Omaha City (part 4 of 26)

George Andrew Robpirts

Situated in the midst of a great agricultural district, Omaha has naturally become a most important grain center, and a prominent representative of the grain trade at this point is George Andrew Roberts, whose operations are carried on under the name of the George A. Roberts Grain Company, of which he is the sole owner. He was born upon a farm in Saline county, Nebraska, February 14, 1874, a son of Stephen Scotten Roberts, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1834. Removing westward to Illinois, he was married in that state to Lydia A. Bainter and in 1873 they came to Nebraska, settling in Saline county, where the father died in 1903. He is still survived by his widow, who is now^ a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause of the Union and enlisted in Company G, One Hundred Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry, with which he served for three years on southern battlefields. He always maintained pleasant relations with his old military comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post at Dorchester, Nebraska.

At the usual age George A. Roberts became a pupil in the country schools of Saline county and afterward attended the public schools of Dorchester but had no college training. In the school of experience, however, he has learned many valuable lessons and is now a practical and well informed business man, alert and enterprising, his intelligently directed efforts having brought him to a position of prominence in business circles. He embarked in the grain trade on his own account at Angus, Nebraska, in 1890 and for more than a quarter of a century, therefore, has been active in that Hne of business. Seeking the broader field of labor offered by a larger city, he came to Omaha in 1909 where he now conducts extensive operations in the grain trade as the sole owner of the George A. Roberts Grain Company. He has ever been watchful of indications pointing to success and has always possessed the courage to venture where favoring opportunity has ix)inted out the way. Opportunity is but a promise - an indication, and many there are who fear to utilize the chance offered, but grasping eagerly every legitimate opportunity presented, Mr. Roberts has advanced steadily step by step in his business career until he stands today among the most prosperous representatives of the grain trade in Omaha, with unsullied business integrity that equals his material success. He has also made investments in other important business enterprises but is not active in control, feeling that his grain interests make ample demand upon his energies.

On the 22d of June, 1904, in Dorchester, Nebraska. Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Olive H. Wilhelm, a daughter of Jerry Wilhelm, who served in the Civil war as a member of an Illinois regiment. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have one daughter, Lydia Elizabeth.

Politically Mr. Roberts is a republican and while never an office seeker neither has he ever been remiss in the duties of citizenship but aids and supports all plans and projects for the general good. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he belongs to the Happy Hollow Club and to the Athletic Club of Omaha. His religious belief is indicated in his membership in the First i\Iethodist church, in the work of whch he takes an active and helpful part. One who has long known him and who is himself a prominent citizen of Omaha says that throughout his entire career he has ever been the same courteous and genial gentleman that he is today, devoted to his family, active in the work of the church and enjoying the respect and friendship of all who know him.

Sidney Denise Barkalow

\Vith the history of Omaha the name of Barkalow has been associated almost continuously from the beginning and in many phases of the city's development the family have been active participants. A native of Ohio, Sidney Denise Barkalow was born in Warren county, November 23, 1844, a son of Benjamin B. Barkalow. of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He was educated at the place of his nativity and there remained until November 5, 1856, when, at the age of twelve years, he accompanied his parents to Omaha, where he became a pupil in a school conducted by Howard Kennedy, who was the first superintendent of schools in this city. .\t a later period he pursued his studies for a short time in Washington University at St. Louis. In his youthful days he was employed for a brief period in the ofifice of an express company at Omaha and also in the Woolworth book store and in the latter connection gained a knowledge of the business to which he largely devoted his life.

He embarked in business on his own account when a youth of but sixteen years by opening a small book store and news stand on Farnam street, near Thirteenth. In 1865, in connection with his brother, Derrick Vail Barkalow, he entered into a contract with the Union Pacific Railroad Company for the sale of newspapers, periodicals, candy, books and other articles on the trains of that line and the brothers were on the first train which went west from Omaha. As the railroads of the west spread out their business expanded. In the early days they enjoyed a liberal patronage in the sale of Indian curios and relics, including polished buffalo hoofs and horns, and as the years passed their business steadily increased. In 1870 D. V. Barkalow went to Cheyenne to operate the western division for the company, their interests extending as far as Ogden, while S. D.

Barkalow remained in Omaha. They carried on business under the firm style of Barkalow Brothers - a name which became a household word in Omaha and throughout the west. At one time they operated extensively over various western railroads and attained to a position of leadership in their line of business. On the 14th of Decemljer, 1914, their interests were incorporated under the name of the Barkalow Brothers' News Company, of which S. D. Barkalow became the president, R. V. Barkalow vice president, Denise Barkalow secretary-treasurer and George li. Schnell, general manager. The company still maintains news stands in depots at Council Bluffs, Omaha, Columbus, Grand Island, Kearney, North Platte and Cheyenne, Nebraska; at Greenriver, Wyoming; at Ogden, Utah; at Kansas City, Topeka and Junction, Kansas; at Fort Worth, Texas ; and at Sterling, Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

At Fremont. Nebraska, on the 19th of February, 1879, Mr. Barkalow was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Lawrence McNamara, who was born at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, a daughter of Rev. Dr. John McNanrara, who was born in the north of Ireland and when a young man came to the new world. He was well known as one of the pioneer missionaries of the Episcopal church in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin and Nebraska and he carried the gospel into those regions when travel involved many hardships and difficulties, 'all of which, however, he bore uncomplainingly because of his devotion to his church. He married Sarah Banks Gould, avIio was born in vSandusky, Ohio, during the temporary residence of the family there but when six months old was taken by her parents to their old home in New York city. Mrs. Barkalow attended school in Wisconsin and completed her education at Brownell Hall in Omaha. By her marriage she became the mother of three children : Sidney McNamara, now deceased ; Denise, living in Omaha ; and Caroline Lawrence.

Mr. Barkalow held membership in the Omaha Club, the Happy Llollow Club, the Omaha Country Club and the Commercial Club and was also a member of the Pioneers' Association of Nebraska. He was a faithful member of Trinity Cathedral and for thirty years served as one of its vestrymen. He gave loyal and generous support to the church and did everything in his power to promote its cause. In matters of citizenship he was most loyal and publicspirited and his cooperation could be counted upon at all times to aid in furthering projects for the public good. At the same time he was a man of most domestic tastes, finding his greatest happiness at his own fireside. With the exception of one year he maintained his residence in Omaha from 1856 until his death, which occurred on the 29th of May, 191 5, or for almost a half century, and throughout the entire period the course which he followed was such as commended him to the confidence, high regard and , goodwill of all with whom he came in contact. He lived to see wonderful changes, for at the time of his arrival the city was a straggling western frontier village. He witnessed its transformation into a modern metropolis with all the advantages known to the modern city and his contribution to the work that was wrought was indeed valuable.

Paul L. Martin

Paul L. Martin, dean of the Creighton College of Law at Omaha, was bom upon a farm in Crawford county, Iowa, April 4, 1881. His paternal grandfather, James W. Martin, was a native of Ireland but emigrating to America, became a resident of Crawford county, Iowa, where he passed away in 1889. His son, James W. Martin, father of Paul L. Martin, was born in Dewitt, Iowa, in 1859. He wedded Hulda Catherine Chapman and they now reside in Omaha, where he is successfully engaged in the real estate business.

Paul L. Martin acquired his early education in the public schools of Manning, Iowa, supplemented by study in the Lloly Family parochial school of Omaha and a course in Creighton College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1900. In preparation for a professional career he entered the law department of Harvard University, which numbers him among its alumni of 1905. The same year Creighton College conferred upon him the Alaster of Arts degree. After leaving Harvard he was for two years associated with the law firm of Hall & Stout, of Omaha, and in 1907 he was called to the position of secretary of the Creighton College of Law. Two years later he was advenced to dean of the department and has so continued, bending every effort toward making this one of the best law schools of the middle west.

On the nth of September, 1906, in Omaha, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Mary Inez Neu and to them have been born five children, Paul James, Bernard Aloysius, Clarence Jerome, Mary Catherine and Gertrude Mary.

As indicated by his professional connections Mr. Martin is an adherent of the Catholic faith and he belongs also to the Knights of Columbus. He has been an earnest supporter of many plans and projects for the public good. In this connection he acts with the Commercial Club, of which he is a member, in its efforts to promote Omaha's civic standards and extend its business relations. His social nature finds expression in his membership in the Harvard Club and his professional connections extend to the Omaha Bar Association, the Nebraska State Bar Association, and the Association of American Law Schools. For several years he was a member of the committee on legal education of the Nebraska State Bar Association, prepared several reports of the committee and has taken an active interest both locally and nationally in raising the standard of the bar. As a member of the Association of American Law Schools he has been one of the leaders in the extension of the standard law course from three to four years. - ; ;. . :

Henry Haubens, president of the Lion Bonding & Surety Company, organized in 1907, has throughout an extended period been a prominent representative of financial interests in Omaha. He was born in Gonningen, Germany, in 1855, a son of Andre\v Haubens, whose birth occurred in the same place in 1818 and who there passed away in 1866.

In the schools of the fatherland Henry Haubens pursued his education. He was graduated from the seminary in Esslingen, Wurtemberg, in 1876, and in 188 1, when twenty-six years of age, crossed the Atlantic to the United States. He made his way at once to Omaha, where he taught German in a private school for about a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he entered the Omaha First National Bank as clerk in the counting department and there continued for three years, after which he took up the business of railroad contracting, organizing the firm of Haubens, Shelton & Company, of which he became the president and so continued for about three years. He then purchased an interest in the brewing firm of Storz & Her and in 1890, when their lease on the brewery expired, Mr. Haubens organized the Omaha Brewing Association, of which he was made vice president and so continued until 1907. He then sold his interest in that business and organized the Lion Bonding & Surety Company, of which he has since been the president. This company is capitalized for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars and has done an extensive business in the ten years of its existence, a liberal clientage having been won. Mr. Haubens is also owner of the business conducted imder the name of the Omaha Folding Alachine Company and thus his interests have become extensive and important, making him a prominent figure in the business circles of the city.

riage to Miss Emily Vatter, by whom he had two children, Emil Victor and Walter William, born in 1892 and i(S(>5 respectively. Doth sons and the mother died in Omaha in 1902.

In his political views Mr. J laubens maintains an independent course and has never been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his energies and attention upon his business affairs, his close application and unfaltering energy resulting in the attainment of substantial success.

Edward Mackenzie Wellman

Edward MacKenzie Wellman. for twenty-two years an active practitioner at the Omaha bar, was born in Viola, Iowa, April 8, 1870, a son of Samuel Mac- Kenzie Wellman. who was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1839, while his father Dr. Wellman, was a native of England. Coming to America he settled in Connecticut, where he practiced his profession throughout his remaining days. At the time of the Civil war Samuel M. Wellman enlisted for service in 1861 as a private of the Forty-second Ohio \''oluntcer Infantry, of which the late President James A. Garfield was commander. With that regiment he served for four years, rising to the rank of captain, and on several occasions he was wounded. In 1865 he removed westward to Iowa and was married in Viola, in 1866, to Elizabeth Anna Marshall, who was born in Westfield, Massachusetts. He removed with his family from Iowa to Howard county, Nebraska, in 1879 and during the last twelve years of his life filled the position of postmaster at Elba, Nebraska. He died in the year 1913, while his wife passed away in 191 1.

Edward M. Wellman, after attending the district schools of Howard county, continued his education in the normal schools at Fremont and at Bloomington, Nebraska, thus securing a good literary education to serve as the foundation upon which to upbuild the superstructure of professional knowledge. In preparation for the practice of law he attended the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1894, and for a year he taught school in Howard county, Nebraska. In June, 1895, he came to Omaha, where he entered at once upon the active practice of his profession and has since continued a member of the bar. Advancement in the law is proverbially slow, yet no dreary novitiate awaited Mr. Wellman. His legal powers and talents soon gained him recognition and his clientage has long been an enviable one. In 1898 he was made president of the firm of Charles E. Walters & Company, pubHshers of Walters Legal Directory since 1892.

On the 15th of June, 1897, in Scotia. Nebraska, Mr. Wellman was united in marriage to Miss Ida C. Cook, daughter of Thomas W. Cook. To them have been born three children. Helen Elizabeth. Philip MacKenzie and Edward Samuel. In politics Mr. Wellman is a democrat but does not care to turn from professional to political activity and concentrates his attention upon his law practice, his devotion to his clients' interests being proverbial. Fraternally he is a York Rite Mason and, the social amenities of life making appeal to him, he is now a member of the University and Happy Hollow Clubs.

Ellery Hill Westerfield

Ellery Hill Westerfield, who since his admission to the bar in 1896 has practiced law in Omaha, was born in Monmouth, Illinois, January 13, 1870, and is a descendant of a family of Holland origin. The name was originally Van Westervelt and the immigrant ancestor was Lubbert Lubbertsen Van Westervelt, who came to the United States from Holland in 1660. He was accompanied by his brother and they were the only two on the vessel who paid money for their passage. The great-grandfather, Samuel Westerfield, emigrated to Kentucky, but his last days were spent in Ohio. It was in Preble county, Ohio, that Jacob Reeder Westerfield, the grandfather of E. H. Westerfield, was born, as was also the father, James Westerfield, whose birth occurred in 1830. While he was not an enlisted soldier in the Civil war, he was in the government service in the south as a wagon maker. In 1855, at Knoxville, Illinois, he married Esther Moore and for many years the family home was maintained at Monmouth, Illinois, where the father passed away in 1893. The mother afterward came to Omaha, where she spent her last days.

Ellery Hill Westerfield attended the public schools of his native city and afterward entered Monmouth College, from which he was graduated in 1893 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, while subsequently his alma mater conferred upon him the Master of Arts degree. He studied law in Washington University of St. Louis, Missouri, from which he was graduated in 1896, and immediately after he opened an office in Omaha, where he has since remained, giving his entire attention to his professional interests. He has a faculty for careful, accurate analysis which is one of the indispensable elements of successful law practice. His trend of reasoning is clear, strong and logical and he masters the points in his case, bringing all to bear upon the decisive point of contact. He also has commercial interests as a director of the Ralston Furniture Factory, of which he was one of the incorporators.

On the 9th of October, 1901, in Omaha, Mr. Westerfield was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Edwards Orange, daughter of John B. Orange. They have four children, namely : Esther Moore, Elizabeth Orange, Herbert Ellery and Helen Genevieve.

Mr. Westerfield gives stalwart support to the republican party, although never an office seeker. The rules which largely govern his life and shape his relations with his fellowmen are indicated in the fact that he is a member of the Presbyterian church and a Scottish Rite Mason. He was a commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church at Columbus, Ohio, in 1907 and was moderator of the Presbytery of Omaha in 191 5. He belongs to the Commercial Club and therefore is an actve supporter of those forces which make for public improvement and progress in his city, and his social nature finds expression in his membership in the University and Happy Hollow Clubs.

Ernest Anson Conaway

While Ernest Anson Conaway is one of the younger members of the Omaha bar, he has already attained a position that many an older practitioner might well envy and his possession of those qualities requisite to advancement insures him continued professional success. He was born in Corning, Iowa, January 12, 1883, a son of Alexander Campbell and Marilla (West) Conaway. The father was born in Canton, Ohio, in 1842 and about 1866 removed westward to Iowa, being married in that state. He had previously served as a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting in 1861 in a regiment of Ohio volunteer cavalry, with which he remained throughout the period of hostilities, rising to the rank of captain. He and his wife are still residents of Coming.

After attending the public schools of Corning, Ernest A. Conaway began preparations for the bar, believing that he would find law practice a congenial vocation. He was graduated from the Omaha Law School with the class of 1912 and the same year was admitted to practice, after which he opened an office in Omaha and has since concentrated his attention upon his professional duties. He is occupying the same suite of rooms with Hon. B. S. Baker, and although he has been connected with the profession for but four years and advancement at the bar is proverbially slow, he has already made a good start and he possesses many of the qualities indispensable to success, including comprehensive knowledge of the law, indefatigable industr}', shown in the careful preparation of cases, and a ready analysis that enables him to reason from cause to ellect.

On the loth of October, 1908, in Omaha, Mr. Conaway was united in marriage to Aliss Jean Houston Huntington, by whom he has two children, Dorothea Jean and Ernest Anson, Jr. Mr. Conaway exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and in religious faith is an Episcopalian, taking a very active and helpful interest in the church work.

John Albert McShane, capitalist, lumberman and political leader, has left the impress of his individuality not only upon the history of Omaha but of the state as well and throughout this section of the country is spoken of in terms of admiration and respect. His life has been so varied in its activities, so honorable in its purposes and so far-reaching and beneficial in its effects that it has become an integral part of the records of Omaha. He left the home farm when a youth of twenty-one years, acquainted only with such experiences as come to the farm bred boy, little dreaming that he was eventually to become a most prominent figure in commercial circles.

His birth occurred upon a farm near Lexington, Ohio, in 1850, and he is a representative of a family of Irish origin. His paternal grandfather, James McShane, spent his entire life in County Armagh, Ireland, and there the father, Thomas McShane was born in the year 1806. In early manhood he came to America, settling in Ohio, where he wedded Alice Creighton, a sister of the late John A. Creighton, long a distinguished and honored resident of Omaha. It was in the year 1883 that Mr. and Mrs. McShane became residents of Omaha, where their remaining days were passed, but the father was not long permitted to continue his residence here, his death occurring in 1885. His wife survived him until 1891.

Reared upon a farm in Perry county, Ohio, John A. McShane attended the district schools and later concentrated his attention upon the work of the fields until he reached his majority, when he resolved to try his fortune in the west and made his way to a cattle ranch in Wyoming. He spent three or four years in that state, becoming interested in ranching in connection with Edward and John A. Creighton. The year 1874 witnessed his arrival in Omaha and for two and a half years he was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad Company. At the end of that time he accepted the position of manager of the lumberyards of W. J. Young & Company and was so employed for about three years. He later assumed the management of a Wyoming ranch of many thousand acres, upon which were herded many thousand head of cattle, but while he was in charge until 1883 he continued his residence in Omaha. At the end of that period he sold his ranch interest to the Bay State Live Stock Company of Boston, of which he became manager, so continuing until 1887, when he went to Washington as a member of congress. In the meantime - in 1884 - he had been elected to the presidency of the Union Stock Yards Company, Ltd., of Omaha, and so remained until 1894. In 1887 he was elected to the presidency of the Union Stock Yards Bank, which position he filled until 1896. Since that time he has been much interested in lumber in Texas and in 1903 organized the McShane Lumber Company, of which he has continuously been the president. This company is operating extensively in lumber and as its head Mr. McShane displays marked executive ability, initiative and enterprise. It does not cover the scope of his activities, however, for he is the president and principal owner of the Creighton-

McShane Oil Company of Omaha, owning oil lands in Texas, and is the president of the South. Omaha Land Company and of the Columbian Investment Company of Omaha. His business interests have thus covered a wide scope but his powers have proved adequate to every demand made upon him. Alert and energetic, he has improved every opportunity which has come to him in the course of his long business career and in matters of judgment has been seldom if ever at fault. Such is his sagacity that he has avoided all business connections in which one might encounter unwarranted risks and has concentrated his efforts and attention along those lines where fruition is certain.

In the midst of a most active business career Mr. McShane has never been neglectful of public obligations or responsibilities and has ever met the duties as well as enjoyed the privileges of citizenship. His study of political conditions up to the time that he attained his majority led him to cast his first presidential vote for the nominees of the democratic party. Since that time he has never seen occasion to change his opinions regarding the political policy of the country and has long been a recognized leader in democratic circles in Nebraska. In 1880 he was chosen to represent his district in the state legislature, serving in the lower house for two years, and then in 1882 he was chosen a member of the senate for a two years' term. In 1886 he was elected to represent his district in congress and in the following year he was the unsuccessful candidate for governor. His opinions have for many years carried weight in the councils of his party throughout Nebraska and he also has a wide acquaintance among prominent political leaders of the country, who appreciate the soundness of his opinions and his keen insight.

In 1876, in Omaha, Mr. McShane was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Lee, who died in 1894, leaving two children: Edward L., who was born in 1878 and passed away in Omaha, May 7, 1916; and Mary Lee, now the wife of Willard D. Hosford. A^Tr. McShane was again married in Chicago, Kathryn A. Lonergan becoming his wife.

Their religious faith is that of the Catholic church and Mr. McShane is connected with the Knights of Columbus. He belongs also to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he is a member of the Commercial Club, the Omaha Club and the Country Club. Ask anyone concerning Omaha's leading citizens and they will name John A. McShane among the number, such being the prominent position to which he has attained in business and political circles. He is also most prominent in the affairs of the Catholic church. The records indicate that he has reached the age of sixty-six but his appearance belies his years as he possesses the physical and mental alertness of a man many years his junior. In a word he is yet a dominant factor in the public life of the community - dominant by reason of his marked ability and enterprising spirit. He has exerted an immeasurable influence on the city of his residence; in business life as a financier and promoter of extensive commercial enterprises ; in politics by reason of his public spirit and devotion to the general good as well as his comprehensive understanding of the questions affecting the state and national welfare ; in benevolent circles by reason of his liberality in ameliorating the hard conditions of life for the unfortunate and in social circles by reason of a charming personality and unfeigned cordiality.

Edgar H. Allen

Important business interests felt the stimulus and profited by the cooperation and ability of Edgar H. Allen, who became a resident of Omaha in 1880, removing to this city from St. Paul, Indiana. He was born in Stephensport, Kentucky, February 18, 1856, but removed to St. Paul, Indiana, and there acquired his education as a public school pupil. He afterward learned telegraphy and later was employed by the Big Four Railway under the presidency of M. E. Ingalls. It was as a representative of the Western Union Telegraph Company that he came to Omaha in 1880. Soon afterward he was sent to Plum Creek, now Lexington, Nebraska, at a period when there were wild times in that district, the lawlessness of frontier life being manifested. After a few months, however, he was returned to Omaha in the spring of 1881 and in March of that year his mother and family came to Omaha. It was then that the three brothers, Arthur. Oscar and Edgar H. Allen, embarked in the retail grocery business at Fifteenth street, near Farnam, under the firm style of Allen Brothers. The undertaking prospered from the beginning and their trade grew and developed rapidly, enabling them in 1883 to establish a wholesale grocery business, in conjunction with which they became tea and coffee importers. Edgar H. Allen continued at the head of this company which became a corporation, throughout his remaining days and under the style of the Allen Brothers Company they built up a most extensive trade as wholesale grocers, their ramifying commercial connections covering a broad territory and reaching out into many sections of the country. Recognizing an opportunity along other lines, they began operating in real estate and formed the Allen Brothers Realty Company, of which Edgar H. Allen was also the president. This company was formed to take charge of the property which they had acquired, for in the early days as well as at a later period they improved their opportunities for judicious investment and with the passing years their property interests grew largely in volume and contributed in substantial measure to their prosperity. Their wholesale grocery house was located at the corner of Tenth and Farnam streets, where they remodeled the building, and also made additions thereto. Edgar H. Allen also became interested in business projects in Washington. Utah and Wyoming which led to the substantial development and upbuilding of those states and he was likewise one of the large stockholders in a canning factory at Forest City, Missouri. He had framed and hung in his office the motto :

And nights be dark 'twixt days which come and go. Still pluck will win, its average is sure. He gains the prize who can the most endure; Who faces issues, he who never shirks, Who waits and watches and who always works."

This motto was commented on most favorably by journals all over the country and the spirit of the words constituted a dominating element in the life work of Mr. Allen.

It was on the 17th of September, 1885, at North Bend, Ohio, that Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Devin, of that place, and theirs was a most happy married life characterized by the closest community of interests. On the 22d of December, 1912, at Omaha, Mr. Allen passed away and in his death the community in which he lived and the many organizations to which he belonged suffered a great loss. He was a thirty-second degree Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine and also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was also an honorary member of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben. of which he was a governor, and he belonged to the Commercial Club, and for one term was president and held many other offices therein, his service in that connection being most highly complimented and commended. He likewise belonged to the Telegraphers' Union, to the Omaha Club and to the Country and Field Clubs. He was an active member of the Missouri River Grocers' Association and he also belonged to the Trans-Mississippi Waterway Association, in the work of which he took a most active and helpful interest. His charitable nature found expression in generous gifts to the poor and needy and to benevolent institutions and yet his charity was most unostentatious. He loved Omaha and its interests were dear to his heart, so that he cooperated in many plans and measures for the general good. He attended the ^Methodist Episcopal church and his entire life was guided by high and honorable principles that made his career one worthy of emulation.

Elmer E. Thomas

Elmer E. Thomas, engaged in the practice of law in Omaha, was born in Ironton, Ohio, July 2, 1864, a son of John Notley Thomas and a grandson of Benjamin Thomas. The immigrant ancestor of the family came from Wales about the same time that Lord Baltimore settled Maryland. Benjamin Thomas was a native of Frederick, Maryland, and devoted his life to the occupation of farming. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812 and participated in the battle of Bladensburg, Maryland. His son, John Notley Thomas, who was born in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1828, was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting in the One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Lifantry. He participated in many engagements in Tennessee, including the battle of Franklin. He was married in Lawrence county, Ohio, to Hannah Hull, who was born in Columbiana county, that state. He passed away in 1906, having for two decades survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1886.

Elmer E. Thomas, after attending the schools of Ironton, continued his education in the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the class of 1887. Later he entered the Yale University Law School and is numbered among its alumni of 1889. Having by thorough training prepared for a professional career, he at once came to Omaha and opened an office, since which time he has practiced his profession.

On the 14th of June, 1893, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Mr. Thomas was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Irwin Williamson, by whom he has five children, namely: Lyman Hueston, Philip Hull, Mary Louise, Elmer E., Jr., and John Martin.

Mr. Thomas gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and the only office which he has ever sought or desired was in the strict path of his profession - that of deputy county attorney of Douglas county, in which capacity he served from 1899 until 1902. He is a member of the Happy Hollow Club and of the Commercial Club and he is an active member and elder in the Dundee Presbyterian church. He is much interested in the cause of prohibition and in matters of civic reform and feels the most hearty concern for the public welfare, taking a helpful part in bringing about those purifying and wholesome reforms which have been gradually growing up in the political, municipal and social life of the city. He belongs to that class of men who wield a power which is all the more potent from the fact that it is moral rather than political and is exercised for the public good rather than for personal ends.

Frank Wilcox

Frank Wilcox, a well known figure in insurance circles in Omaha, handling all lines was born at Bellevue, Sarpy county, Nebraska, August 30, 1859. His father, Newell Reuben Wilcox, was born in Cattaraugus county. New York, May 15, 1833, and was married in Berrien county, Michigan, in 1855, to Miss Amanda M. Bennett. They immediately afterward removed to Sarpy county, Nebraska, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land. In 1857 they established their home in Bellevue, where they resided for more than four decades and in 1900 came to Omaha. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Wilcox was a noncommissioned officer of Company D, Second Nebraska Volunteer Cavalry, which was raised for the purpose of protecting the western border from the Sioux Indians, enlisting on the 15th of October, 1862, and serving until mustered out on the i8th of September, 1863. He was on active duty in connection with the Indian campaigns in the west. Following the .close of his military service he was for two terms sheriff of Sarpy county and after the war he engaged in the hotel business in that county throughout the remainder of his active business life. On his retirement he took up his abode in Omaha, where he made his home until called to his final rest in 1910, his widow surviving until 1913.

Frank Wilcox, attending the public schools of Bellevue, completed the high school course there in 1875 and afterward devoted two years to teaching in Sarpy county. Later he clerked in a shoe store in Omaha for ten years and in 1885 embarked in the shoe business on his own account as a partner of Thomas B. Norris under the firm style of Norris & \\^ilcox. That relation was maintained for eleven years or until 1896, when Mr. Wilcox sold out. During the succeeding decade he managed a shoe store in Omaha and in 1906 he entered the general insurance business, in which he has since successfully continued, handling everything in the insurance line, and few men are better informed upon every phase of the insurance business than he.

On the jd of October, 1882, in Bellevue, Nebraska, Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Miss Kate M. Myers, her father being Henry Myers, a retired farmer of Bellevue, who was born in 1826. Our subject and his wife have five children, as follows: Mabel Claire, the wife of Frank B. Hadley, of Denver, Colorado ; Mildred ; Margaret, who gave her hand in marriage to George W. Tiller, of Guam, Marietta islands ; Catherine M. ; and Paul.

Politically Mr. Wilcox is a republican and fraternally is a prominent Mason. He has filled all the chairs in Nebraska Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Omaha and was its worshipful' master in 191 1 and 1912. In 1913 he was elected secretary of the lodge, which position he now fills, and he is justly regarded as a most exemplary representative of the craft, thoroughly loyal to its teachings concerning the brotherhood of mankind.

Joseph H. Schmidt

Along the legitimate lines of trade, with thorough college training as a basis for success, Joseph H. Schmidt built up a business that made him one of the foremost merchants of Omaha and as chemist and pharmacist he ranked with the ablest representatives in that line. A native of Illinois, Mr. Schmidt was born in Lockport on the 22d of January, 1863, and in the acquirement of his education completed a high school course there, after which he entered the University of Illinois for the study of chemistry and pharmacy. He was graduated on the completion of his university course in 1884 and then went to Chicago, where he remained until his removal to Omaha in May, 1886. Here he became connected with W. J. Hughes, at the corner of Sixteenth and Webster streets, under the firm style of Hughes & Schmidt. That relation was maintained until the following January, when Mr. Schmidt removed to the corner of Twenty-fourth and Cuming streets, there establishing what becam.e well known as the J. H. Schmidt drug store. He remained at that location until his death and built up a very extensive and profitable trade. At one time he was also, for a few months, associated with C. A. Melcher in the ownership of a drug. store at Seventeenth and Farnam streets and in July, 191 5, he established a fine store at Thirty-third and Cuming streets, of which he remained proprietor until his death. He was a very progressive business man, thoroughly understanding every phase of the drug trade, and his establishments largely set the standard for activity along that line in Omaha. His opinions were considered authority upon many subjects relating to the business and he bore the reputation of being one of the best pharmacists in the state. He wrote many interesting and instructive articles for drug journals of the country and in fact he stood prominently in the lead in his line in the middle west. He was honored with the presidency of the State Druggists' Association and for five years he was a member of the state board of pharmacy.

On the i/th of October, 1888, in Omaha, Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage to j\Iiss Anna Marie Paul, who came to this city in 1872 with her father, George P. Paul, who removed from Peoria, Illinois, to Omaha and was here connected with the Union Pacific Railroad Company the remainder of his life, spending thirty-two years in all in the car department of that company. He was born in Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, and as a young man came to the new world. He learned his trade in this country, working in New Orleans and Peoria before coming to Omaha. He married Anna M. Metzger and they became the parents of five children : George J. A., who was manager of the Alahoning and Shenango Railway and Light Company and died in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1915; Maude G. ; John Wellington, living in Chicago ; William J., a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ; and Mrs. Schmidt. The father passed away March 30, 1900, when seventy-two years of age. That he had enjoyed the full confidence of the company which he represented is indicated in his long retention in that service - a fact which is furthermore indicative of his- absolute fidelity and capability.

Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt became the parents of seven children : Paul J. ; Marie G., now Mrs. Charles S. Hoffert, living in St. Joseph, Missouri; Joseph H. ; Florence A. ; Maude H. ; Lillian F. ; and Frederick Charles.

Air. Schmidt passed away on the 9th of September, 191 5. He was at one time a member of the Ak-Sar-Ben and at all times he was deeply interested in the welfare and progress of his city, contributing in substantial measure to its upbuilding by his hearty cooperation with all. movements seeking to advance the general welfare. He belonged to St. Cecelia's Catholic ehuEch and was an active member in the Knights of Columbus. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and he was twice a candidate for the office of city treasurer. He concentrated the greater part of his thought, energy and attention, however, upon his business interests and his capability in that direction was manifest in the continued growth of the trade, which made him one of the prosperous merchants of Omaha and enabled him to leave his family in very comfortable financial circumstances. This was the chief end and aim of his life, for his interests centered in his home and he put forth every effort that would promote the welfare and happiness of his wife and children.

Howard Birchard Smith

Howard Birchard Smith, actively engaged in the practice of law in Omaha, is a native of Detroit, ^Michigan, and traces his ancestry in direct line back to Henry Smith, who came from England in 1635. His great-grandfather was Eli Smith and his grandfather was Joseph Smith, who was born in the state of Vermont in 1782 and passed away in 1863. Joseph Smith was the father of Rollin C. Smith, who was born in Shoreham, Vermont, in 1809 and following his removal to Detroit engaged in banking and the lumber business. Later he brought his family to Omaha, where he engaged in the real estate business. In Shoreham, Vermont, he wedded Mary A. Birchard and it was in 1868 that they became residents of Omaha, where the father died in 1873, while the mother, surviving for many years, passed away in 1900.

Howard B. Smith was graduated from the University of Michigan with the class of 1876, after which he returned to Omaha and entered upon the study of law in the office and under the direction of the late Judge Eleazer Wakeley. He returned to Michigan University for further study and was graduated from its law department with the class of 1878. He then opened an office in Omaha, where he has since been engaged in the general practice of his profession. In June, 1881, he was appointed to the position of county judge of Douglas county to fill a vacancy and served upon the bench until the following September, when he resigned. In 1887 he received a two years' appointment to the board of fire and police commissioners of Omaha by Governor Thayer and was reappointed to that position for a four years' term and still later was again appointed for a four years' term by Governor Crounse. He continued to serve until 1895, when he resigned to concentrate his undivided attention upon his law practice. An excellent presence, an earnest manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles make him an effective and successful advocate and he has won prestige at a bar which has numbered many distinguished members.

On the 22(1 of May, 1879, in Chillicothe, Ohio, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Cook McKell, her father being the late William McKell, for years president of the First National Bank in Chillicothe. They have a daughter, Phoebe Cook, the wife of Henry W. Pierpont, of Omaha, by whom she has two sons, Howard W. and Henry B.

Judge and Mrs. Smith attend the Congregational church and he belongs to the University Club. In politics he is a republican but has never been an aspirant for office and the only positions he has filled are those already mentioned. He has always preferred to concentrate his attention upon his professional duties and his devotion to his clients' interests has become proverbial. His contemporaries and colleagues have always entertained a high opinion concerning his powers as an advocate and counselor and his close conformity to the ethical standards of the profession.

Charles Selleck

Charles Selleck, now living retired in Omaha, first located in the city six decades ago. He was born in Norwalk, Fairfield county, Connecticut, November 2, 1829, and in his boyhood days went to sea, spending his time upon the water until 1 85 1, when he went to California by way of the Isthmus route, having in the meantime visited almost every section of the globe. He made two trips to and from California, spending about four years in that way, and from that state he returned to New York city and thence came to Omaha, driving from Davenport, Iowa, to his destination. In fact he has traveled all over this section of the state when it was a wild and unsettled district. He visited Colorado in 1859 during the mining excitement there and engaged in prospecting. He made several trips to that region and to Montana, spending seven or eight years in all in that way. He would return to Omaha for the winter and would haul freight out in the spring. In his freighting operations he was a partner of John Lutz, who owned a quarter section and had a stone quarry in what is now the center of the city of Omaha. In 1861 he prospected from Denver to the south fork of the Salmon river and during that long trip never saw an Indian. He discovered gold about twenty-five miles north of the Bannock gulch diggings and worked his claim for six weeks, taking out the first gold that was ever sold in Montana, the purchaser being Ed Creighton, of Salt Lake City, where Mr. Selleck spent the winter seasons. In the spring he would return to Montana and thus carried on mining until 1866, when Mr. Selleck again came to Omaha. For years he remained in this city. He furnished the capital with which to conduct the Farnam Hotel, the hostelry being at that time the leading one in Omaha. Mr. Selleck afterward removed to Washington county and settled on land which he preempted at an early day. He remained there for several years but in 19 10 returned to Omaha, where he now Hves retired. His has been an active life in which sound business judgment and indefatigable energy have won substantial success.

In Omaha, in 1868, Mr. Selleck was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Pashley, of Wisconsin, who came from that state in 1867. Her father, John Pashley, was a mechanic and builder connected with the Union Pacific Railroad for a time. To Mr. and Mrs. Selleck were born three children, of whom one is now living, Gertrude, the wife of O. E. Berg, of the Berg Clothing Company.

Fraternally Mr. Selleck is connected with the Elks. In politics he has always been a stalwart republican since the organization of the party and he has also been very active in support of many measures which have contributed to the material progress and upbuilding of his city and state and other sections of the west. There is no phase of western pioneer life with which he is not familiar and he was with the vanguard who carried the seeds of civilization to the frontier.

Dr. Arthur L. Barr, who has but recently started upon his professional career but already is gaining a creditable practice and one which promises steady growth, owing to his laudable ambition and close application, was born in Ashland, Nebraska, in 1892, a son of Wesley J. and Elizabeth (Laughlin) Barr. The father was born in Montana in 1867 and died in the year 1906, while his widow still makes her home in Ashland.

It was in his native city that Dr. Barr pursued his public school education and after reviewing the broad field of business in its various agricultural, commercial, industrial and professional connections he decided to make the practice of medicine his life work. With that end in view he entered the Creighton University as a medical student and was graduated therefrom in 191 5. He then located for practice in Omaha and his patronage has been steadily developing through the intervening months. He is instructor in clinical microscopy in the Creighton College of Medicine.

On the 29th of December, 1914, Dr. Barr wedded Miss Adelaide Davis. He has no fraternal nor club connections, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his practice, and he is keeping in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and investigation through his membership in the Omaha-Douglas County Medical Society and the Nebraska State Medical Association.

Joseph Ben Robinson

Joseph Ben Robinson, for eighteen years actively connected with the real estate and insurance business in Omaha, was born in Russia, April 15, 1868, a son of Moses Robinson who passed away in Russia. The mother came to the United States in 1895, making her way to Omaha where she now resides.

In the schools of his native country Joseph Ben Robinson pursued his education, and in 1892 when a young man of twenty-four years came to the new world, attracted by the opportunities which he believed might be secured on this side the Atlantic. He came at once to Omaha, owing to the fact that his brother, Samuel L., had previously taken up his abode in this city, where he still resides. The start of Joseph B. Robinson in the business world was a humble one. He began selling dry goods from a pack in Douglas county, and was thus engaged for three and one-half years. Prompted by a laudable ambition he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to open a store, at which time he began retailing groceries in Omaha. In that line he successfully continued until January, 1899, when he embarked in the real estate business and also began writing tire insurance. In the intervening period he has negotiated many important real estate transfers and is thoroughly informed concernmg property values in Omaha, liis business has now assumed extensive proportions and his large clientage is winning for him gratifying success.

In 1900 in Omaha, Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Esther Wolf and they have a daughter, Helen Bertha, and a son, Harry. Air. and Airs. Robinson hold membership in the Jewish church. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and fraternally he is connected with the Alodern Woodmen of America. He also belongs to the real estate exchange and cooperates in every movement that tends more fully to standardize the real estate business. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, and something of his intelligently directed activity is indicated in the fact that while he came to America empty handed he is today one of the substantial citizens of Omaha.

Francis Albert Brogan

Francis Albert Brogan, for more than a quarter of a century an active member of the Omaha bar and well versed in every branch of jurisprudence, was born in Dewitt, Iowa, December 6, i860. He is a grandson of Thomas Brogan, who served under Wellington at the battle of Waterloo and in the year 1838 came to the United States, passing away in Dewitt, Iowa, about 1850. Throughout his active business life he engaged in linen weaving. His son, Francis Brogan, who was born at Lifford, Ireland, in 1822, accompanied his parents to the new world when a youth of sixteen years and became a resident of West Chester, Pennsylvania, where he remained until his removal to Dewitt, Iowa, some time afterward. He followed the occupation of farming in support of his family. In early manhood he wedded Ann Cummins, who is now a resident of Omaha, but Mr. Brogan passed away in the year 1905.

Their son, Francis A. Brogan, spent the first fourteen years of his life in his native city, during which period he attended the public schools, and between the ages of fourteen and sixteen years he was a public school pupil in Hartford, Kansas. He afterward entered St. Benedict's College at Atchison, Kansas, and in 1880 matriculated in Georgetown University at Washington, D. C, where he was graduated with the class of 1883. He made preparation for the bar as a student in the Harvard Law School, where he completed his course by graduation

Air. Brogan then located for practice at Emporia, Kansas, and for three years was connected with the law department of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company. Since 1888 he has resided continuously in Omaha, devoting his attention throughout the greater part of that period to the private practice of law, yet his interest in questions of general moment has led to his active and helpful connection with various movements of public importance. In 1891 he was nominated on the democratic ticket for the position of regent of the State University but declined to become a candidate. Opposing the democratic party on its financial policy, he became chairman of the Business Men's Sound Money League in 1896 and took part in the national campaign of that year. In 1914 he was a candidate for chief justice of the state on a non-partisn ticket. He is ever well versed on the questions and issues of the day but the honors and emoluments of office have little allurement for him. From the beginning of his residence in Omaha he has enjoyed a large general practice, for which he is splendidly qualified, having comprehensive knowledge of the principles of law, while in the preparation of his cases he is most thorough and painstaking. In 19 10 he was appointed general attorney for the Missouri Pacific Railway Company in the state of Nebraska and occupied that position until 1912, when he resigned in order to concentrate his attention upon his general law practice and his clientage is today extensive and important. For many years he has been the Nebraska attorney for the Western Union Telegraph Company.

On the 17th of October, 1888, in Emporia, Kansas, Mr. Brogan was united in marriage to Miss Maude Haskell Perley and they have become parents of two sons : Albert Perley, who was born in 1889 and is now professor of philosophy in the State University of Texas at Austin; and Maurice Perley, born in 1896.

Mr. Brogan belongs to the Commercial Club and the Omaha Club and is a charter member of the Omaha Country Club and the University Club, and in all of these he has filled the position of director. He was president of the Omaha Bar Association in 1905 and president of the Nebraska Bar Association in 1909. He is also a member of the American Bar Association and served on its general council, representing Nebraska, in 1909. He is now a member of the Omaha school board for the years 1917 and 1918. Alert, his mind readily grasps the salient features not only of his law cases but of public cjuestions and it is well known that his influence will ever be found on the side of progress for the individual and for the community.

William Crites Ramsey

William Crites Ramsey, a member of the Omaha -bar since 1910, his connection therewith being marked by steady progre-ss; an : a,' 'calling wherein advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability, was born in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, June 30, 1884. His father, Basil Swearingen Ramsey, is a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, born July 4, 1844, and was a young man of twenty years when on the 4th of August, 1864, he arrived in Nebraska, settling on a farm in Cass county. While there residing he filled the office of county commissioner and for three terms was county judge of Cass county, while for one term he occupied the bench of the second judicial district of Nebraska, but after long and prominent connection with the law both as a practitioner before the courts and upon the bench he has now retired. On the 25th of December, 1882, in Columbus, Nebraska, he wedded Mary Elizabeth Crites, a native of Walworth county, Wisconsin, and both are still residents of Plattsmouth.

Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, William C. Ramsey mastered the branches of learning which constituted the curriculum of the Plattsmouth schools and then entered the University of Nebraska, where he s];;ent six years in the academic course and in the study of law, being graduated in 1907 with the degrees of A. B. and LL. B. In June of that year he was admitted to practice before the courts of the state and for three years followed his profession in Plattsmouth, after which he removed to Omaha in 1910, seeking the broader field of labor offered in the larger city. Here he has since remained and has attained a position which many an older representative of the profession might well envy. Aside from his law practice he is president of the Norfolk Investment Company of Omaha.

On the 2d of May, 191 1, in Beatrice, Nebraska, Mr. Ramsey was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Elizabeth Cook, a daughter of the late Daniel W. Cook, president of the Beatrice National Bank. They have two sons, William Crites, Jr., and Daniel Cook Ramsey. The parents are members of the Congregational church and Mr. Ramsey is a well known member of the University and Plappy PIollow Clubs. He also belongs to the Commercial Club and he is a Master Mason. His military record covers service as captain of Company F of the Second Nebraska National Guard in 1906 and 1907, while he was attending the

State University. In politics ho is a democrat and is the present deputy county attorney of Douglas county, lie is winning a creditable place in his profession by hard work and by evidencing his ability to fill the official position to which he has been appointed.

Charles Edward Fanning

In the held of street paving operations Charles Edward Fanning was a pioneer and instituted many of the methods which are still factors in that kind of work. Moreover, in the thirty-five years of his connection with Omaha he has kept in touch with the trend of modern progress in his field and all of the time has been in the vanguard of those who are seeking improved methods resulting in durability of work. Another point in his career which is never questioned by those who know aught of his history is that throughout his entire association with the business interests of Omaha he has been thoroughly reliable - a man who stands four-square to every wind that blows. He was born in Washington, D. C, September 27, 1853. His father, William H. Fanning, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1827, and in Alexandria, Virginia, he wedded Wilhelmina Warren. He became a merchant of the national capital and there maintained his residence for long period but passed away in 1864, having for three years survived his wife, who died in 1861. The Fanning family is of Irish lineage, tracing its ancestry back to Edmond Fanning, who came from the Emerald isle in 1654 and settled on Fishers Island.

In the schools of Washington, D. C, Charles E. Fanning began his education and afterward spent one year as a student in Georgetown College in the District of Columbia and three years in Calvert College at New Windsor, Maryland. He then returned to Washington and for three years read law in the office of William H. Browne but was not admitted to practice, for his attention was directed in other channels and since 1876 he has been continuously connected with the contracting business. It was in that year that he entered the employ of the Bartlett & Williams Contracting Company, with whom he remained until 1880, when he became associated with A. L. Barbour, who became the promoter of the well known Barbour Paving & Asphalt Company that has operated so extensively in various sections of the country. It was in the year 1882 that Mr. Fanning arrived in Omaha and throughout all the intervening period he has been closely and prominently associated with paving interests in this city. In that year the Barbour company secured the contract for laying the first strip of paving in Omaha on what is now known as Douglas street, and he has since continued active in this line, ranking throughout the entire period as the foremost street paving^contractor of this part of the country. He has executed extensive and important projects, many of which run up into many thousands of dollars. He employs from seventyfive to one hundred men and thus distributes in wages about one thousand dollars each week during paving operations. He has ever encouraged his men to become home owners and has been quick to recognize industry and fidelity on the part of employes and reward it to the extent of his ability. He also has another important business connection, being president and owner of the Omaha Auto Supply Company, now one of the important commercial enterprises of the city.

Mr. Fanning has been twice married. In 1874 he wedded Mary Gray, who passed away on the ist of March, 191 1, leaving two daughters: Ada A., who is the wife of Louis Borshine ; and Margaret, the wife of George Atkin. On the 15th of January, 1913, Mr. Fanning was again married, his second union being with Miss Margaret Flanagan. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church. Mr. Fanning also has membership with the Elks, the Woodmen of the World, the Carter Lake Club and other organizations, while of the

Charles E. Fanning

Athletic Club of Omaha he is a life member. His interest in the city's welfare is demonstrated by the fact that he is for everything that tends to the upbuilding and advancement of Omaha. In politics he is a democrat but had never held public office until appointed postmaster of his city in 1916. He has, however, for many years been recognized as a most potent leader in democratic circles in Omaha, standing firmly in support of the party and its principles, and, moreover, he enjoys the reputation of having at all times in his political and municipal activity "played the game square." His integrity has never been called into question and he believes in the free expression of opinion. He has been a keen student of municipal affairs and a most mterested observer and participant in every movement that tends to advance the interests of the city, working for higher standards of municipal life along those lines which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride.

Edward Francis Morearty

Edward Francis Morearty, a representative of the Omaha bar, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, August 11, i860. His father, Thomas Morearty, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1821 and came to the United States in 1846. He preempted one hundred and sixty acres of land fifteen miles from St. Paul, Minnesota, but had to give it up on account of the wolves, which were plentiful in that district. He afterward removed to Brattleboro, Vermont, and for three years was superintendent of railroad construction there. He next established his home in Athens, Ohio, and was engaged in the building of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at that point until 1858, when he took up work on the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroad, making . his headquarters at Knoxville, Tennessee. There he resided until 1871 and the following year passed away while visiting at his old home in County Kerry, Ireland.

The schools of Knoxville largely afforded Edward F. Morearty his educational privileges. He accompanied his parents on their removal to County Kerry when a youth of twelve years and in 1875 was graduated from the Christian Brothers College at Dingle, in County Kerry. In 1875 ^e and the other four children of the family accompanied their mother upon her return to the United States, the family home being established in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where he attended a preparatory school. Later a removal was made to Knoxville, Tennessee, and Edward F. Morearty occupied the position of paymaster with his uncle, John Long, who had a contract in connection with the construction of the Cincinnati Southern Railroad. In January, 1880, he came to Omaha and for four years thereafter was connected with the Union Pacific Railroad in various capacities. In 1884 he accepted the position of editor and manager of the Nebraska Watchman, a weekly paper, with which he was connected until 1886, when he sold his interest in that publication and turned his attention to the real estate business. While engaged in negotiating property transfers he devoted his leisure time to the study of law and in January, 1890, was admitted to the bar, since which time he has continuously engaged in practice, covering a period of twenty-seven years. He has proven capable of conducting important litigation and solving complex legal problems and it is characteristic of him that he carefully prepares his cases and presents his cause before the courts with clearness and force.

On the 13th of May, 1884, in Omaha, Mr. Morearty was united in marriage to Miss Susan J. Lynch, a native of this city and a daughter of the late James Lynch. Their children are May, George H., Irvin F., Viola, Edward F., Susan H., Charles B. and Milton R.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Morearty belongs to the Woodmen of the World, the Red Men and the Loyal

Order of Moose. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and upon its ticket he has been elected to several local offices. In January, 1888, he became clerk of the county court of Douglas county and so served until July, 1890. in 1889 he was elected a member of the city council and as councihnan at large gave earnest consideration to the settlement of important problems of municipal welfare. In his business career his progress has been continuous and each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities until today he occupies an enviable position in professional circles.

Hon. Richard Scott Horton

Hon. Richard Scott Horton, practicing at the bar of Omaha, is prominently connected with a profession that has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any community and throughout his entire connection with the bar he has held to high professional standards. Since 1894 he has made his home in Omaha but Ohio claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Glendale on the 2 1 St of February, 1866. The Horton family is of English lineage and the first American ancestor settled in New York. The paternal grandfather became a foundryman of Cincinnati, where he conducted business for many years. His son, Benjamin J. Horton, was born in that city in 1833 and pursued his collegiate course at Yale, where he was graduated with the class of 1854. He later studied in the Cambridge Law School, a department of Harvard University, after which he located for the practice of law in Lawrence, Kansas, where he successfully followed his profession to the time of his demise. When the Civil war was in progress he enlisted for service at the front, becoming a captain in the Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Stone River he was wounded, his injuries necessitating the amputation of a leg, so that he was unfit for further field service. For two years after the war he served as clerk of the common pleas court in Hamilton county, Ohio, and following his removal to Lawrence, Kansas, he occupied the position of probate judge for one term. His death occurred January 13, 1915, while his widow still remains a resident of Kansas. She bore the maiden name of Virginia Yateman and is a native of Virginia.

Richard S. Horton was a little lad of but four years when the family home was established in Lawrence, Kansas, where he attended the public schools until graduated from the high school. His more specifically literary course was pursued in the University of Kansas, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1887. He prepared for his profession in the Cincinnati Law School and won his LL. B. degree in 1889. He also supplemented his course there by reading law in the offices of Taft & Lloyd of Cincinnati, the senior partner being Judge Alphonso Taft, father of ex-President W. H. Taft. Returning to Lawrence, Kansas, Mr. Horton there entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in. 1890, remaining an active member of the bar there for four years. In 1894 he came to Omaha, where he has since engaged in general practice, his clientage being now of a large and distinctively representative character. He has figured in connection with some of the most important litigation tried in the courts of the district, working his way upward by ability and gaining his reputation and success by merit. He is a strong advocate with the jury and concise in his appeals before the court, and he seems to possess a natural discrimination as to legal ethics.

On the 20th of March, 1896, Mr. Horton was married in Kansas City, Missouri, to Miss Evelyn Harrison, a daughter of Henry Harrison, and their children are Evelyn and Jane. Mr. Horton belongs to the Elks lodge. _ His military record covers service as a member of the Usher Guards, a state militia company, at Lawrence, Kansas. His political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the democratic party and in 1910 he was elected a member of the Nebraska state senate, in which he served for one term. On the 8th of July, 1915, he was appointed public defender for Douglas county by Governor Morehead. He was elected for a four year term at the general election in November, 191 6, and is the present incumbent in that position. Nature endowed him with keen intellectuality, to which he has added the embellishments of broad culture. His popularity rests upon personal worth and geniality as well as upon his professional ability, and his numerous friends speak of him in terms of the highest regard.

William McAdam is actively identified with the commercial interests of Omaha as manager of the United States Rubber Company, Omaha Branch, into which connection he entered in October, 191 5, although he had long been previously associated with the rubber trade, so that broad experience well qualified him for his duties as manager. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1875, a son of James McAdam, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, born in 1834. James McAdam came to the United States in 1853 3-"^ settled at Detroit, Michigan, where for many years he was actively engaged in business. In that city he wedded Jean McCutcheon, a native of Kirkcudbright, Scotland, and both have now passed away, the father having died in Detroit in 1903, while the mother's death occurred in that city in 1914.

Spending his youthful days in his parents' home, William McAdam attended the public schools of Detroit and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1897. He has been continuously connected with the rubber trade since 1905, when he entered the employ of the Duck Brand Company at Chicago, dealers in rubber goods, remaining in that association for eight years or until 1913, when he came to Omaha as president of the Interstate Rubber Company. He continued at the head of that business until October, 19 15, when he withdrew to enter into his present connection with the Omaha Rubber Company, now the United States Rubber Company, Omaha Branch, of which he has been the president and is now manager. His long experience in connection with the manufacture and sale of rubber goods has enabled him to develop this business to large and profitable proportions.

On the 8th of September, 1907, in Chicago, Mr. McAdam was joined in wedlock - to Miss Mary EHzabeth Killeen, her father being the late John Killeen, who was a soldier of the Confederate army. In his political views Mr. McAdam is a republican and in club circles he is active, belonging to the Commercial Club, the Rotary Club, and the Happy Hollow Club and the Athletic Club of Omaha. Some one said of him, "His nature stands the test of long acquaintance." In a word, he has many substantial qualities and enjoys the friendship and high regard of those with whom he is associated.

Colonel B. Wood Jewell

Colonel B. Wood Jewell, sovereign adviser of the Woodmen of the World and well known in Omaha, was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1847, ^ son of the Rev. Henry and Celia (Barker) Jewell, who were married in Massachusetts. The father was a native of Maine, his birth having occurred in South Litchfield in 1812.

Colonel Jewell acquired his education in the schools of Lynn and Canton, Massachusetts, and in 1862, when a youth of fifteen years, enlisted at Lynn as a private of Company F, First Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war, remaining at the front until May. li^C)^. when he was mustered out at Boston, ^lassachusetts. He participated in all the battles in which his regiment engaged after he joined it and was slightly wounded at i^'redericksburg and again in the IJattle of the Wilderness. He likewise participated in the sanguinary conHict at Gettysburg and was with the troops that repelled Pickett's famous charge.

After retiring from the army Colonel Jewell went to Washington, D. C, and obtained a j^osition in the treasury department under Salmon P. Chase, secretary of the treasury, there remaining for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he removed to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he continued for two years, during which time he served as express messenger on the St. Louis, Alton & Terre Haute Railroad. He afterward removed to Manchester, Iowa, where he was employed in the postoffice for several years and also became connected with the Manchester Press, a weekly paper of which he acted as local editor. In 1883 he became deputy head consul for the Modern Woodmen of America under Head Consul J. C. Root and in June, 1890. came to Omaha with Mr. Root, assisting him in founding the great order of the Woodmen of the World, of which he was elected sovereign clerk. Owing to a railroad accident in November. 1890. Colonel Jewell was obliged to go to Florida to recuperate but in the spring of 1891 returned to Omaha and accepted the office of sovereign sentry and chairman of the sovereign finance committee of the W^oodmen of the World. About 1899 he was elected sovereign watchman of the order and so continued until February, 1914, when he was appointed by Sovereign Commander W. A. Fraser as sovereign adviser of the Woodmen of the World, an office next to the presidency. At the meeting of the sovereign camp at St. Paul, Minnesota, in July, 1915, he was unanimously elected to the same position for four years, and his record is notable owing to the fact that to every office in which he has served he has been unanimously elected.

On the 25th of December, 1872, in Manchester, Iowa, Colonel Jewell was united in marriage to Miss Ella Bemis, daughter of the late Dr. Lewis S. Bemis. Colonel and Mrs. Jewell attend the Christian Science church, and he belongs to the Happy Hollow Club, to the Commercial Club, to the Masonic fraternity, to the Knights of Pythias and to several fraternal beneficiary societies. He is both a Scottish and a York Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He also has membership in W^ A. ^Nlorse Post. No. 190, G. A. R., at Manchester, Iowa. His political allegiance is given to the progressive branch of the republican party. Something of the nature of his recreation is indicated in the fact that he belongs to the Omaha Automobile Club, of which he is the treasurer, and he is regarded as the dean of the baseball fans in Omaha, greatly enjoying the national game and seldom failing to attend the more important games held in this city. His connection with the Woodmen of the World has brought him wide acquaintance and wherever known he is spoken of in terms of warmest regard.

Charles L. Fritscher

Charles L. Fritscher, who for a long period was identified with the cigar manufacturing business in Omaha as a member of the firm of West & Fritscher, was bom in Germany in 1841 and in 1854 came to the new world. He learned the cigar making trade at Hamilton, Canada, and was employed at the trade until 1861, after which he embarked in business on his own account. For a few months he conducted a cigar factory at Brantford. Ontario, and later he worked at his trade there in the employ of others for two years. He afterward spent a similar period in New York and subsequently went to other states. The firm of West & Fritscher was formed for the purpose of conducting a cigar factory at Leavenworth, Kansas, and after a few months removal was made to Omaha, where they arrived in 1867. Here they opened a factory, the first of its kind in the state, and for a long period conducted one of the important productive industries of the city. The excellence of their product secured to them a liberal sale and their trade covered a broad territory. The most sanitary conditions were found in their factory and the work was in all departments carefully systematized so that methodical effort brought excellent results. About 190 1 ^Ir. Fritscher retired from the cigar manufacturing business to become a traveling salesman for the Liggett & Meyer Tobacco Company of St. Louis and remained in that connection until his death, which occurred February 29, 1912.

In 1869 Mr. Fritscher was married in Omaha to Miss Mary Schneider, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Jacob and Frances (Richter) Schneider, both of whom were natives of Germany. In 1856 her father removed from Columbus, Ohio, to Omaha, becoming one of the pioneer merchants of the city. He established a hardware and tinware business, being located for a time at Douglas and Fifteenth streets, and remained in active connection with the commercial interests of Omaha until his health failed and he went to the south, hoping to be benefited thereby. While in that section of the country he was killed by a train when but forty-seven years of age. He had served as a soldier of the Mexican war and was a progressive American citizen whose contribution to the early business development of Omaha was a valuable one. His wife was brought to the new world during her early girlhood and by her marriage she became the mother of eight children, of whom three are living: ]\Irs. Fritscher; William, engaged in the cigar manufacturing business in Omaha ; and Henry, who is connected with a street car company of Omaha. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Fritscher were born four children, namely: Louisa F., who is now Mrs. Gustave Kroeger, of Boise, Idaho; Charles L., Jr., an attorney practicing in Omaha; Henry W., who is a jeweler of South Omaha; and Robert E., who served in the Spanish-American war and was with the Thurston Rifles in Manila and who is a machinist by trade.

Mr. Fritscher held membership in the Turnverein. He was always a very active man, enterprising and progressive in business, and he made good use of his time, talents and opportunities. He was most loyal to home ties and devoted to his friends and he had a social, genial nature which won for him the kindly regard and warm affection of those with whom he was brought in contact. Wherever he was known his death was deeply regretted and there are many who yet cherish his memory.

Hugh A. Myers

For a quarter of a century Hugh A. Myers has practiced at the bar of Omaha and has gained a notable place among the able la%vyers of the city. He was born in Cooperstown, Venango County, Pennsylvania, began his education in the country schools of his native county, and later continued his studies in the high school at Titusville and in Sunville Academy, also in Pennsylvania, where he prepared for college. In 1883 he was graduated from Hillsdale College at Hillsdale, ^^lichigan, with the Bachelor of Science degree, and in 1886 his alma mater conferred upon him the Master of Science degree. Following the completion of his college course he went to Berlin Heights, Ohio, where for two years he occupied the position of superintendent of schools, and from 1886 until 1889 he was superintendent of schools at Harmer, Ohio. In the latter year he accepted the superintendency of the schools at Miamisburg, Ohio, and there remained for a year. In 1892 he was graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan with the LL. B. degree and the same year came to Omaha, where he opened an office and has since engaged in practice. The years

On the 25th of Decemher, 1889, at Jkrlin Heights. Ohio, Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Miss Mayhelle Ittner, daughter of the late Benjamin Ittner. To them have heen born two daughters, namely: Ella, who is now the wife of Frederick IJaumeister, of Council UlulTs, Iowa; and Laura M., now a student of the University of Michigan, class of 1917.

Mr. Myers' military experience covers service as a member of Company K, Sixteenth Regiment, of the National Guard of Pennsylvania. He is a Knight Templar and a member of Delta Tau Delta, a college fraternity, and his social qualities find expression in his membership in the University Club. He votes with the republican party and in 1899 was elected to represent his district in the state legislature, serving as temporary chairman at its organization. He is also tnistee of the University of Omaha. He formerly took quite an active interest in politics and still uses his influence for the upholding of those principles which he deems essential features in good government. He studies closely and thoroughly every question that bears upon the public welfare and is thus able to support his position by strong and intelligent argument. However, the major part of his time is given to his professional duties and his devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial.

James Lester Dowd

Through his auctioneering activities James Lester Dowd has taken a prominent part in developing Omaha as a metropolitan distributing center. Moreover, he has developed on his own behalf a business of large proportions, extensive in its scope and so specialized that every department is most ably handled. While a native of Kansas, he was born upon a farm just across the border line from Hubbell, Nebraska, in the year 1876, a son of Albert W. and Cordelia A. (Goodin) Dowd. The father was born in the state of New York in 1852 and was a young man of twenty years when he removed to the west, settling in Kansas, near Hubbell, where he met and married Miss Goodin. They are now residents of Hubbell, the father having retired from farming, to which he devoted many years of his active business career.

In his boyhood James L. Dowd attended the public schools of Hubbell and a private school at Hebron, Nebraska, and later took up the study of telegraphy, after which he was connected as agent and operator with the Rock Island Railroad Company for more than two years, the greater portion of that time at Aledford, Oklahoma. In 1900 he turned his attention to general merchandising at Hubbell, carrying on the business in connection with his father for three years. Later he went upon the road as traveling salesman for a firm of Kansas City, Missouri, which he thus represented for two years. He next embarked in general merchandising on his own account at Fort Pierre, South Dakota, but soon sold out there, realizing a good return on his investment. It was the profit which Tie made in that connection that caused him to enter upon the work of buying stocks of goods and afterward selling them, and from that point it was a logical step into the auctioneering business, in which he is now extensively and successfully engaged. He is now president and treasurer of the Dowd Sale & Auction Company of Omaha and president of the D. & W. Alanufacturing Company, manufacturing automobile and hardware accessories. The former company is engaged exclusively in autioneering, selling almost everything imaginable. It is an organization of selling specialists who go to all parts of the country and from the block sell everything to be handled in that way. Today there is a demand for his men throughout the length and breadth of the land. Recognizing the wade variety in his field of business, Mr. Dowd divided it into what might be called departments and trained men were called upon to handle each particular kind of work. The result is that when a merchant wants to close out a stock of merchandise, one of the twenty-two merchandise auctioneers, or more if required,' is sent to handle the contract. If real estate is to be sold, an expert in that branch of the business is placed in charge ; and if the sale is to dispose of a herd of cattle or other live stock, again there is one who is expert in handling sales of that character - a man who knows a tine animal and is competent to judge of the value of high grade stock. Thus it is that every branch of the business is specialized and most carefully trained men handle the work in every department. The demand for the services of the Dowd Sale & iVuctioneering Company has been constantly growing and the name is a synonym for the highest efficiency in that field. After serving as first vice president of the International Association of Auctioneers, Mr. Dowd was elected to the presidency in June, 191 6, and he was largely instrumental in bringing the convention of that year to Omaha.

On the 17th of May, 1909, in Schuyler, Nebraska, Mr. Dowd was united in marriage to Miss Stella A., daughter of Nelson W. Swanson. They have one child, Bonnie Bernice. Fraternally Mr. Dowd is a Master Mason and an Odd Fellow. He belongs to the Commercial Club, the Omaha Automobile Club and the Omaha Aviation Club, and he attends the Methodist Episcopal church. He is at all times alert. Flis mind moves rapidly not because it jumps at conclusions but because it is trained to meet emergencies and to quickly and accurately solve complex problems and find ready answers for involved questions.

Augustus Lockner

Augustus Lockner, now living retired from business in Omaha, was born in Baden, Germany, March 4, 1847, and was reared in Rochester, New York. There he spent the period of his early boyhood and youth and on the lOth of August, 1863, when but sixteen years of age, he enlisted from Rochester for service in the Civil war under Captain James S. Graham. At the time of his enlistment he was the youngest member of his command. He joined the array as a private but was promoted to the rank of corporal over many of his comrades who were much older. During the war he was captured by Mosby's Guerrillas and was taken in charge by a man whose name was Lewis Powell and who told him while they were on the way that the south would win even if it had to kill the head of the government. Imagine Mr. Lockner's surprise when he saw the papers telling of President Lincoln's assassination and upon seeing the picture of "Payne," who attempted the life of Secretary Seward, recognized him as his escort, Powell.

Mr. Lockner first came to Omaha in 1865 as a member of Company H of the Twenty-first New York Volunteer Cavalry, which was detailed to accompany General Dodge across the plains on the trip which he made for the purpose of locating the best route for the Union Pacific Railway across the Rocky mountains. With this command Mr. Lockner traveled all over the west and had no serious trouble with the Indians. Later the company was detailed for provost guard duty in Denver City at a time when horse thieves and gamblers infested that place.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the army he homesteaded in the Platte valley across from Columbus, Nebraska, at which time there were only fifteen settlers in Butler county. He still owns that property and there has never been a dollar's indebtedness against it. He may well be proud of the fact that he still has this farm, which is one of the best in the state and which has been in his possession for half a century. He has owned a number of other tracts of land which he has obtained with patents granted by the government and his judicious investments in real estate have added materially to his income. In those early days the railroad conij^any burned wood and Mr. Lockner cut wood for the comi^any on the islands and furnished it to the road at Columbus. On one occasion two men, Grant and Wilson, who were old neighbors, got into an argument in his wood yard at Columbus and Wilson shot and killed Grant, after which he was hung by the enraged citizens. At that time Nebraska was a wild western frontier state. The Sioux Indians manifested hostility toward the white race but the Pawnees were friendly although they were inveterate beggars. During that period the Lockners were one of four or five families who took turns m going to Columbus for mail. Mr. Lockner had a homemade boat constructed of rough lumber and on one occasion when it was his turn to go for the mail another man by the name of John Patchen wished to go with him. Their boat sprang a leak, tilled rapidly with water, and sank with them, but Mr. Lockner, who was an excellent swimmer, saved Mr. Patchen from drowning. Prairie fires occurred at times and would rage for days. On one occasion Mr. Lockner saw smoke off against the sky line and watching its progress he prepared for the tire by back plowing, but tumbling weeds afire carried the blaze across the plowed ground and set fire to his tract of land. His log cabin was saved by his wife pumping water which he threw on the flames. His cattle corral, his granary, his oats, his wheat, one thousand bushels of grain, sixty tons of hay, his wagons, harness and farm machinery were all destroyed, but he managed to save his dwelling and also thirty head of cattle, which he rescued by driving them into a field of corn which saved them. The next year, 1872, Mr. Lockner rented his place.

He afterward went to Columbus and embarked in the hardware and implement business, in which he there continued for nine or ten years and then disposed of his stock, removing to Omaha in 1882. Here he invested in property and has since dealt in real estate. He erected a flat building on North Sixteenth street, paying thirteen thousand dollars for a lot with a sixty foot frontage. The structure which he built is two stories in height, having stores on the first floor with flats above and is located at Nos. 1138 and 1140 North Sixteenth street. He also built two cottages, one on North Sixteenth street and one on North Seventeenth street, and he has much other property in Omaha, from which he derives a good rental. He also owns two farms which add materially to his mcome and at the present time he is living retired from active business, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil.

After getting his farm in shape so that it had become a paying property Mr. Lockner was married in March, 1870, to Miss Caroline Bacherl, of Bavaria, Germany. Her father, Franz Z. Bacherl, was a professor of languages and r^iusic, who, coming to this country, started for California, but when he reached the Union Pacific Railroad he stopped and opened a school in Columbus, Nebraska. It was thus that the family became residents of Nebraska and Mrs. Lockner formed the acquaintance of him who sought her hand in marriage. They became the parents of two children : Augustus J., who died at the age of twenty-one years; and Theresa J., the wife of R. N. Howes, of Omaha, by whom she has two children, Roland Lockner and Helen Theresa. Mrs. Lockner was always an able helpmate of her husband in pioneer times.