, and continued in that capacity until June 4th following, when, following the resignation of Charles Ware, he was appointed general manager and thus at the age of forty years is in control of the operations of one of the most important railway systems of the country, and all of this has been accomplished within the short space of a quarter of a century. Nineteen centuries ago it was said that "A man cannot hide his light under a bushel." Ability will come to the front anywhere and the life record of Mr. Jeffers proves what a modern philosopher contends, that "Ability'ts;but-hard work- intelligently directed." On the 2d of June, 1900, in North Platte, Nebraska, Mr. Jeffers was married to Miss Lena Schatz, a daughter of the Jatg^ ;-Jo$eph Schatz, a pioneer of Omaha. They have become the parents of one child, Eileen! The religious faith of J\Ir. and Mrs. Jeffers is that of the Catholic church and in polities' he maintains an independent course. Pie belongs to thg. Commercial Club of Omaha and is interested in its various projects for promatiiig tTioSe^^thiitgs which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. Pie belongs to the Omaha Club and to the Happy Hollow Club and thus finds recreation from the arduous and strenuous cares of a position which establishes him as one of the eminent representatives of railway interests in the country.

Frank H. Gaines

Frank H. Gaines, for twenty-two years an active member of the Omaha bar, was born in Knox county, Illinois, on the 8th of April, 1863, a son of Homer and Martha (Boyer) Gaines. The father was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1838 and at the time of the Civil war became a second lieutenant of an Illinois regiment of volunteer infantry. In 1912 he removed with his wife, a native of Illinois, to Omaha, where they now reside.

Frank H. Gaines is indebted to the public school system of his native county for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed and he later entered Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1884 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He quahfied for his professional career as a student in the Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, California, and then, returning to the middle west, was admitted to practice in the Iowa courts upon examination before the supreme court of Iowa in 1890. He at once entered upon the active work of his profession and soon afterward was elected county attorney of Adair county, Iowa, in which capacity he served from 1891 until 1894. Then seeking a broader field of labor he came to Omaha, where he has since remained and is now a partner in the firm of McGilton, Gaines & Smith, recognized as one of the strong and able law firms of the city. He never enters the courtroom till he has thoroughly studied his case from every standpoint and his thorough preparation enables him to meet not only every expected but also every unexpected attack of the adversary.

On the 2d of June, 1893, in Greenfield, Iowa, Mr. Gaines was married to Miss Theresa Schleiter and they have a son, Francis S., born May 18, 1894. Mr. Gaines belongs to the Uni\ersity Club, the Country Club and the Omaha Club and his personal qualities insure him a cordial reception in those organizations. He votes with the republican party but is not an active worker in its ranks, although never remiss in the duties of citizenship. He prefers to concentrate his efforts upon his professional interests.

Dr. Henry M. Fitzgibbon, physician and surgeon who since 1908 has been engaged in active practice in Omaha, was born in Missouri Valley, Iowa, in 1878. His father, Dennis Fitzgibbon, a native of County Limerick, Ireland, w'as born in 1844 and following his marriage brought his family to the new world. He has devoted his life to farming but is now living retired in Detroit, ^Michigan.

Dr. Fitzgibbon is indebted to the public schools of his native city for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed. His more specifically literary training was received in Creighton University, in which he won the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1904, while two years later his alma mater conferred upon him the Master of Arts degree. Having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he then continued his studies in Creighton University in the medical department and won his professional degree in 1908. He at once opened an office in Omaha and through the intervening period of eight years has devoted his attention to the general practice of medicine and surgery, being particularly skilled in the latter field. He is very conscientious in the performance of all his professional duties and holds to a high standard of professional ethics.

Dr. Fitzgibbon votes with the democratic party. His religious faith is that of the Catholic chttrch and he belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and his social nature finds expression in his membership in the Field, Carter Lake and Omaha Athletic Clubs.

Allan Drysdale Falconer

The attractiveness of Omaha as a place of residence and as a business center offering good opportunities to the ambitious, energetic young man, finds demonstration in the fact that many of the native sons of the city have remained within its borders. Such is the record of Allan Drysdale Falconer, who was born in Omaha, September 2, 1875, ^ son of Thomas and Margaret (Allan) Falconer. The father was born in Scotland and after crossing the Atlantic to the new world took up his abode in Omaha in 1856, his marriage being celebrated in this city. He became a prominent general contractor and was serving as assistant building inspector of Omaha at the time of his death, which occurred in 1910. His widow survives and is yet living in Omaha.

While spending his youthful days under the parental roof Allan D. Falconer mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools and pursued a business course in high school. When a youth of seventeen he secured employment with an insurance firm, spending a year in that connection, and later he entered the service of the Cudahy Packing Company of Omaha, occupying a clerical position for six years. On the expiration of that period he became a clerk in the office of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company at Omaha and at the close of six years' connection with that corporation he was occupying the position of cashier. In 1903 he entered the employ of the New York Central Lines at Omaha as contracting agent and is now assistant commercial agent, in which connection large responsibilities devolve upon him - responsibilities, however, for which his powers are fully adequate. He is also interested in the undertaking business of Slack & Falconer.

On the 7th of November, 1903, in Council Blufifs, Mr. Falconer wedded Miss Irene Carothers. They are Episcopalians in religious belief, and politically Mr. Falconer is a democrat. He belongs to the Commercial Club and it is through its channels that his public work is done, his sympathy and support being given to all projects for the benefit and welfare of the community. He is a York Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine and he also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit which underlies those organizations. He is a member of Clan Gordon, No. 63. In 1900 he enlisted as a private in Company G, Second Regiment of the Nebraska National Guard, in which he was successively promoted to corporal, sergeant, first lieutenant and captain. In 1909 he was advanced to the rank of colonel and chief quartermaster of the Nebraska National Guard and so continued for about six years. He then resigned and was appointed major on the brigade stafif in January, 1916, which rank he now holds. He is well and prominently known in military circles, is a valued representative of fraternal orders and is accounted a representative and progressive business man, his worth to Omaha being thus widely acknowledged along various lines.

Roy Wightman Besley

One of the most active and progressive business men of Omaha is Roy AX'ightman Besley, general manager of the Hydraulic-Press Brick Company of St. Louis and an officer in various other organizations. He readily recognizes the possibilities of a business situation and utilizes advantages so as to produce results which are substantial elements in the material progress of the community as well as a source*of individual prosperity. Mr. Besley was born at Council Blufifs, Iowa, July 2, 1880, a son of Lewis Cass and Martha ( Wightman) Besley, W'ho are still residents of Council Blufifs. The father was born in Michigan in 1851 and in early manhood removed to Council Blufifs, where he engaged in brick making and contracting throughout the period of his active connection with business afifairs.

Roy W. Besley, reared under the parental roof, passed through consecutive grades of the public schools until graduated from the high school of Council Blufifs and in 1898 he made his initial step in the business world by becoming a clerk with the American Express Company, which position he filled for two years. He afterward spent two years in the employ of Swift & Company and two years with the American Express Company. At the expiration of that period he became an employe of the Hydraulic-Press Brick Company of St. Louis, which he represented as a traveling salesman for two years in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. He then went to Iowa for the same company and for two years was in charge of the office' at Cedar Rapids. In 1906 he was transferred to Omaha as assistant secretary and treasurer and in 191 1 was advanced to the position of general manager - a position of large responsibility and importance, controlling the trade over a wide territory. The company is one of the most extensive operating in this line in the country, having branch offices at Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, New York city, Omaha, Philadelphia, Toledo and Washington, with the home office at St. Louis, Missouri. In his present connection Mr. Besley has developed the ramifying trade

On the 25th of May, 1912, at Maryville, Missouri, Mr. Besley was united in marriage to Miss Maude Uennison and they have one son, FrankHn Lewis, born August 19, 191 3, in Omaha. The parents are members of the Episcopal church and they have gained a large circle of warm friends during the period of their residence in Omaha.

Mr. Besley votes independently and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never been an active party worker, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, and that he is regarded as a most progressive, farsighted and capable busmess man is indicated in the fact that he has been elected to the presidency of the Missouri Valley Brick Club, is a director of the Nebraska Brick & Tile Manufacturers Association, is president and a director of the Omaha Manufacturers Association and the vice president and a director of the Nebraska Manufacturers Association. His opinions are accounted as sound and his discrimination keen and his words concerning business projects and conditions are largely accepted as authority in those organizations. He is continually studying along lines for the development of trade relations and his efforts have been of distinct value and notable worth in promoting the manufacturing and commercial progress of the middle west.

Lee M. Swindler

Lee M. Swindler, cashier of the American State Bank of Omaha, had been for nearly twenty years prominently identified with banking interests in western Iowa before becoming connected with Omaha's financial interests. He was born in Cass township, Guthrie county, Iowa, in 1864, and comes from a most highly respected pioneer family of that section of the Hawkeye state. Llis parents were Robert A. and Catharine (Brumbaugh) Swindler, natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. The latter was a daughter of Daniel Brumbaugh, a pioneer resident of Guthrie county, the family home being established in Iowa in 1850. The father, Robert A. Swindler, arrived in Guthrie county in 1852 and became a factor in its pioneer development and improvement. That the work of progress was scarcely begun is indicated in the fact that he was able to purchase two hundred acres of land from the government at the usual price of a dollar and a quarter per acre. Not a furrow had been turned upon the place and the raw prairie was covered with its native grasses. He at once built and began to till the soil, continuing active in farm work until a few years ago. He lived to see marked changes in the county, for at the time of his arrival there was only one house between him and Adel. As time passed the country became inhabited by contented and prosperous people and in the work of general improvement Mr. Swindler bore his part, although living a quiet life. His wife died in 1896, at the age of sixty-four years, while he survived until 1908. He had persevered in his undertakings and accumulated considerable property. He was deeply interested in community affairs, was an active supporter of the republican party in the early days and was a stalwart champion of all measures and movements for the general good. He gave land and built thereon the first schoolhouse in Guthrie county, Iowa, and he helped to build the first Baptist church.

Lee M. Swindler received liberal educational advantages. Following his graduation from the county high school at Panora, Iowa, with the class of 1885 he pursued a classical course in Grinnell College of Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1889, with the degree of A. B. Later he went to Cambridge. Massachusetts, and completed a special course in mathematics at Harvard. Upon his return from Grinnell in 1889 he was elect.pd upon the republican ticket to the office of county superintendent of schools in Guthrie county, Iowa, in which position he continued for six years. He was also principal of the county high school at Panora for three years and proved a most able educator, his efforts constituting a vital and forceful element in the improvement of the school system of the county. He turned from the educational field to banking and on the 1st of March, 1899, purchased the Yale Savings Bank, of which he remained the cashier until 1916. This was organized as a private bank in 1890 by Charles Yale and nine years later was converted into a savings bank by Mr. Swindler, whose able and intelligently directed efforts made the bank one of the strong and reliable financial institutions of that portion of Iowa. He is also the principal owner and the president of the Jamaica Savings Bank and a director of the Carson State Bank at Carson, Iowa. Mr. Swindler's interests are varied and extensive and after a most honorable and successful career as a banker and man of general business affairs in western Iowa, he came to the American State Bank of Omaha in 1916, with the prestige that must naturally follow a man of his record and achievement.

Mr. Swindler was married in 1891 to Miss Laurayne Brown, a native of Darke county, Ohio, and prior to her marriage one of the capable teachers of Guthrie county, Iowa.

Mr. Swindler is a stalwart republican, taking an active interest in the party and its success. While a resident of Iowa he served as chairman of the Guthrie county central committee and while never an office seeker he puts forth earnest effort to place the right men in positions of public trust. He is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and served as president of the Skunk Valley Picnic Association, an old settlers' association, which was formed of those who were residents of Guthrie county in the '50s. He is genial and approachable, a man whose powers have been well developed by educational training and by wide- experience, a man who looks at life from a broad standpoint and who has wisely and conscientiously used his time, talents and opportunities not only for the advancement of his individual interests but for the benefit of the city- in which he makes his home.

Broad hospital experience supplementing thorough college training well qualified Dr. Roy Andrew Dodge for the private practice of medicine and surgery, to which he now devotes his energies, and the position to which he has attained in professional circles is a creditable one. He was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of July, 1877, a son of George A. and Jennie (Zell) Dodge, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state, as were his two grandfathers, Andrew Dodge and Samuel H. Zell. The latter served as a soldier in both the Mexican and Civil wars and spent his entire life in Pennsylvania, where he passed away at the venerable age of eighty-nine years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Dodge was celebrated in the Keystone state and in 1882 they rehioved to the west, settling in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, where they now reside.

Dr. Dodge, then a little lad of five years, pursued his education in the schools of Plattsmouth until graduated from the high school with the class of 1897. He completed a course in medicine in 1901 by graduation from the Omaha Medical College, which in 1902 became the College of Medicine of the University of Nebraska. From July, 1901, to July, 1902, he served as house physician and surgeon in the Douglas County Hospital at Omaha and afterward spent five months as traveling examiner for the Union Pacific Railroad Company. On the ist of November, 1902, he opened an office in Omaha and has since engaged in general practice, being now accorded a substantial patronage. For nine years he was obstetrician to the Swedish Mission Hospital and is now serving as chief of staff' of that hospital. He enjoys the goodwill and confidence of- his colleagues and contemporaries and his high standing among them is incHcated in the fact that in 1916 he was elected to the position of secretary of the Omaha-Douglas County Medical Society and was again chosen for that office December 12, 1916. He also belongs to the Missouri Valley Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

On the 3d of June, 1905, in Plattsmouth, Dr. Dodge was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Ruffner, who was a daughter of 1'. E. Ruffner, a representative of an old \'irginia family, and who died September 11, 1916. In politics Dr. Dodge is a republican, never failing to endorse party principles at the polls although he has never sought nor desired public office. lie is widely known in Masonic circles, having taken the degrees of the York and Scottish Rites, while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he has crossed the sands of the desert. He is also a member of the Elks Lodge and is a prominent Knight of Pythias, serving as secretary of Nebraska Lodge, No. i, and as grand trustee of the state in that order. He likewise belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star and is a past patron of Vesta Chapter, No. 6. He became a charter member of the Carter Lake Club, which furnishes him a source of recreation and his summer residence "Dodge Inn" is one of the most attractive summer cottages of this club. He is a life member of the Omaha Athletic Club and a member of the Omaha Commercial Club. He holds membership in the Plymouth Congregational church and is well known in Omaha, the hospitality of many of the city's best homes being accorded him.

William Armstrong Redick

William Armstrong Redick, serving for the third term as judge of the fourth judicial district of Nebraska, has been identified with the Omaha bar continuously since 1882 save for a period of two years spent on the Pacific coast. The city claims him as a native son, his birth having here occurred on the 2d of April, 1859. His father, John Irwin Redick, was born in Wooster, Ohio, in 1828 and was married in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary E. Higby. In the year 1855 they removed to Omaha and remained residents of this city until called to their final rest. Mrs. Redick passed away in 1864 but her husband survived for more than forty years, his death occurring in 1906. He was a lawyer by profession and for four decades continued in active practice, most of the time in Omaha. His fellow townsmen chose him as their representative to the Nebraska legislature and in 1875 he was appointed by President Grant an associate justice of the supreme court of New Mexico. He figured prominently in both professional and political circles in this state and was honored as one of the representative residents of Omaha. A more extended sketch of John I. Redick will be found in this volume ; also in the Bench and Bar chapter of Volume one.

William A. Redick attended school in Omaha until in his sixteenth year and during one year of that time was a student in the high school. He took up the study of law under the direction of his father and was qualified by his knowledge to be admitted to the bar at the age of nineteen years, but he accepted the position of chief clerk and deputy collector of internal revenue under Lorenzo Crounse, later governor, who was at that time collector. Judge Redick remained in that connection for four years and then resigned in order to take up the practice of his profession, being admitted to the bar in 1882. Immediately afterward he entered upon active practice here and save for the years 1889 and 1890, spent in Los Angeles, California, he has continuously been a representative of the profession in this city. While he was well grounded in the principles of common law when admitted to the bar he has continued through the whole of his professional life a diligent student of those elementary principles that constitute the basis of all legal science and this knowledge served him well in many a legal battle before the superior and appellate courts, in which he has successfully conducted many cases. He always prepared his cases with great care. If there was a close legal point involved in the issue it was his habit to thoroughly examine every authority within his reach bearing upon the question and this made him a most dangerous adversary.

On the I2th of September, 1883, in Omaha, Judge Redick was united in marriage to Aliss Mary Otis Wood and they now have one son, John Wood Redick, who was born in 1884 and is a graduate of Williams College of Massachusetts of the class of 1907. He is now engaged in the grain business in Omaha. In 1909, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, he married Miss Florence Heap and they have one son, \Mlliam Herbert Redick.

An Episcopahan in his religious faith, Judge Redick is identified with All Saints' church, of which he is a junior warden. He belongs to the Woodmen of the World and his social nature finds expression in his membership in the Omaha Club and the Omaha Country Club. He supports all well directed plans and measures for the public good as a member of the Commercial Club and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has never desired nor sought office outside the strict path of his profession but in 1904 was elected district judge for a four year term and reelected in 1908. At the succeeding election he was defeated for the ofiice but was appointed to the position by Governor Morehead in 191 5 and is again serving upon the bench. In 1912 after being defeated for judge he was elected president of the State Bar Association. Devotedly attached to his profession, systematic and practical in habit, sober and discreet in judgment, calm in temper, diligent in research, conscientious in the discharge of every duty, courteous and kind in demeanor and inflexibly just on all occasions, these qualities have ei^^bled Judge .Redick to take first rank among those who have held high judicial office in the state and made him the conservator of that justice wherein is the safeguard of individual liberty and happiness and the defense of our national institutions. His reported opinions indicate his broad legal learning and superior ability, showing a ti>&rO(iigl)^"pia.steTy of the cjuestions involved. "^ - - --ir.!..

Alfred Conkling Kennedy

For almost six decades the name Kennedy has figured as an honored one in connection with the business interests and municipal development of Omaha. Three generations of the family have been active in real estate operations and the business promoted by the grandfather, Howard Kennedy, and carried on by the father, Alfred C. Kennedy, is now being successfully and ably continued by the son, Alfred C. Kennedy, Jr., whose name introduces this review. He was born in Omaha, September i, 1892, and at the usual age became a public school pupil, passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school in the class of 1910. He afterward attended the State University at Lincoln for two years and upon his return to Omaha entered his father's real estate and insurance office and early in 191 5, was admitted to a partnership, the interests of the firm being incorporated under the style of the Alfred C. Kennedy Company. Upon the death of his father July i, 1915, he succeeded to the management of this business, which is now under his control. The policy instituted by his grandfather and upheld by his father of giving patrons unsurpassed service is continued by him. The name of Kennedy has ever signified that the business placed in their hands has been held above personal gain. In other words, their devotion to their clients' interests is proverbial and they sustain an unassailable reputation for carefulness, conservatism and absolute dependableness. A local paper said :

"The Kennedy Company specializes in city real estate, and has been connected with a number of the large deals in the history of Omaha Having been in touch with real estate and real estate values since Omaha was a village, having grown up with it and watched its development, its members know the city thoroughly. Ihey have completed transactions for patrons that have since made fortunes. Former clients of the firm have become independent by acting upon the advice of this agency and the same facilities and opportunities for investment are offered in Omaha today by the Alfred C. Kennedy Company. Because of our city's favorable location and growth due to this location, Omaha real estate is one of the best investments. For the conservative investor this firm offers first class mortgages on Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa farms or city loans. On these loans they make a very careful inspection. For the owner of income property they off'er their services as rental experts, giving careful attention to every detail. Their insurance department represents strong, conservative companies."

The judgment of the young man has ever sanctioned the course of his sires and in fact he justly feels that their example is one well worthy of emulation. Like grandfather and father, he is therefore a republican, a Mason, a member of the Commercial Club and a member of the First Presbyterian church. He is also identified with the Alpha Tau Omega, a college fraternity. These associations indicate the nature of his interests and the breadth of his sympathies. He is a young man of strong purpose and of keen business insight. He is not content to rest upon the reputation that has always been associated with the name of Kennedy in Omaha but is determined that his own course shall reflect further credit and honor upon an untarnished family name.

N. H. Loomis, a prominent railroad attorney who since the ist of May, 1908, has been general solicitor for the Union Pacific, has been professionally connected with that road since 1885 and his developing powers have brought him to the position of large trust and responsibility which he now occupies. New England claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred at Highgate, in Franklin county, Vermont, on the 28th of June, 1862, but in 1865 his parents, Noah W. and Ellen B. Loomis, removed with their family from the Green Mountain state to Chicago, where they remained for thirteen years, N. H. Loomis in the meantime pursuing his education in Chicago and in Evanston. He was a youth of sixteen when in 1878 the family settled upon a homestead claim in Saline county, Kansas, and while there residing he devoted two winter seasons to teaching school. By the year 1881, or when nineteen years of age, he had determined upon his life Vv^ork and entered upon preparation therefor by becoming a law student in the office of Garver & Bond at Salina, Kansas. Li 1883 he was admitted to practice and for two years thereafter was employed as a court reporter, having taken up the study of stenography while pursuing his law course. In 1885 he entered the law department of the Union Pacific Railway at Lawrence, Kansas, as stenographer and law clerk and in that connection his progress has been continuous. He became assistant general attorney for the Union Pacific for Kansas and Missouri, with headquarters at Topeka, Kansas, in 1891 and so continued until 1902, when he was appointed general attorney for Kansas and Missouri, and upon the death of John N. Baldwin in 1908 he was advanced to the position of general solicitor, with headquarters at Omaha. During his connection with the Union Pacific he has conducted important litigation in the federal and state courts with gratifying success, winning well earned fame and distinction. He has much natural ability but is withal a hard student and is never contented until he has mastered every phase of a legal problem upon which he has concentrated his attention. He believes in the maxim "there is no excellence without labor" and follows it closely. Whatever he does is for the best interests of his clients and for the honor of his profession, and no man gives to either a more unqualified allegiance or riper ability.

On the 23d of September, 1885, in Salina, Kansas, Mr. Loomis was married to Miss Mary Campbell, who passed away June 12, 1888, and at Salina, on the 12th of August, 1891, he wedded Christie Campbell. He has three sons: Alexander C, factory manager of the National Fur & Tanning Company of Omaha; John U., a law student in Columbia University of New York city ; and Robert H., a member of the class of 1920 at Dartmouth College. Mr. Loomis is a member of the Omaha, University, Country and Happy Hollow Clubs. He has served as president of the University Club and as a member of the pubUc affairs committee of the Commercial Club. He is a prominent worker in the First Presbyterian church of Omaha, serving at the present time as chairman of the general committee and as a member of the building and finance committees, taking most active and helpful part in the development of one of the finest church properties of the city. He has gained well earned fame and distinction in his profession and at the same time has won uniform respect and confidence by a well spent life in which recognition of duty to one's fellows and the utilization of opportunities for general betterment have constituted marked characteristics.

One is apt to think of the quality of sternness as synonymous with judicial power, but all who knew Judge James P. English say that kindness was the motive spring of his life; and thus it was that when death called him on the 20th of February, 1916, the news of his passing brought a sense of personal bereavement to all who knew him. He was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, September 12, 1859, and after acquiring a common school education took up the study of law in Racine, Wisconsin. The year 1880 witnessed his arrival in Omaha and for a time he was in the office of James M. Woolworth, one of the pioneer attorneys of this city, while later he became a member of the firm of, Hall, McCulloch & English. His ability as a lawyer was pronounced. He was strong in argument, clear and cogent in reasoning and logical in his deductions. His clientage constantly grew in volume and importance and he was connected with much of the important litigation heard in the courts of the district while he was still in active practice at the bar. In 1903 he was elected county attorney for a two years' term and then after being out of office for two years he was reelected in 1907 and served for six years at that time or for four terms in all, resuming the private practice of law in 1913. When Judge Howard Kennedy resigned his seat on the district court bench to become a member of the state board of control Mr. English was appointed by Governor Morehead to fill out the unexpired term and at the next regular election was chosen by popular suft'rage to the office, continuing upon the bench until his demise. His record as a judge was in harmony with his record as a man and lawyer, characterized by the utmost fidelity and by a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution.

On the 25th of June, 1885, at Omaha, Judge English was united in marriage to Miss Margaret A. Dalton, who was born in Bellevue, Nebraska, her people having come to this state from New York in the '50s. Her father, William Dalton, was engaged in hauling freight for the government across the plains for a number of years and was closely associated with pioneer life and conditions. In 1882 he took up his abode in Omaha and for six years prior to his death lived retired from active business, passing away in 1913 at the advanced age of seventy-three years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Maxwell and was a native of New York city, also died in 1913. Judge and Mrs. English became the parents of twelve children, of whom eleven are yet living: John E., a resident of Kansas City; Margaret; Mary; Alice, the wife of Leo Wickham, of Council Bluffs; Katherine ; James ; Anna ; Ruth ; Florence ; W^illiam, who died at the age of three years; Frank; and Robert.

Judge English was ever deeply interested in affairs relating to the uphuilding and progress of the city and gave active support to many measures for the general good. He was a consistent member of the Catholic church and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. One of the most impressive memorial meetings ever held in Omaha was that held by the bar of the district on the 4th of March, 1916. Many words were spoken by different lawyers and judges indicating the very high regard in which the deceased jurist was held, and perhaps no better characterization of the man can be given than by quoting from one of the speeches made on that occasion: "The mainspring in the life of James English was kindness. Every time he met a man he made a friend. He was by nature a true gentleman. He was liberal and charitable in thought, word and deed. His natural tendencies and mental make-up were such that he was particularly well fitted to discharge the important duties of a judge.

"His service on the bench was marked by fairness and justice. His court was the haven of safety for everyone who had been injured in his lands, goods, person or reputation. It was a hallowed place, where the rich and the poor met on common ground. Judge English was beyond and outside the control of any external agency. He did not hear the voice of flattery, nor pay heed to the tongue of venom and slander. He did not listen to the improper advice of powerful friends, nor did he lose sight of the defenseless. He did not heed the commendation or the censure of the press, nor was he swayed in the performance of his duty by the clamor of the rabble. He did not evade an unpleasant duty or postpone its proper performance to a future day. His purpose, object and aim was to administer justice without denial or delay.

"His premature death is a distinct loss to the bar and bench of this state. He was at the beginning of a long and useful judicial career. How empty this room seems when we cast our eyes upon that vacant chair. Little did I think W'hen I talked with him less than twelve hours before his death that he was about to pass from the activities of this life. He spoke in words of kindness of his associates, regretted that he was not able to do his part of the work and expressed the hope that he would soon be better. Death came to him in the prime of his manhood. He has complied with the stern decree that man must die. His mild and gentle soul has passed to the great beyond. Revered be his memory. Peace to his ashes. There are so many of us to whom 'Jim' did some loving service that I am sure I express the sentiment of all when I quote the sweet epitaph which runs:

' Warm western sun. shine kindly here. Warm western breeze, blow softly here, Green sod above, lie light, lie light. Good night, dear heart, Good night ! Good night !' "

Thomas J. Flynn

Thomas J. Flynn, of Omaha, filling the office of United States marshal, to which he was appointed on the 15th of August. 191 5, was born in Taunton, ^lassachusetts. in 1870, his parents being Cornelius and Margaret (Scanlon) Flynn. The father was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and in early youth came to the United States. Both have now passed away, the death of Mr. Flynn occurring in 1914. while his wife survived for only six weeks, passing away in 191 5.

The family home had been established in Omaha in 1876 and Thornas J. Flynn was here reared and educated, supplementing his public school training by study in Creighton College. Almost continuously since attaining his majority he has occupied public office and has been an active worker in the ranks of the democratic party. He was elected a member of the Omaha city council, with which he served for one term, and he was also for one term representative of his district in the state legislature, where his work was along the line of constructive legislation. For four years he occupied the position of deputy sheriff of Douglas county and for six years was street commissioner of Omaha, after which he served for four years as city clerk. On the 15th of August, 191 5, he was appointed to his present position as United States marshal, in which connection he discharges his duties without fear or favor.

In September, 1900, in Iowa, Mr. Flynn was married to Miss Agnes O'Connell and they have two sons, John T. and William J. The religious belief of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Flynn is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He also belongs to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Woodmen of the World. Practically his entire life has been passed in Omaha and he is known to a large percentage of its citizens, especially those who seek to have capable men in public office.

J. Frank Carpenter

J. Frank Carpenter was prominent in the business life of Omaha from the time of his arrival in February, 1887, until his death. He removed to this city from Chicago and was numbered among the native sons of Illinois, his birth having occurred July 28, 1861, in Marengo. There he was reared and educated and in early manhood was there married to Miss Marion Avery, of Illinois. They became the parents of four children : Gilbert E. and Harry C, who are connected with the Carpenter Paper Company ; Marion ; and Eleanor.

Following his removal to Omaha in 1887 Mr. Carpenter established business under the name of the Carpenter Paper Company. He had previously had experience and training along that line, having been connected with F. P. Elliott & Company, a paper house of Chicago. He at once embarked in the wholesale paper trade in Omaha, associated in the undertaking with his brother Isaac. They established their business on Douglas street and afterward removed to Twelfth and Howard streets. J. F. Carpenter was continuously connected with this enterprise until his demise, becoming secretary of the company. Their trade extended through Omaha and the surrounding country and they also established branch houses in other cities. Mr. Carpenter concentrated his undivided attention upon the upbuilding of the business and the enlargement of its trade connections and the thoroughly reliable and progressive methods which he followed brought most substantial results. He also had charge of the erection of the present fine edifice built and owned by the Carpenter Paper Company.

Death indeed removed from our midst one whom we could ill afford to lose when J. Frank Carpenter passed away December 23, 1907. There was no phase of his life that would not bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, for at all times his career was guided by high and honorable motives. He appreciated all those social interests which add to the happiness of the individual and was a well known member of the Omaha and Happy Hollow Clubs. He belonged also to the Commercial Club and he gave his political allegiance to the republican party. At the same time he never neglected the higher, holier duties of life but fully recognized the obligations of man to his fellowmen and held to those moral teachings which find their root in Christianity. He belonged to Calvary Baptist church, in which he took a most active and helpful part, serving for a number of years as superintendent of the Sunday school and as a trustee of the church. He was particularly interested in young men and was continually extending a helping hand or speaking a word of encouragement to them that he might induce them to choose the better things of life and make the most of their opportunities not only in a material way but also along the line of moral development. Mr.

Carpenter was but forty-six years of age when called to his final rest. It seemed that he should have been spared for many years to come, for he had not yet reached the zenith of his powers, but the summons came, and while he is still greatly missed in those circles in which he moved, among his business associates, his friends and most of all at his own fireside, his memory remains as an inspiration and a blessed benediction to all who knew him.

Dr. George Tilden is now living retired but for forty-six years was actively identified with the practice of medicine and surgery, in which field of labor he won distinction. In 1914, however, he withdrew from active connection with the profession to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He came to Omaha in 1868 from New York, then a young man of twenty-six years, his birth having occurred in the town of Warren, Herkimer county, in "1842. He attended the public schools and an academy there and afterward became a medical student in the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He continued his preparation for the profession, however, in the Albany Medical College, in which he won his degree in 1867, being valedictorian of his class. In 1868 "he entered upon the active practice of his profession in Omaha and always remained alone, never forming any partnership relation. His a tention was given to general practice and he was ever a deep and discriminating student, keeping in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and investigation. Early in his practice he contribu'ed' articles to the State Medical Society and to medical journals. He was interested at all times in anything that tended to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life and he held membership in the County and S: ate Medical societies and of the former was at one time president. For forty yeariS^lie filled the position of county insanity commissioner but resigned in 1-914, much" to tbe regret of the judges of the district court, and at the time they expressed themselves to that effect by a set of resolutions paying tribute to his faithful service and rare ability, as follows :

"Whereas, Upon the loss of his beloved wife, recently occurring, and after more than forty years of continuous service as' a member of the board of insanity of Douglas county, being the sustained appointee of the judges of this court throughout that period. Dr. George Tilden has expressed a desire to be relieved from further service on said board, and,

"Whereas, Upon such occasion it seemed exceedingly fitting that the judges of this court should give some expression of recognition and appreciation for so long and fai'hful service in this exceptionally important work as an adjunct to the business of this court, therefore, be it

"Resolved, First, That we extend to Dr. Tilden our sincere condolence in his bereavement caused by the recent death of his faithful and distinguished wife, a most remarkable woman, whose life was devoted to the establishment and support of various charitable and beneficent institutions in this community and in the promotion of every good work having for its object the physical, mental and especially the moral betterment of mankind. A_ distinguished public benefactor, as she was, she was none the less in her private life a most faithful and efficient helpmeet to her husband.

"Second, That regretting exceedingly the necessity of accepting the resignation of Dr. Tilden as a member of the board of insanity, we congratulate him upon the honor he has conferred upon himself and this community by his long and efficient term of service upon that board; upon his exceptional wisdom and sound discretion in conducting the peculiarly delicate and exacing task attendant upon the duties of the physician throughout a period of more than forty years without, it may be said, a single instance of unseemly notoriety or criti- cism arising- from his discharge of that duty. An unprecedented record in this community and one which few, indeed, if any, can ever hope to attain in the future. For this service Dr. Tilden richly deser\'es the lasting gratitude of the people of this community and particularly that of the friends of those unfortunate ones who suffered from the peculiar affliction with which he was required to deal.

It is conceded among members of the profession that Dr. Tilden excelled along the line of treatment of mental diseases. In fact he has been repeatedly pronounced the peer of any man in the state as an alienist and as one whose opinion carried the greatest weight. During his long tenure of office, which is an appointive one, he had many important cases involving intricate interests - cases in which his opinion practically constituted the decision. His opinions were not given until he had thoroughly studied every case from every possible standpoint, and when his ideas were expressed they were given as a judgment formed from a purely scientific standpoint. He was for a long period physician and surgeon to St. Joseph's Hospital, for years was acting assistant surgeon of the United States army and also pension surgeon for a time. He attended the United States prisoners in Omaha for forty-four years and he was United States jury commissioner for thirty-two years. In 1914 he practically put aside all activities, whether of a professional, a public. or a semi-public character.

In 1874 Dr. Tilden was united in marriage to Miss Ida V. Clegg, and two children, Howard and Mary, were born to them but both have passed away. " The life of Mrs. Tilden closed in 1914, and a sketch of the life of this noble woman follows. Dr. Tilden is still an honored' ahq v'a'l.ued resident of Omaha. He represents the scholarly, ethical man in. his. pjroiess.ion,. adhering at all times« to ^the highest standards.

Mrs. George Tilden

Mrs. George Tilden, one of the foremost figures in the social, philanthropic and religious life of Omaha, was called to her final rest on the 25th of June, 1914, when sixty-one years of age. Her beauty 'of character, her lofty spirit, her high ideals, all expressed in practical and resultant eft'ort for her fellowmen, made her life indeed a beneficent one in the community. She was a native of Virginia and came to Omaha from Iowa in the year 1867, after which she remained a resident of this city to the time of her demise. Here she completed her education, being graduated from Brownell Hall, at which time she won the prize for proficiency in higher mathematics. In early womanhood she took upon herself the duties of wifehood, giving her hand in marriage in 1874 to Dr. George Tilden, a sketch of whose life is given above. She was ever most devoted to her home and its best interests and in fact her entire life was eiven over to good works. She was contmually assistmg some organization or some individual and her work ever had for its purpose uplift and benefit. She gave freely not only of money but of time and effort. She was the first president of the Young Women's Christian Association of Omaha and she occupied the presidency of the Old People's Home for a longer period than anyone else who has filled that position. She also served as president of the alumnae association of Brownell Hall and ever took the deepest interest in the affairs of that institution. For two years she was president of the Omaha Woman's Club and a number of years ago ser\^ed as first president of the first suffrage society of the city, which was the nucleus of the Omaha Suffrage Association. All these indicated the breadth of her interests and activities, luery movement or agency that tended to advance the interests of humanity found in her a champion. She was a member of the First Presbyterian church, in the work of which she took a most active part, being president of its Ladies' Aid Society for many years and also president of the Women's Missionar}' Society for an extended period. For a third of a century she was an earnest worker in the missionary organizations of the state, being chairman of the Home mission committee of the Synod of Nebraska early in its existence, while from 1902 until 1908 she was president of the missionary work of the Synodical Society. In 1902 she established the Nebraska Messenger, of which she was editor, this being the first synodical paper in the country. In 1910, when this was reestablished, she became business manager, so continuing until her death. She was one of the promoters of the Woman's Building of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition, held in Omaha, and furthered every interest connected therewith.

Mrs. Tilden was equally renowned for her marvelous executive ability and wonderful capacity for detail. It has been repeatedly said that her hand on the helm of any affair assured its success, for never once did she fail in any enterprise great or small. Concerning her versatile powers, a coworker of many years said : 'AVhether it was ministering to the needs of the old people, bettering the conditions surrounding yotmg women, working for enforcement of laws regulating the sale of alcohol, the rights of women - (her activity brought about the passage of the property rights bill for women, which is now a state law) - higher educational standards, sanitary conditions, morality, establishment of pla3'grounds and gardens for the poor, instruction of mothers in vital home questions, influencing a love for missionary zeal by bringing noted home and foreign missionary workers to the city - in all of these various avenues of reform and philanthropy she was a leader. Her clear judgment and keen grasp of detail made the path straight for others to follow."

An active worker for the cause of temperance, Mrs. Tilden served as president of the Omaha Woman's Christian Temperance Union. At her passing the Young Women's Christian Association, through one of its members, said : "Probably no personal loss could so closely affect this Association as that which came to it in the death of Mrs. Tilden. Even although after the long years of active service, she had retired from an active part in its affairs, still the habit of years was not easily overcome, and her thought and counsel were with us constantly. W^e still find ourselves saying instinctively, 'We must ask Mrs. Tilden,' when one or another matter is under discussion. She most wonderfully showed the largeness of her nature in that, after her retirement from active work, she refused to handicap present officers by any obtrusion of her own wishes or advice. But when consulted it was always apparent that she was following the progress of this work with intense interest, and was instantly prepared to give her own thought upon the matter. Mrs. Tilden's last resting place was in this building. By her own request the funeral services were held in our auditorium on Sunday afternoon, June 28. Since her going it has seemed that Mrs. Tilden has still been speaking her thought for us through the generous gift of five thousand dollars, to be kept always as an endowment fund for building maintenance. Also her pledge for the debt fund and for the annual support has been paid, and. so far as money can make it possible, her influence will be continued through the carrying on of this work for young women."

Another wrote of her: "It may be said of Mrs. Tilden as of one of old: she 'walked with God; and she was not; for God took her.' It is hard to think of Omaha without Mrs. Tilden as a vital force in the best Hfe of the city. She has been, all her mature life, identified with each constructive work for the public welfare, and we expected many more years of service for her, but she has deserved the distinction of an early promotion. She will be missed in almost every organization which stands for social and religious betterment.

When some one protested against her joining so many societies, she said she wanted to belong to every good thing; and so she has been, with her means, her counsel, or active service, promoting righteousness. To write an adequate appreciation of her life would be to give the history of many institutions and enterprises, not only of Omaha, but of many lands, to which, in loving obedience to her Lord, she preached His gospel. The large attendance at the funeral services, of people from such varied walks of life and of widely differing religious faiths was an eloquent expression of appreciation of her influence and life in the city. The two institutions to which she gave the longest continuous service are the Old People's Home and the Young Women's Christian Association. They perhaps will be remembered in Omaha longest as monuments to her memory. It was a great joy to her to know that a suitable location for the Old People's Home had been secured, and an adequate building assured, after many years of planning and waiting. The Young Women's Christian Association has long acknowledged Mrs. Tilden as mother of the institution, she having been the first president and chiefly instrumental in its organization. The direction, care and culture of the young womanhood of the community appealed to her strongly as worthy of her time and eft'ort. She gave herself unstintedly to the demands of the early days, when all the work was done by volunteers, seeing it grow, requiring larger quarters every few years, until it was necessary to have a building suitably equipped. When the question of location and securing a site was considered, Mrs. Tilden was logically chosen chairman of the committee, where her acquaintance with people enabled her to secure the advice of business men, and inspired confidence in the enterprise. Then came days and weeks of preparation, preparing lists for the canvass for funds, where again her knowledge of people and her standing in the community made her services invaluable. During the trying days, weeks and months of the campaigns for the building funds she gave her whole time and strength as few were able to do, and secured some of the largest gifts. Though many women and girls gave of time, strength and money to make the splendid building a reality, they will agree that the leadership and abundant labors of Mrs. Tilden made it possible. In the adoption of plans, and in the construction of the building, her close attention to business details insured the greatest efficiency for the expenditure of money. Her generous gift to the endowment fund will continue to work for her from year to year, as long as the Association lives. In a very real sense the Association and building are a monument to her consecrated service, and its uses will perpetuate her splendid life. The Summer School of Missions has largely been the result of Mrs. Tilden's desire to secure the best things for Omaha. Much of the time she was confined to her home, and even from her bed by telephone and pen, she rallied and directed the agencies that have brought results beyond expectation. She was most loyal to her church, never allowing any engagement to prevent her attendance at the Wednesday night service. That was church night for her. She was leader in all the women's societies and prominent in the larger denominational life. 'The foremost woman of the city,' as she was called, was a true, faithful home-maker, and helper and comrade of her husband. Dr. Tilden. As she often said, she could accomplish so much because he was willing she should give her time. Not only was he willing, but in hearty accord, and proud of her achievements^ constantly giving most valued counsel. One is tempted to extravagant expression concerning a woman with so many fine qualities and rare abilities. But this would not be in harmony with her modest, unassuming nature. She was not without fault, else we could not call her sister. We will show best our appreciation of her life by emulating her example, taking up her uncompleted tasks and forwarding every good work. One has said. 'After a loved one's departure from earth, go forward to the greatest possible service in memory of that one.' To be intimately associated with Mrs. Tilden was to recognize the fact that the secret of her devoted service was 'she walked with God.' She was not her own, but bought with an infinite price. This dominated her whole hfe and accounted for her methodical, conscientious expenditure of her time, her faithful, unselfish service for others. 'She walked with God: she is not: for God took her.' "

With all of her wonderful executive ability and her varied activities in the cause of humanity, of temperance, of philanthropy and of the church, Mrs. Tilden always found time for those quiet friendships which mean so much in life. She was the true friend, gifted with the rare faculty of calling forth the best in every individual. This wonderful woman, who fell asleep so quietly through her triumphant faith in Jesus Christ, has made the world better because she "passed this way."

In November, 1882, Dr. Samuel K. Spalding became a representative of the medical profession of Omaha, where he continued in active and successful practice up to the time of his demise. He was born August 4, 1847, i" Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and came of sturdy Scotch ancestry. John Spalding, grandfather of Dr. Spalding, was a silk weaver and resided in Paisley, Scotland. He came to the United States in 1817, bringing his wife and nine children. They located first at Philadelphia, but about one year later the family emigrated to Pittsburgh, walking the entire distance of about four hundred miles and resting on the Sabbath days. The family later located in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where Thomas Spalding, the father of the subject of this review, was born in 1821. He w^as a blacksmith and resided in that county until 1855, when he brought his family to Morning Sun, Louisa county, Iowa, becoming a pioneer resident of that section, where he spent the remainder of his active life. Removing to Omaha, he lived retired in that city until his death at the age of eightythree years. He was married in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary Kennedy and seven children were born to this union, of whom six reached adult age, as follows: Nancy, the wife of J. S. Williams, of Villisca, Iowa; Johanna, who is the widow of John T. Ochiltree and resides in Omaha ; Samuel K. ; Rev. William A., a United Presbyterian minister of Seattle, Washington; Harry W., a resident of Chicago ; and Lawrence D., of the Omaha Safe Deposit Company of Omaha.

Samuel K. Spalding became a resident of Morning Sun, Iowa, in his youthful days and there attended the district school. When but a youth he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting February 8, 1865, in Louisa county, Iowa, when but seventeen years of age for one year's service, as a member of Company K, Second Regiment Iowa Cavalry, with which he served until the close of the war, acting much of the time as orderly to officers. On the 19th of September, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Selma, Alabama, by reason of the close of the war. It was following the close of his military service that he entered Monmouth College and when his more specifically literary education was completed he became a student in the Keokuk Medical College and later pursued post-graduate work in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city. He first located for practice in Marshalltown, Iowa, in 1871 but afterward opened an office at Elvaston, Illinois, and thence came to Omaha in 1882. Here he engaged in practice alone and such was his ability that it did not take him long to gain a good start here. He made a specialty of mental and nervous diseases and did much scientific research work in the field of mental disorders. He was a most capalple physician and was constantly called into consultation, while his advice was again and again sought by his fellow practitioners. He enjoyed the highest respect of his professionl brethren and he was always ready to aid any of them, being entirely free from professional jealousy. In addition to his practice he bought and sold real estate quite extensively and thus added materially to his income.

On November 15, 1876, in Elvaston, Hancock county, Illinois, Dr. Spalding was married to Miss Ida F. Rohrbough, who was born February 5, 1856, in that place, a daughter of Elmore J. and JJelinda (Cook) Rohrbough, both of whom were natives of Virginia but became pioneer residents of Hancock county, Illinois. Mrs. Rohrbough died in Illinois, and Mr. Rohrbough later removed to Omaha, where he lived retired until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-eight years of age. Dr. and Airs. Spalding became parents of a daughter, Mabel B., now the wife of Dr. A. Sherman Pinto. They have two sons, Sherman Spalding and Harvey Elmore.

The death of Dr. Spalding occurred September 29, 191 5, at Washington, D. C, where he was attending the national encampment of the Grand Army Republic, and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret among a wide circle of friends. He was a charter member of George Crook Post, No. 2O2, G. A. R., of which he served as commander and in the w^ork of which he took an active part in local, state and national affairs, and it was he who wrote the inscription found upon the soldiers' monument in Forest Lawn cemetery. He served as medical director of the department of Nebraska for several terms and as a member of the national council of administration of the Grand Army of the Republic. ITe assisted generously in building the University of Omaha, to which Mrs. Spalding has since contributed a memorial scholarship. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and for hve years he served as a member of the Omaha school board, being president one term. He was a member of the North Presbyterian church and was chairman of its building eoxiimittee and there was no activity for the benefit of the material, social, and moral progress of the community that he did not feel was a matter of deep personal concern, which resulted in his generous aid of the same. He was public-spirited in a marked degree and he did everything in his power to promote the general welfare. So valuable were his services along professional lines and in matters of citizenship tliat his death was the occasion of the deepest regret throughout Omaha, while to those who knew him intimately the news. of his de;nise brought a sense of the greatest personal bereavement.

Nelson Crooks Pratt

Nelson Crooks Pratt, while continuing in the general practice of law in Omaha, is specializing to a considerable extent in insurance law. For twentyone years he has practiced in this city and is therefore numbered among the pioneers as well as among the progressive attorneys. West Virginia claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Belleville, that state, July 24, 1862. His father, George O. Pratt, was born in Ohio in 1829 and was a son of George Pratt, also a native of that state, born in 1801. He died at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years. The Pratt family is of English origin but has been represented in the United States about three hundred years. Plaving arrived at adult age George O. Pratt was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Sallie Nesmith, a native of Pittsburgh, that state, and of Scotch descent. In the year 1849 he removed to Virginia but his last days were spent in Walnut, Illinois, where he passed away in 1906, having for six years surs'ived his wife, who died at Walnut in "1900. During the period of the Civil war the father was connected with the internal revenue service in West Virginia. Later he became postmaster at Belleville and during the last years of his life was engaged in farming.

Nelson C. Pratt acquired his education in the schools of Walnut. Illinois, and in the Northern Illinois College at Fulton, from which he was graduated in ]886 with the degree of bachelor of Arts. After leaving college he came to Nebraska and for two years was principal of the high school at Genoa. In 1888 he was admitted to practice at the bar of this state and in 1889 he removed to Albion, Nebraska, where he remained in active law practice until August i, 1895. He then came to Omaha, where he has since followed his profession, having for twenty-one years been active at the bar of this city. He is thoroughly informed concerning the various branches of the profession and continues in general j)ractice although devoting considerable time to insurance law, in which field he has expert knowledge.

On the 26th of December, 1888, in Fullerton, Nebraska, Mr. Pratt was married to Miss Sadie M. Henderson, a daughter of the late Robert M. Henderson, a native of New Jersey. They have one child, Minnie Grace. In the First Methodist Episcopal church they hold membership, and Mr. Pratt belongs also to the Happy Hollow Club, while his interest in community affairs is evidenced in his identification with the Commercial Club. His political endorsement is given to the republican party. He is a man of strong character, forceful and resourceful, whose plans of life are well defined and promptly executed and who at all times recognizes his duties and obligations to his fellowmen and in matters of citizenship, while in his law practice his devotion to the interests of his clients has become proverbial.

John D. Wear

John D. Wear, an attorney at law practicing at the Omaha bar since 1900, was born in Fairfax, Iowa, August 21, 1879. His father, Francis Wear, was a native of County Westmeath, Ireland, born in 1833, and throughout his entire life he followed the occupation of farming. On the 21st of June, 1912, in Omaha, Mr. Wear w^as united in marriage to Miss Ann O'Connor, a daughter of John J. O'Connor.

Charles Eli Butler

Charles Eli Butler was a representative and progressive citizen and business man of Omaha for more than a quarter of a century, taking up his residence here in April, 1887. He was born in Bloomingdale, lUinois, in 1857, and after spending his boyhood and youth in that state and in Jefferson, Iowa, where his education was acquired, he came to Omaha as a young man of twenty years. Here he embarked in the retail hay and grain business at Twenty-sixth and Cuming streets. After a brief period he removed to Twenty-fourth and Cuming streets and later to Fourteenth and Nicholas streets, where he conducted a wholesale and retail business under the firm style of Butler Brothers, for his brother, George A. Butler, had become associated with him in the undertaking. From the beginning the business proved profitable and gradually his trade increased until he was at the head of an extensive enterprise, with which he remained in active connection up to the time of his death. His son, George D. Butler, then took over the business and has since been at its head, the interests being carried on under that name. He had been associated with his father for some years prior to the latter's death and had thus been thoroughly trained in the business in principle and detail.

The husband and father departed this life March 13, 1916, when fifty-nine years of age. Fraternally he was for years connected with the Independent Order of Odd P^ellows, taking an active part in its work and filling all its local offices. He was also connected with the Knights of the Maccabees. He ever displayed great faith in the city and its future and lent his aid and cooperation to every plan and measure for the public good. Omaha came to esteem him as a man of sterling personal worth as well as of marked business ability and through the years of his residence here the circle of his friends was almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. He had many sterling traits of character which endeared him to all who knew him and his worth stood as an unquestioned fact among his associates.

Edmond Bernard Carrigan

Edmond Bernard Carrigan, president and treasurer of the E. B. Carrigan Company, wholesale shippers of coal, has throughout almost his entire business career been identified with trade of this character and gradually his expanding powers have laid the foundation for his present substantial and gratifying success. He was born on a farm in Niagara county. New York, September i, 1866, a son of Patrick and Mary (Nugent) Carrigan, both of whom were natives of County Ulster, Ireland, in which country they were reared and married. The father was born in 183 1 and in 1856 brought his family to the United States, settling in Niagara county, New York, where he resided until called to his final rest in 191 5, and throughout the entire period he was engaged in horticultural pursuits. His religious faith was that of the Catholic church. His widow still survives and has now reached the age of eighty-three years.

Edmond B. Carrigan attended the country schools of his native county and the graded schools of Lockport, New York, and upon leaving home in 1884, when a youth of eighteen years, he made his way to Kansas City, Missouri, and during the first year there spent was connected with a commission house, in which he rose from a humble position to that of shipping clerk. He afterward spent five years in the employ of the Santa Fe and Missouri Pacific Railroad Companies and in 1893 he entered the service of the Bolen Coal Company, with which he was continuously associated as sales manager until 1900. At that date he entered the employ of the Central Coal & Coke Company of Kansas City, with which he was connected at that point for two years, after which he was transferred to Dallas,. Texas, and became sales manager of the house for Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. In 1904 he was transferred to Omaha in the same capacity with Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Colorado under his jurisdiction, and in 1907, desiring that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, he organized The E. B. Carrigan Company for the conduct of a wholesale coal business, of which he is the president and treasurer. The trade of the house is now extensive, its shipments covering a broad field, so that the annual income derived therefrom is most gratifying.

On the 26th of April, 1900, in Sioux City, Iowa, Mr. Carrigan was married to Aliss Jessie Belle Morse, a daughter of Major Morse, and they have one son, Eugene Bernard, who was born December 9, 1910. Mr. Carrigan belongs to the Christian Science church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he holds membership in the Commercial and Happy Hollow Clubs. He belongs to that type of men whose records are held in high regard, indicating the opportunities afforded young men in this country, where effort is unhampered by caste or class, and also showing what can be accomplished through individual purpose. He had no assistance at the outset of his career but he resolved to win success if it could be done through earnest, persistent effort. An old Greek philosopher centuries ago said: "Earn thy reward; the gods give naught to sloth." Recognizing the truth of this admonition, Edmond B. Carrigan has been untiring in effort and honorable in method and while in the employ of others won advancement from time to time in recognition of his capability and fidelity until at length he felt justified in starting out independently and is now one of the prosperous business men of Omaha.

John Robinson Webster

John Robinson Webster was born in Detroit, Michigan, November 21, 185 1. His father, Samuel Cheever Webster, was a lineal descendant of John Webster, of Ipswich, Connecticut, of Ezekiel Cheever, first head master of Boston Latin School, and of Michael Wigglesworth, author of The Day of Doom. His mother, Elizabeth Cutter Robinson, was a daughter of Martha Huntington, a descendant of the famous Huntington family of northern England.

In 1863 Mr. Webster's parents moved to Bay City, Michigan, and young Webster received his education in the public schools of that city. During his senior year in the high school he was appointed assistant teacher in the same school. He graduated from the high school in 1872, and entered the University of Michigan literary class of 1876. After an attendance of about five months he was obliged to leave college on account of the severe illness of his mother. He received a leave of absence from President Angell, returned to his home, and secured a position as teacher in one of the grade schools of Bay City, and after three months was appointed principal of one of the ward schools which position he held for two years. In 1875 Mr. Webster was elected principal of the high school in Romeo, Michigan, and in 1876 he was elected superintendent of schools at Big Rapids, Michigan. While teaching Mr. Webster devoted his leisure hours to the study of law, and in 1877 he entered the law ofiice of Ashley Pond, a prominent attorney of Detroit, Alichigan. He was admitted to the bar upon examination before the supreme court of Michigan in January, 1878, and opened an office in Detroit, where he practiced for three years.

On January 13, 1880, at Big Rapids, Michigan, he married Gertrude M. Potter, daughter of Samuel Treat and Barbara (Keller) Potter. Mrs. Webster is a descendant of a number of officers of the Revolutionary army and of three colonial governors. She is a member of the Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames, Colonial Governors and Americans of Royal Descent.

In 1 881 there were large tracts of unoccupied government land in western Iowa, and Mr. Webster joined a colony which located at Mapleton with the intention of sheep ranching, but the country was so rapidly settled that ranching became impracticable, and in 1886 Mr. Webster moved to Omaha, where he became a partner in the fire insurance agency of Potter, Webster & Company. The firm, of which he is still a member, was afterwards changed to Webster, Howard & Company. In 1889 he became associated with other men of Omaha in the development of the district northeast of the city known as East Omaha, the construction of the East Omaha Street Railway, and the Omaha Bridge & Terminal Railway, of which latter company he w^as chosen vice president and general manager in 1898. After the company sold out to the Illinois Central Railroad Company he continued in this position until 1910, when the operation of the terminal company was removed to Chicago, but he is still a director and secretary of that company. In 1903 he was appointed general agent of the executive department of the Illinois Central Railroad Company,_ and still_ holds that position. Becoming impressed with the importance of the live stock interests of the state, he acquired a ranch of about twenty thousand acres in the western part of Nebraska, which he is seeking to develop along modern lines. In 1906 he joined with J. A. Sunderland in the construction of the Webster-Sunderland Building at Sixteenth and Howard streets, Omaha. He is a director of the city National Bank Building Company of Omaha, and of the Ash Grove Lime & Portland Cement Company of Kansas and Aiissouri.

John Potter Webster, his only child, was born May i8, 1889, graduated at the University of Michigan in 191 1, on which occasion the university conferred on Mr. Webster the honorary degree of Bachelor of Arts. On June 9, 1914, his son married Katherine Beeson, daughter of A. G. and Mabel (Miller) Beeson, of Omaha.

Mr. Webster is the founder of the Webster scholarship to assist needy students in the Nebraska State University and Grand Island College ; and, together with his son, founded a similar scholarship in the University of Michigan.

On April 29, 1866, Mr. Webster became a member of the First Baptist church of Bay City, Michigan, and for many years has been a member and officer of the First Baptist church of Omaha. For twenty-five years he has been the teacher of the Webster Bible Class, the largest and best organized class of its kind in the state. For two years, 1902-3, he was president of the Baptist State Convention of Nebraska. He is past master of Capitol Lodge, No. 3, A. F. & A. M., and a member of the Omaha, University, and Commercial Clubs, of Omaha, also of the Happy Hollow and Omaha Country Clubs. He belongs to the Nebraska Society Sons of the American Revolution, of which he has been president; he has also held the office of vice president of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution. In politics Mr. Webster is a republican, and served his party as chairman of the republican county central committee of Monona county, Iowa, in 1884, president of the Fourth Ward Republican Club of Omaha, in 1887, and treasurer of the republican county central committee of Douglas county, Nebraska. He has always taken an active part in political campaigns, but never held nor sought public office.

Arthur H. Burnett

Arthur H. Burnett, of Omaha, attorney for the Woodmen of the World, was born on a farm in Saratoga county. New York, in 1857. His father, Caleb H. Burnett, a native of Edinburgh, New York, took up the occupation of farming as a life work. In his native state he wedded Caroline Wilkie and in 1862 they removed westward with their family to Illinois, where they resided for twentytwo years, and in 1884 came to Nebraska. Mrs. Burnett passed away in Holdrege, Nebraska, in 1893, while her husband, surviving for fifteen years, died in Denver, Colorado, in 1908.

Arthur H. Burnett was a little lad of but five summers when the family home was established near El Paso, Illinois, where he attended school, later studying for a time in the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, that state. He afterward took up the study of law in the same institution and was graduated with the class of 1882. The following year he located for practice in Minden, Nebraska, where he remained for nine and a half years actively connected with the profession, but seeking a broader field of labor, he removed to Omaha in 1893 and opened an office in this city. Fle continued in general practice for fourteen years but since 1907 has devoted his attention exclusively to the law business of the Woodmen of the World, which he has represented as attorney since 1894.

On the 19th of October, 1879, in El Paso, Illinois, Mr. Burnett was united in marriage to Miss Lydia P. Wilkinson, a daughter of the late John Wilkinson, and they have four children, Harry A., Hervey S., Elbert M. and Lydia M.

The parents are members of the Baptist chUrch and Mr. Burnett is a Knights Templar Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine and also belongs to the Elks lodge, the Commercial Club and the Happy Hollow Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he has neither the time nor inclination tc seek office, for his professional activities make full demand upon his energies. He is well qualified for the important duties which devolve upon him in his present connection, being recognized as one of the able lawyers of his adopted city.

David Martin McGahey, engaged in the insurance business as general agent at Omaha for the Home Life Insurance Company of New York, was born in Belfast, Ireland, August 14, 1870. His father, David McGahey, also a native of Belfast, was born in 1826 and remained a lifelong resident of the Emerald isle, there passing away in 1882. His widow afterward came to America and died in Chicago in 1902.

David M. McGahey was educated in Belfast, being graduated from the Royal Academy of that city in 1890. He was a young man of twenty-six years when in 1896 he came to the new world, settling first in Chicago,' where he remained for two years. He then went to Aladdin, Wyoming, where he remained for fourteen years, and in 19 14 he arrived in Omaha, where he became general agent for the Home Life Insurance Company of New York. He has long been active in the insurance field, in which connection he has gradually worked his way upward to his present position of responsibility and importance.

On the 30th of September, 1903, in Deadwood, South Dakota, Mr. McGahey was married to Miss Grace Logan, by whom he has a son, David M., Jr., born September 14, 1906. Their religious faith is that of the Episcopal church and in his political views Mr. McGahey is a republican. While never seeking nor desiring office, he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His attention is chiefly concentrated, however, upon his business interests and he is today one of the well known men in insurance circles in Omaha.