Omaha City (part 6 of 26)

Henri Hansford Claiborne

Henri Hansford Claiborne, attorney at law in Omaha, is a well known and popular citizen whose social, genial qualities win him the friendship of all with whom he comes in contact. Nebraska numbers him among her native sons, for he was born in Plattsmouth on the 29th of October, 1868, and is a representative of one of the old Virginia families of English lineage. The ancestral line is traced back to William Claiborne, secretary of the Colony of Virginia for many years, through Richard Claiborne, colonel in the Virginia line during the Revolutionary war. His son, the Rev. Richard Berkeley Claiborne, was born in Richmond, Virginia, and was educated at Cambridge, England, where he took orders in the Anglican church. He was afterward sent to Tasmania and opened the first church school there about 1822. His last days were spent in Glenwood, Iowa, where he departed this life in 1879, at the notable old age of ninety-six years. His son, Richard B. Claiborne, Jr., was born at Nantes, France, June 14, 1839. He devoted his entire active life to newspaper work. At Glenwood, Iowa, he married Elizabeth A. Regester and in 1867 they removed to Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Mr. Claiborne spent his last days in Kansas, where he passed away October 12, 1899, and his widow now makes her home in Omaha.

At the usual age Henri Hansford Claiborne entered the public schools and his youthful experiences were those that usually fall to the American lad of the middle west. He learned the printer's trade and followed newspaper work, studying law and being admitted to practice while engaged in that profession. He served as justice of the peace in Omaha from 1912 to 1917.

Mr. Claiborne was married in Conway, Missouri, to Miss Lena Newpont, a daughter of C. N. Newpont and a descendant of Commodore Christopher Newpont, who was in command of the English expedition to Virginia which brought over Captain John Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Claiborne have a son, Harry C. The parents are members of the Protestant Episcopal church, being communicants of Trinity Cathedral.

Henri H. Claiborne

Rite Mason and member of Tangier Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. Along more strictly recreational lines he is identified with the Edmund Park Golf Club and the Omaha Avocation Club. His interest in the city's welfare is manifest in his identification with the Commercial Club. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. It was said by one long familiar with his life record that he is liked by everybody, for his social nature and genial spirit constitute a force that at once attracts the attention and goodwill of those with whom he comes in contact.

Allen Cecil Scott

Allen Cecil Scott, president of the Scott-Omaha Tent & Awning Company and the Scott Manufacturing Company, manufacturing a line of specialties at Omaha, is identified through other connections with important business interests of this state and of Missouri. His plans are always well defined and his activities are purposeful and resultant. He was born in Omaha, August i6, 1882, a son of William Wilbur and Elizabeth (Johnston) Scott, the latter a native of Omaha, while the former was born in New Cumberland, Ohio, in 1856 and came to this city when about eighteen or nineteen years of age. He figured prominently in business circles as superintendent of the Omaha Merchants Express Company for twenty-two years and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1909, he was the custodian of the ^lasonic Temple of Omaha. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party. His widow survives and yet makes her home in this city.

On leaving the public schools of Omaha, in which he pursued his education, Allen Cecil Scott entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company at their freight office in Omaha, there remaining for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Seattle, Washington, where he was employed by a steamship company, and upon his return to Omaha he spent two years with the Western Weighing Association. In 1905 he became shipping clerk for the Omaha Tent & Awning Company, with which he remained for five years, rising to the position of manager in less than a year and so continuing until 1910, when he embarked in business on his own account under the name of the Scott Tent & Awning Company. In 1912 his interests were consolidated with those of the Omaha Tent & Awning Company and the name was changed to the Scott & Rawitzer Manufacturing Company, of which Mr. Scott became vice president, treasurer and general manager. In 191 5 he bought out the Rawitzer interests in the business and has since changed the name to the Scott-Omaha Tent & Awning Company, of which he remains the president. He has developed this business into one of the large manufacturing concerns of the city and is most successful and careful in its management. He is also president of the Scott Manufacturing Company of Omaha, which manufactures a line of specialties, and that his activities cover a still broader scope is indicated in the fact that he is the president of the St. Joseph Tent & Awning Company of St. Joseph, Missouri, and the president of the Lincoln Tent & Awning Company of Lincohi, Nebraska. His goods are today sold all over the world and the firm names under which he operates have become synonymous with high standards of efficiency, promptness and reliability.

On the 2d of August, 1905, in Fremont, Nebraska, Mr. Scott was united in marriage to Miss Myra Ethel Smith, a daughter of Theodore W. Smith, and they have one child, Jane Elizabeth. Mr. Scott votes with the democratic party and he is identified with several fraternal organizations, being now a Knights Templar Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine and also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He belongs to the Happy Hollow Club, the Rotary

Club and the Carter Lake and Athletic Club of Omaha and is also identified with the Commercial Club. His prominence in commercial circles is indicated in the fact that he has been treasurer of the Nebraska Alanufacturers Association since its organization in 191 1, and he is also chairman of the board of directors of the National Tent & Awning Company, having been elected in New York city in 1914 for a term of three years. Llis advancement and success enable him to speak with authority on trade matters and conditions. He has studied every phase of every question bearing upon the business and in the conduct of his interests has largely displayed the spirit of initiative.

Dr. Norman Call Prince, who since 191 1 has engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Omaha and has done notable work in the X-ray field, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, June 3, 1884, a son of George Thomas and Carrie Augusta (Mitchel) Prince. The father was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1853 and in 191 2 became a resident of Omaha, but the mother passed away in 1897.

Dr. Prmce largely acquired his early education in the schools of Omaha and afterward pursued a preparatory course in Tabor (la.) College. He then entered Bowdoin College in Maine, where he directed his studies with the intention of ultimately becoming a member of the medical profession. He next matriculated in the Denver and Gross College of Medicine at Denver, Colorado, from which he was graduated in 1907, and in 191 1 he opened an office in Omaha, where he has since given special attention to X-ray work. He belongs to the Omaha- Douglas County Medical Society, also to the Nebraska State Medical Association, and he remains a close student of his profession and its advanced and progressive ideas.

On the 19th of May, 1906, in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Prince was united in marriage to Miss Claire Louise Bosworth. Fraternally Dr. Prince is a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner, and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit upon which the craft is based. Plis political views accord with the principles of the republican party and he keeps well informed concerning the questions and issues of the day but has had no time nor inclination for office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his professional duties.

Hon. Arthur N. Ferguson

Hon. Arthur N. Ferguson, who Avas a member of the state senate, judge of the district court and a prominent and successful practicing attorney at Omaha up to the time of his death, departed this life on the 26th of October, 1906, and in his passing the community lost one of its honored and valued citizens. He was a native of Albany, New York, born October 4, 1842. His father, Fenner Ferguson, became one of the most distinguished citizens of Nebraska, leaving his impress in notable measure upon the history of the pioneer development of the state. He was born in Nassau, New York, in 1814 and married Miss Helena E. Upjohn. It was in 1840 that he was admitted to the bar in New York state and for six years thereafter he engaged in the practice of his profession in the east. In 1846 he removed from Albany to Albion, Michigan, where he devoted his attention to law practice until the 12th of October, 1854, when he was appointed by President Pierce to the position of chief justice of the supreme court of the territory of Nebraska. He at once removed with his family to Bellevue, this state, and there resided up to the time of his demise, which occurred on the 1 6th of November, 1859. It was he who instituted and estabhshed the first courts of the state and the state's initial code of laws and not only did he serve as chief justice of the territory but was also territorial representative of Nebraska in congress.

Arthur N. Ferguson was one of a family of four sons, the others being Alfred G., Stephen W. and Charles F., all of whom have passed away. Brought by his parents to Nebraska in 1854, he remained at Bellevue until 1857, when he was enrolled as a pupil in a private school at Alexandria. Virginia, conducted by Benjamin Hallowell. Two years later he went to Kinderhook, New York, where he entered an academy, and subsequently he became a law student in the University of Iowa, from which he was graduated with the LL. B. degree in 1870. The same year he returned to Bellevue, where he opened a law office and there remained in active practice until 1872, when he sought the broader opportunities offered in Omaha and took up his abode in that city. Not long after his arrival he was made special probate judge of Douglas county and in November, 1876, he was elected state senator from the sixth senatorial district and thus served for two terms. On the expiration of that period he was elected district attorney of the fourth judicial district, comprising Douglas, Sarpy, Washington and Burt counties, and continued on the bench for two years. Later he spent two years as a member of the board of education of Omaha and in 1891, when the new law went into effect increasing the number of judges in the fourth district to seven Mr. Ferguson was appointed by Governor Boyd to serve upon the bench. This appointment was made at the request of the Douglas county bar and he served under appointment from the 30th of March until the 31st of December, 1891. In the meantime at the fall election he was chosen by popular suft'rage one of the judges of the district court and served with fairness and impartiality in that position for four years, after which he put aside the judicial ermine and resumed the private practice of law, in which connection he was accorded a most important clientage.

In 1879 Judge Ferguson was united in marriage to Miss Delia L. Sears, a native of New York and a sister of Mrs. A. J. Poppleton, of Omaha. It was in 1854 that Mrs. Ferguson accompanied her father, Leonard Sears, to Council Bluffs. He became the proprietor of the Robinson House and also of the old Pacific House, and when he retired from the hotel business took up the occupation of farming. Mrs. Ferguson came to Omaha in 1866 to attend Brownell Hall and has lived in this city continuously since 1872. By her marriage she became the mother of two children : Alice Sears, now the wife of Clift'ord N. Forbes, of Omaha ; and Elizabeth Foote, at home.

Judge Ferguson was a stalwart democrat in his political views and did everything in his power to promote the growth and ensure the success of his party. He held membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, also with the Masonic fraternity and was a member of the Ak-Sar-Ben. At all times he was a public-spirited citizen, interested in the welfare and progress of the community in which he lived. A man of liberal culture, broad minded, well descended and well bred, association with him meant expansion and elevation. His talents were wisely used to conserv^e the legal interests of the individual and of the state and as judge and legislator he made an excellent record.

Dr. Alexander B. Malcolm was well known in Omaha although he resided in Council Bluff's, and he practiced all over this section of the country, became one of its pioneer physicians and remained one of the most capable and trusted representatives of the profession to the time of his death, which occurred in 1882. He was a native of Maine and came of Scotch ancestry and he resided in the Pine Tree state until after his marriage. Jt was in 1854 that he removed from liangor, Maine to the west, aceompanied hy his friend, Mr. Carpenter. They drove the entire distanee and Dr. Malcohn cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Council lUuffs. He liad previously practiced for about twenty-five years in Boston and after coming to the west he entered into partnership relations with Dr. Peck, practicing at Council Bluffs and at Florence. He made his home in the latter place for a brief period and then took up his abode in Council BlufTfs, after which he practiced all over this section. He was a physician of marked ability, keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought, investigation and research. He rode all over the district on horseback or in a gig and winter's storms were never so severe nor summer's heat so intense as to keep him at home if there was a call to professional duty. In the early days he had an office on Harney street and at times amusing incidents occurred in connection with his practice. On one occasion he gave an Indian some chloroform in order to perform a minor operation on his foot. The next morning a squaw came to see him and said: ''Mr. God, give Indian 'sleep' medicine heap lots, then Indian get all Pawnees' horses, make them go to sleep, wake up next day, horses gone." Dr. Malcolm was exceedingly kind to the poor and never failed to render professional aid to the needy when he knew that no remuneration might be expected. In all his professional work he was extremely conscientious and for many years he remained the loved family physician in many households in Omaha, Council Bluffs and other districts. He held membership in the Unitarian church and in his life exemplified his Christian faith. Fraternally he was a Mason and was loyal to the teachings of the craft. He passed away in 1882, when between sixty-five and seventy years of age, and thus ended a life of great usefulness that had endeared him in large measure to all with whom he had come in contact, his memory being yet cherished and revered by those who knew him.

William H. Lafferty

Among the pioneer settlers of Council Blufls was William H. Lafferty, who arrived there in 1853, removing from Glasgow, Alissouri. His father, James Lafferty, had visited this district at a very early day and engaged in the tailoring business. He lived and died in Council BlulTs. with the pioneer development of which he w^as closely associated. His son, William H. Lafferty, was there reared and after attaining his majority he engaged in the dry goods business in connection with his brother John, opening a store in Council Bluffs. He had had previous experience along that line as a clerk in the store of his brother-inlaw, W. H. Robinson, but afterward embarked in business on his own account, and the firm of Laft'erty Brothers existed for a number of years. Later William Lafferty retired from the dry goods business and entered the book and stationery trade in Council Bluffs in connection with his brother-in-law, James F. Hopper, who was a printer by trade. Mr. Lafferty was thus closely associated with commercial interests in this section of the country for an extended period and his efforts contributed to the material development and commercial progress of his

In 1868, in Council Bluffs, Mr. Lafferty was united in marriage to Miss Kittie Malcolm, who became a resident of that city in 1853. She lost her m.other when very young and was reared by Dr. Malcolm, one of the honored physicians of Council Bluffs. To Mr. and Mrs. Lafferty were born three sons: Malcolm B., who is now engaged in the automobile business in Seattle, Washington; Edward, who is connected with the gas company in Omaha ; and Fred L., who is employed by the street car company of Omaha.

The husband and father passed away June 19, 1909, and his death was a matter of deep regret not only to his immediate family but to many friends.

Fraternally he was connected with the Knights of Pythias. His early political allegiance was given to the democratic party but later he became a stalwart advocate of republican principles. He was public spirited in an eminent degree and cooperated in many plans and measures which he believed would prove beneficial to his community. His life was an active and useful one and he had many attractive social qualities which rendered him popular among those who knew him.

G. L. Emil Klingbeil

The German-American Life Insurance Company of Omaha is fortunate in having at its head a man possessed of the sterling business and personal qualifications displayed by G. L. Emil Klingbeil - qualifications which speak in no unmeasured terms of the permanent success of the company. A native of Norenberg, Germany, he was born on the 23d of September, 1863, but in the spring of 1864 was brought to the United States by his parents, Carl Wilhelm and Dorothea Sophia (Schultz) Klingbeil. His paternal grandparents, Daniel Gottlieb and Christine (Wegener) Klingbeil, never left their native land. The father's birth occurred in Gottberg, Germany, on the 23d of November, 1814, and he was therefore in his fiftieth year when in May, 1864, he brought his family to the new world, taking up his abode upon a farm in Dodge county, Wisconsin. Five years later he arrived in Omaha and homesteaded eighty acres in Dodge county, Nebraska, upon which he lived until the spring of 1882, when he retired from active business life and removed to Hooper, Dodge county, where his remaining days were passed. His death occurred in 1904, while his wife passed away in December, 1900.

With the removal to Nebraska the family home was established in Omaha in order that the children might enjoy the advantages of the city schools, although the father lived upon the homestead six miles north of Hooper. G. L. E. Klingbeii was a youth of fourteen years when the entire family removed to the homestead in Dodge county and there he remained until twenty years of age, when he left the farm and became a resident of Hooper, where he engaged in merchandising in connection with his father. They built up a profitable business there and established a branch store in Alliance, Nebraska, of which G. L. E. Klingbeil took charge, conducting the business successfully for about eighteen months, or until it was destroyed by fire. He bought another stock of goods for his Alliance store, but the widespread financial panic of 1893 involved the establishment in disaster. He then removed to the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he remained for two years engaged in mining. He afterward became a traveling sales agent for a wholesale grocery house of Chicago, which he represented upon the road for a year and a half. He removed to Plattsville, Wisconsin, where he turned his attention to the insurance business, in which he engaged at that point until the spring of 1899. He then returned to Nebraska and opened an insurance business at Norfolk, but after a brief time he returned to Hooper and thence came to Omaha.

During the years in which Mr. Klingbeil lived in Norfolk his entire time and attention were taken up by the study and mastery of the insurance business and he thoroughly equipped himself for the business in which he afterward engaged. It had been his dream for many years to establish a life insurance company and to that purpose he bent all his energies and upon it concentrated all his thought. In October, 1905, he began the organization of the German- American Life Insurance Company and completed the organization in April, 1906, calling to his assistance a number of his acquaintances - well known and reliable business men - Dr. George Haslam, of Fremont, Nebraska, Dr. H. T. Holden, of Norfolk, W. W. Young, attorney at law of Stanton, Nebraska, and D. D. Hall. In association with these gentlemen he founded the German- American Life Insurance Company, which has grown steadily from its inception and is now considered one of the substantial institutions of the state and which is destined to become a large factor in the insurance world. Mr. Klingbeil is now and has during the years since its foundation been its president. The business has been established along safe, conservative yet progressive lines. It has adopted as its motto: "Strong as the strongest" and holds steadily to this policy. The business is backed by approved securities deposited with the state of Nebraska. Its officers in addition to Mr. Klingbeil are: Dr. George J. Haslam, vice president and medical director; W. VV. Young, treasurer and general attorney; D. D. Hall, secretary; and Otto Pohl, director. Its real estate first mortgages amount to three hundred and thirty-four thousand, two hundred dollars and its resources in all to five hundred and fifty-six thousand dollars. Its insurance in force at the close of the year 1913 amounted to six million, five hundred and sixty-one thousand, five hundred and one dollars ; in 1914 to seven million, seven hundred and fifty-seven thousand, nine hundred and five dollars ; and at the close of 191 5 to nine million, one hundred and ninety thousand, seven hundred and two dollars. The company certainly has a record of substantial progress.

Mr. Klingbeil married Miss Marguerite Thomsen, whose father was a native of Germany, where he spent his entire life. The children of this marriage are: Marguerite Therese, now the wife of William Bruce Young, of Omaha; Ruby Beatrice; and Pearl Evangeline.

The family attend the Lutheran church and Mr. Klingbeil is a Master Mason. He also belongs to the Omaha Field Club, the Omaha Ad Club and the Commercial Club and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is a cleancut business man, devoted to his business interests and to the welfare of his family. He has always been temperate in his habits, honest and reliable in his business transactions. Among insurance men he is considered one of the best posted and best equipped in the state. He possesses ambition and tireless energy and above all is honorable in his dealings and displays a loyalty to his friends that challenges the admiration of all who know him.

Anton Hospe

Anton Hospe is the president of the A. Hospe Company, a great piano house whose business connections are binding many sections of the country in an interlacing network to Omaha. His life record is a notable example of whatmay be accomplished through determination, energy and intelligently directed effort, for became to Omaha in 1874, with a capital of but sixty-five dollars, and today is at the head of one of the important commercial enterprises of the city and, moreover, is today the oldest retail merchant who has personally conducted business in Omaha. His standing in public regard is an enviable one, for the policy which he has pursued has won for him the respect and goodwill of all. This is not alone due to his success in business but also to the active and helpful part which he plays in promoting the civic interests of the city. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, he was born September 3, 1854, a son of Anton and Marie Laura (Gebauer) Hospe, both of whom were natives of Prussia. The father was born in 1827 and in 1848 came to the United States, then a young man of twenty-one years. He settled in Cincinnati and in 1850 he returned to his native land for his bride. He then again made his way to the new world and throughout the remaining period to his death in 1897 was a resident of Cincinnati. His widow still survives and now resides in Napoleon, Ohio, at the age of about ninety years. _ The grandfather, Anton J. Hospe, also became a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, and there passed away in 1870, at the age of eighty-two years.

Anton Hospe attended the public schools of his native city to the age of twelve years and then entered his father's shop to learn the trade of gilding picture frames. Since that period he has been continuously dependent upon his own resources and has indeed won the proud American title of self-made man. He drifted around for a few years and then came to Omaha in 1874, at which time he was the possessor of but sixty-five dollars. Here he began the business of gilding picture frames and later he extended the scope of his activities by adding a stock of organs. A little later he began dealing in pianos and has since carried musical instruments and at the same time has continued the picture frame business, being today the oldest merchant in Omaha who has personally conducted his commercial interests. He has developed a wonderful mail order business, following a most progressive policy and in all his methods displaying in marked degree the spirit of initiative.

On February 12, 1878, Air. Hospe was married to Miss Jane R. Neligh, of Omaha. In 191 1, in Council Bluffs, he married Mrs. Nora Adeline Pangle, who was the widow of Dr. George W. Pangle, and had a son and two daughters, now with Mr. Hospe, she having died in 191 1. His life has ever been actuated by high and honorable motives that have made his career one in consistent harmony with his professions as a member of the Presbyterian church. He is also a Master Mason and a member of the Ak-Sar-Ben. He also belongs to the Commercial Club and to the Athletic Club of Omaha. He has ever been deeply interested in movements looking to the welfare and advancement of the city along commercial and civic lines and in such has taken an active part. In fact his labors have been most effective in extending the commercial connections of Omaha and at the same time he has loyally supported those plans which look toward the adoption of higher civic ideals and which have been most resultant in bringing about the wholesome and purifying reforms which have been gradually growing up in the municipal life. Omaha indeed finds in him a loyal supporter whose high ideals have taken form in practical effort for their adoption.

John Power

The surname of the subject of this review also constituted an apt characterization of his career, for he was ever a man of wide influence in Omaha and he ever used this influence for the benefit of others. His standards and ideals of life were most high and the strength of his character was that of fearless Christian manhood. Omaha has reason to cherish his memory because of the important part which he took in upholding her interests during several crises in her history.

Mr. Power was born in Waterford, Ireland, May 6, 1849, ^"^^1 his life covered the intervening years to the 7th of January, 1916, when he passed away in Omaha. During his infancy he was left in the care of his grandmother while his parents came to America to establish a home, but soon after settling in Pennsylvania both passed to the home beyond. John Power remained a resident of the Emerald isle until thirteen years of age, when he, too, crossed the Atlantic and made his way to Pennsylvania. From that time forward he was dependent entirely upon his own resources. For a time he worked in the coal mines of that state but afterward took up the coopering trade, which he had learned in his early boyhood in Ireland. He was employed in Philadelphia at the time when the trouble arose between the Coopers Union and the cooperage manufacturers of that city. Reduced wages had led to dissatisfaction followed by demands for relief and when this demand met with refusal a strike resulted. Mr. Power at this point wielded much influence among his fellow laborers, for he was an ardent advocate of the union cause and the rights of the men.

When the strike was finally settled after a bitter struggle Mr. Power because of the active part which he had taken therein was blacklisted and could obtain no employment in i'hiladelphia. ile then started westward and after a brief period spent in Kansas City, Kansas, came to Omaha in 1870.

For several years thereafter Mr. Power was employed in the cooperage department of the Willow Springs Distillery, but ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he opened a small shop in 1878 at Seventh and Leavenworth streets, there remaining until his plant was destroyed by fire, at which time he was serving as sheriiif of Douglas county. In this connection a contemporary biographer has said of him: "At that time other cooperage factories had been established in Omaha and South Omaha, with modern machinery and improved methods, so that but a small part of the output of these factories was made by hand, and there was no reason why Mr. Power should then rebuild his factory or seek to continue the business ; but in his employ there were two old and faithful union coppers, who had been with him for years, who were unable because of their age, to stand the strain of the strenuous work in the modern up-to-date factory operated by machinery, and John Power then constructed a small shop in which these two faithful old employes continued to make cooperage by hand until the date of their death. I have reason to believe they worked under conditions that resulted in an actual loss to John Power, but in a way that kept them from becoming a public charge."

It was in 1878, in Omaha, that Mr. Power made Miss Mary Quinlan his wife and from that time forward his interest centered in his home, his greatest happiness being found in the companionship of his wife and four children, a son and three daughters : Nicholas J. ; Lora ; Bessie, who is Mrs. F. C. Thomas, of Sioux City; and Alice. The mother passed away in 1888. Mr. Power was married to Mary O'Malley, of Dubuque, Iowa, who died in September, 191 5. He was ever most solicitous concerning the social and moral welfare of his family and they were in turn most devoted to him. To them he left the priceless heritage of a good name as well as the substantial reward of his success in business. It was well known that his integrity in business affairs was above question. He never built his success upon another's failure but always followed constructive methods and there are many who bear testimony to his irreproachable integrity as well as his enterprise through all the long years of his connection with the industrial interests of Omaha.

For many years Mr. Power was recognized as one of the leaders of the democratic party in his city, his work for the party being the result of the firmest belief in the efficacy of its principles as factors in good government. His political methods were such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, for the honesty that characterized his business life was manifest as well in this connection. It is said that his influence was largely the cause of the splendid democratic majority given in the first and second wards. At length in 1899 some of his close friends and club associates induced him to became a candidate for the office of sheriff and after a most bitter primary fight he received the nomination and at the election won by a majority of about fifteen hundred. He discharged his duties with such signal fidelity and capability that he was reelected in 1901 and again in 1903 and no incumbent in the sheriff's office has made a more splendid record, his fidelity to his duties as the conservator of right and order being ever paramount with him. A story is told of the attitude which he assumed at the time of the great strike in the packing houses of South Omaha. This strike was declared July 12, 1904, and as the lockouts continued the bitterness and hostility grew. Strike breakers were imported into South Omaha and the union men became more and more indignant and bitter. Such was their attitude that the packers begged the sheriff to call for the state militia to aid in maintaining order. The strike breakers, too, approached him with the plea that he keep his deputy sheriff's out of South Omaha. To the former he replied that as long as he was sheriff of Douglas county he felt that he could handle the situation and that he would never ask for the state militia or federal troops to aid in maintaining order. Toward the strike breakers he displayed an equally firm attitude, telling them that the law must be respected and that life and property would be protected if he had to swear in a thousand deputy sheriffs. He was hmiself a strong union labor man and his sympathies were all with the strikers, many of whom had been his stanch supporters when he was a candidate for office, but notwithstanding all this he upheld the dignity of the law and preserved order and protected life and property in South Omaha as few men could have done under similar circumstances. He urged the strikers to refrain from acts of violence and counseled patience and conformity to the law. At all times he displayed the utmost fearlessness to personal danger, never carrying arms although going in and out among the strikers and the strike breakers. On one occasion when he was told that the dummy train which v/as used in conveying the strike breakers from the Union depot to the packing houses would be dynamited on the morrow and pressure was brought to bear upon him to secure the aid of the state militia, he went himself to the depot and took his place on the front platform of the front coach of that train, prepared to meet any emergency that might arise. At the outbreak of the strike, knowing the conditions that would prevail and realizing fully that his sworn duty as sheriff of Douglas county was to protect the lives and property of everyone within its borders, he immediately appointed a large number of deputy sheriffs and assured them that they would receive two dollars and a half per day for their ser\'ices. This sum was certainly not excessive when one considers the danger to which they were subjected, but when the county board met it authorized the payment of only two dollars per day. Mr. Power, however, had given his promise for two dollars and a half per day and out of his own pocket he paid the additional sum, amounting to five thousand three hundred and forty-two dollars, for which he was never reimbursed.

In religious faith a Catholic, Mr. Power was a stanch churchman and for many years served as a trustee of St. Patrick's parish. He aided very largely in the erection of the church edifice and was always a generous contributor to the cause, but it was his life and not his works that gave evidence of his Christian belief. One who knew him well said of him: 'T have been with him where liquors flowed freely, but personally I never saw him touch a drop. I never heard him utter an oath ; I never heard him tell a story that might not be repeated at my family circle. He was charitable to a fault and many a person has been the recipient of his quiet, unostentatious bounty who was neither of his race, faith or creed. There was nothing of the bigot about John Power. He was tenacious in his beliefs, but equally tolerant of others. A simple instance may suffice. At the time when the anti-CathoHc organization known as the A. P. A. was the strongest in this country Mr. Power had in his employ as a driver of his wagons an ardent and enthusiastic A. P. A. A committee of Catholics waited upon Mr. Power and insisted that he discharge his employe from his service. Mr. Power listened to the demands of the committee and then advised them that this employe had been in his (Mr. Power's) service for years ; that he performed his service faithfully and well ; and that he had a family dependent upon him for support; and that his (the employe's) opinions of the Catholic church and his own religious beliefs were matters to be settled with his own conscience; and that the man would not be discharged. I may further add that this man continued in Mr. Power's employ until the time of his death (the employe's death) and was then buried in the Protestant cemetery at the expense of John Power. A splendid example of Christian charity but indicative of the life of the man." Mr. Power was ill for only two weeks ere death called hini, bringing with it a sense of personal bereavement into many of the homes of Douglas county. He was a man of kindly disposition, of social nature and of genial character - a man who shed around him much of the sunshine of Hfe, a man who stood for all that is most honorable in man's relations to his fellowmen and who ever zealously defended the right and truth.

John Nicholas Frenzer, engaged in the real estate, loan and fire insurance business in Omaha for twenty-eight years, was bom in this city August 17, 1863, a son of Feter Frenzer, who passed away July 15, 191 2, and is mentioned elsewhere in this work. After attending the parochial school and the Rathburn Business College, John N. Frenzer made his initial step in commercial circles as a clerk and was employed in various Omaha stores until September, 1886, He then started out in the field in which he has since been active, entering the employ of the McCague Real Estate Company, with which he remained for two years. On the ist of September, 1889, he entered the real estate, loan and fire insurance business on his own account and has so continued to the present time, winning a large clientage in these different departments. He has negotiated many important real estate transfers and has ever kept in close touch with the real estate market, being regarded as a most accurate valuator of property.

On the 4th of April, 1894, in Omaha, ]\Ir. Frenzer was united in marriage to Miss jMattie Margaret Rieck. daughter of the late Henry F. Rieck. Their children are three in number, namely: Arthur J., Clarence J. and Esther M.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Frenzer belongs to the Knights of Columbus and to the Woodmen of the World. He is also identified with the Carter Lake Club and he belongs to the Commercial Club and the Ak-Sar-Ben, two organizations which have for their object the upbuilding of the city, the exploitation of its resources and the promotion of its civic standards. He has always voted with the democratic party, but the honors and emoluments of office have never had attraction for him, as he has preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs.

Dr. Burton Whitford Christie, whom university training and post graduate v.'ork well qualify for the onerous and responsible duties that devolve upon the physician and surgeon, has been numbered among the Omaha practitioners since 1902. He had from his boyhood days been a resident of this city, although he was born in Creston, Iowa, August 22, 1877. His father, Dr. William Henr}' Christie, was a native of Bergen county. New Jersey, but removed to the middle west in early life and was graduated from Rush Medical College of Chicago in the '60s. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the countrj^'s call for troops and enlisted in the Seventy-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded four times at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, and lay all night on the field with his wounds unattended. He thereby developed erysipelas, from which he never recovered and which ultimately occasioned his death. In early manhood he w^edded Sarah Maria Whitford, a native of Illinois, and after living for a time at Creston, Iowa, they removed in 1886 to Omaha, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest, the death of the father occurring in 1909, W'hile the mother died in 1905. He was a most active supporter of the republican party and in 1884 was a delegate to the republican national convention which nominated James G. Blaine for the presidency. For two terms he served as president of the Omaha board of education and his loyal support of progressive public measures marked him as a leading citizen of Omaha.

Dr. Burton W. Christie

Dr. Burton W. Christie was a youth of nine years when the family home was established in Omaha, where he continued his public school course until graduated from the high school with the class of 1895. He then entered the University of Nebraska and won the Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1899. He continued as a medical student in the State University and following his graduation therefrom in 1902 entered upon practice in C)maha, becoming a worthy successor to his father. In 1902 and 1903 he took post graduate work in Rochester, jNIinnesota, and he also pursued a special graduate course on diseases of children at Harvard in 191 5. He has made close study of that field of professional service and has displayed marked ability in treating children's diseases.

On the 23d of June, 1902, in Omaha, Dr. Christie was married to Miss Florence Lois Gridley and they have four children : Harlan Page, Barbara Whitford, Florence De \^alon and Billie Burton. The family attend the Episcopal church. Dr. Christie's military record covers service with the Second Regiment of Nebraska \"olunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American war. He went with his command to Chickamauga Park in 1898 and held the rank of corporal, but like many others, his regiment was disappointed in not being called upon for active field service. In politics the Doctor is an earnest republican and fraternally is a Master Mason. In club circles he is well known, having membership in the Commercial Club, the Rotary Club, the University Club and the Field Club. Along strictly professional lines his association is with the Omaha-Douglas County Medical Society, of which he was president in 191 3, the Nebraska State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is most conscientious in the performance of his professional duties, never regarding lightly the responsibility that rests upon him, and his care and faithfulness have brought excellent results when judged from both the financial and the professional standpoints.

William Godfrey Cleveland

The life record of William Godfrey Cleveland is of unusual interest, for his experiences have given him first hand knowledge of conditions in the orient and in the Occident, in the old countries of Europe and in the undeveloped, lawless west of America that has now all but passed. Since 1904 he has resided in Omaha, with whose business interests he .is prominently identified as president of the W. G. Cleveland Company, dealers in surgical instruments and physicians' supplies. He was born in IJrighton, England, in 1864, but in his infancy was taken by his parents to India, where his father, Henry Cleveland, filled with honor the important position of attorney general for England in Bombay. The maternal grandfather of our subject. General Sir Charles Malcolm Barrow, K. C. B., won distinction in the British army and was for years stationed in India with headquarters in Bombay. It was in that country that his daughter, Effie Madeline, was married in i860 to Henry Cleveland, who was born in Yarmouth in 1828.

William G. Cleveland remained with his parents at Bombay. India, until he was six years of age, when he was sent to Europe for his education, attending school in Germany for seven years and later studying for a year each in Lucerne, Switzerland, and Brussels, Belgium. He then entered the University of London with the expectation of taking a medical course, but hearing of the Riel rebellion in Canada, he was led by his adventurous spirit to go to that country and at once, in July, 1884. enlisted hi the Northwest Mounted Police, a picked body of men famous the world over for their stamina, courage and resourcefulness. He remained in that service for about five years and rose from private to sergeant. Upon leaving the mounted police he went into the drug business at Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, where he remained until 1892, when he sold out and for the following six years he traveled throughout the

Dominion and the States. In 1898 he located in lUitte, Montana, where he was a nK'nil)er of a drug tirni for about two years. l)Ut in 1901 he went to Detroit, ^Nlicliigan. and became connected with i'arke, Davis & Company, manufacturing chemists, representing them on the road. Three years later he was sent by the company to Omaha as their general representative for Nebraska, Iowa, \Vyoming, South Dakota and Missouri and acted in that capacity until the 1st of June, lyio, when he bought out the H. J. Penfold Company, dealers in surgical instruments and physicians' supplies, and incorporated the business as the W. G. Cleveland Drug Company, later changed to the W. G. Cleveland Company, under which style the business is now conducted, with Mr. Cleveland as president. In the management of his extensive business affairs he displays the initiative, the daring spirit, combined with good judgment and a knowledge of men, that have characterized him in all other relations of life. It is but natural that he should have met with success and that he should be ranked among the leading men in commercial circles in Omaha.

Mr. Cleveland was married in Sioux City, Iowa, March 6, 1901, to Miss Margaret L. Bacon, a daughter of Edward F. Bacon, a resident of Frankfort, Kentucky, who. however, served as a Union soldier during the Civil war as he was convinced of the justice of the northern cause.

Mr. Cleveland is a republican in politics and in religious faith is an Episcopalian. He holds membership in the University Club and in the Carter Lake Club, Avhich latter connection iiidicates his favorite recreation, fly fishing. Through his connection with the Commercial Club he cooperates with other enterprising and public-spirited business men in many plans and projects calculated to promote the general advancement of Omaha. His broad-mindedness, his force and decision of character and his capacity for deep friendship have bound to him by strong ties of respect and regard those with whom he has been closely associated. In the course of his life he has known and worked with men of e\ery class and condition and there are few who have a better understanding of human nature.

Ben B. Wood

Ben B. Wood was a pioneer banker of Omaha, in which city he arrived in 1867. From that date until his death he was continuously and prominently connected with financial interests here and his ability constituted an important element in placing the banking interests of Omaha upon a most substantial foundation. He was born in Cayuta, Schuyler county, New York, May 15, 1843, ^"^ after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools of his home town he continued his education in Union College of 5sew York. His business training was received in the banking house of Charles Cook, of Havana, New York, and in 1867, when a young man of twenty-four years, he arrived in Omaha to enter the bank of J. A. Ware & Company, then located at Thirteenth and Farnam streets. He held the position of teller until 1870, when the institution was converted into the State Bank of Nebraska with Alvin Saunders as president and Ben B. Wood as cashier. From the beginning of his residence in Omaha Mr. Wood was continuously and prominently connected with the development of its banking interests. On the 1st of October, 1882, he was associated with Frank Murphy, S. E. Rogers and John F. Coad in organizing and establishing the Merchants National Bank, of which Mr. Murphy became the president, Mr. Rogers vice president and ]\Ir. Wood cashier. He continued active in the management of the business and on the nth of January, 1898. he was elected vice president of the bank, in which capacity he continued to serve until his death. He was also a member of the Omaha Gas Manufacturing Company and in business circles his worth was widely recognized and attested. He was spoken of as a man of few words but a very careful, conservative and thoroughgoing business man whose transactions were ahvays wisely directed. He gave the most careful thought to the settlement of involved and complex problems of banking and at all times was eminently just and most loyal to any trust reposed in him.

On the 7th of June, 1882, Mr. Wood wedded Miss Daisy B. Barkalow, a daughter of Benjamin B. Barkalow. an Omaha pioneer. To them were born four children : Le Roy, now living in Salt Lake City, Utah ; Ben Brown and Robert Livingstone, of Omaha ; and Margaret, the wife of William H. H. Cranmer, of Denver, Colorado.

Mr. Wood was devoted to his family, counting no effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote the welfare and happiness of his wife and children. He belonged to the Omaha Club and to the Country Club and his fellow members in those organizations entertained for him the highest regard. He was most charitable and gave freely of his self-acquired wealth for the benefit of the needy and for the assistance of benevolent institutions. He was always active for Omaha and its interests and cooperated heartily in every movement for the general good. Li a word he was never remiss in the obligations of citizenship nor failed to perform his duty i-n any relation of life. His career was actuated by high principles and worthy motives and his entire life measured up to lofty standards of manhood. He passed away June 19, 1904.

Herbert B. Waldron

-Herbert B. Waldron, an Omaha capitalist whose investments in farm property are extensive and who is now giving his attention solely to the supervision of his agricultural interests, was born on a farm in Cass county, Nebraska, in 1870. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Waldron, was probably a native of Pennsylvania and the immigrant ancestor came from Holland. The father, Harvey R. Waldron, was born in New York in 1846 and throughout his active life was engaged in farming. He was married in the Empire state to Lottie Russell and in 1869 they came to Nebraska, homesteading in Cass county, w^here they resided until 1900, when they removed to Waterloo, Douglas county, where the father passed away in 1910. The mother, however, is yet living.

It was in the public schools of Cass county and of Omaha that Herbert B. Waldron pursued his education and in 1891 he was graduated from the Omaha Business College. In 1902 he took up his abode at Bennington, Douglas county, and assisted in organizing the Mangold & Glandt Bank, of which he became the cashier, remaining with that institution for exactly ten years. He then resigned and organized the Citizens State Bank of Waterloo, in which project he was connected with Gurdon W. Wattles. Mr. Waldron became the first cashier and some time afterward was elected to the presidency. Later he became sole owner of the bank and in 1913 he sold out. He for several years owned a controlling interest in the Security State Bank of Washington, Nebraska, and also in the Union State Bank of Murdock, Nebraska. On disposing of his interests in the Citizens State Bank of Waterloo he came to Omaha and has since directed his attention only to the supervision of his invested interests. He is the owner of a valuable farm of five hundred acres in Cass county, Iowa, and five hundred and sixty acres in Douglas county, Nebraska, and the development of the latter is carried on under his direct management. He also has a quarter section of land in Kimball county, Nebraska, and one hundred and twenty acres in Cameron county, Texas. All are rented to tenants except the farm in Douglas county, on which he raises corn, alfalfa, hogs and cattle. He thoroughly understands every phase of agricultural life and keeps in touch with the trend of progress and improvement along that line.

In Fairmont. Nebraska, in 1897, Mr. Waldron was united in marriage to Miss Florence G. Magee, a daughter of the late James Magee, and they have two daughters, Mildred E. and Helen. The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Waldron gives his political support to the republican party. He holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also is a member of the Omaha Club and the Commercial Club, cooperating heartily with the plans and purposes of the latter organization for the upbuilding and development of the city and the extension of its trade connections.

Dr. Rodney Waldo Bliss, a prominent member of the medical profession of Omaha and assistant professor of physical diagnosis and internal medicine in the University of Nebraska, was born in York, this state in 1878. His father, David Cleveland Bliss, a native of the state of New York, was born in 1843 and on removing to the west became a resident of Wisconsin. During the last year of the Civil war he served as a member of the Thirty-seventh Wisconsin Yolunteer Cavalry. In 1874 he removed to Nebraska, establishing his home at York, and he is now living at Minden, where he is engaged in the nursery business. In La Salle county, Illinois, he married Sophia Hart, who is also living.

Following the removal of the family' to Minden, Nebraska, Rodney W. Bliss acquired his early education in the public schools there and later entered the University of Nebraska, from which he was graduated with the class of 1901. For professional training he matriculated in Rush Medical College of Chicago and completed his course there by graduation with the class of 1904. In 1906 he removed to Omaha, where he has since devoted his attention to internal medicine, and his ability in that direction is pronounced. He belongs to the Omaha-Douglas County Medical Society, the Elkhorn Valley Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Society and the Missouri Valley Medical Society.

On the 25th of April, 1907, in Chicago, Dr. Bliss was united in marriage to Miss Clara J. Dimmick, a daughter of the late Williani O. Dimmick. and they have become the parents of three children, Jane, Rodney and Esther.

Dr. and Mrs. Bliss hold membership in the Presbyterian church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he is a Master Mason and belongs also to the University Club and to the Happy Hollow Club. Social interests, however, are ever made subservient to his professional duties, which are performed with a sense of conscientious obligation that represents the utilization of his native and acquired powers.

George Anthes

George Anthes, a man of ability and high character who has filled many positions of trust connecting him in various ways with civic interests, is now serving as county auditor. He was born at Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, in 1856. His father, Christopher Anthes, also a native of that place, was born in 1833. He there married Margaret Dauth, who passed away in 1859. and later he married again. In 1867 they brought their family to the United States, settling first in St. Louis, where the father died in 1875. His widow still survives.

George Anthes was a youth of eleven years when he accompanied his father to the new world, and in the schools of St. Louis he pursued his educa- tion. He was a young man of twenty-two years when in 1878 he came to Omaha, where he engaged in clerking for several years. In 1888 he became connected with public duties at the courthouse in Omaha and in 1901 was appointed deputy state auditor, the duties of that position keeping him in Lincoln from 1901 until 1907. He had previously been connected with the Festner Printing Company, with the tax department in the county clerk's office of Douglas county, had served as chief clerk in the county treasurer's office and was deputy county treasurer until the year 1900, when he was appointed deputy auditor of the state. He was special accountant in the county clerk's office from 1906 until January, 1912, and is now filling the position of county auditor of Douglas county. His official record has been endorsed by the consensus of public opinion on the part of his fellowmen and he has rendered valuable aid in various connections.

On the 2 1 St of March, 1880, in Omaha, Mr. Anthes was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Getzschmann, daughter of the late Amandus Getzschmann, who came from Germany to America in 1858 and traveled west from Pittsburgh by boat to St. Mary's, Iowa, and in the following year settled in the Bellevue Bottoms in Nebraska. The next year he removed to La Platte, Nebraska, where the family lost all their possessions by a prairie fire. He was engaged at farming there until 1876, when he retired and moved to Omaha, where he died at the age of eighty-three years. He was married in Germany to Hermine Dietrich, who survived him and died in Omaha at the age of seventy-six years. Their two eldest children were born in Germany, one of whom was Mrs. Anthes, who was two years old when her parents came to America. Mr. and Mrs. Anthes are the parents of three children, namely: Ellen Elizabeth; Paul Jacob; and Gertrude P. Paul Jacob wedded Miss Ollie Burnett, daughter of Oliver Burnett, and they have two children, Paul Oliver and Robert George. The family attend the Lutheran church and Mr. Anthes has membership in the Omaha Music Society and in the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, supporting those principles and measures which he deems of vital worth to the community and to the nation at large.

John M. Gilchrist, certified public accountant of Omaha, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, March 9, 1862, his parents being Andrew and Margaret (Gilchrist) Gilchrist, who, though of the same name, were not related. The father was born in Scotland in 1834 and passed away there in 1867, being still survived by his widow, who yet remains a resident of the land of hills and heather.

John M. Gilchrist attended the schools of Glasgow and was graduated from the Hutcheson grammar school of that city. He had passed the twentieth milestone on life's journey when in 1882 he bade adieu to friends and native land and came to the United States, establishing his home in Chicago. In 1892 he removed to Nebraska City, Nebraska, and in 1901 he came to Omaha. Here he established business as a certified public accountant and has since carried on his activities along that line. He began in a small way with but one assistant and he now employs a large office force and has several high-class assistants constantly on the road.

In 1893, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, Mr. Gilchrist was united in marriage to Miss Anna Boydston, a native of this state, by whom he has one child, Frances Myrne. Their religious faith is indicated by their membership in the Presbyterian church. In politics Mr. Gilchrist is a democrat where national questions are involved but casts an independent ballot at local elections. In 1896 he was appointed county treasurer examiner for Nebraska and held that office until

1901. He belongs to the Athletic Clul) of Omaha and to the Happy Hollow Club, of which he is a director and secretary. He has made good in his profession, reaching a place of prominence through his accuracy and skill, and he enjoys the high regard of business men throughout the city.

When Omaha was scarcely more than a straggling village Alexander McAusland came to this city from Kentucky, May 5, 1857. He was a native of Scotland and was there reared and educated. After attaining man's estate he was married in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Miss Agnes Ritchie and soon afterward they sailed for the new world, making their way at once to Cloverport, Kentucky, where he resided for several years and then came to Omaha. Here Mr. McAusland engaged in the gun and ammunition business, opening a store at the corner of Harney and Fourteenth streets, while later he removed to Douglas and Fourteenth streets, where he remained until his death. xAt that corner he erected a business block and following his death his sons carried on the business for several years but afterward sold out and both removed to Montana. Later in the same building the daughters Agnes and Jennie conducted a milliner}' and dry goods store for a number of years, but they, too, sold their interests several years ago.

The family numbered nine children, of whom five survive : Agnes, now living in Omaha; John and Alexander, who reside in Miles City, Montana; Jennie, whose home is in Omaha ; and Catherine, w^ho is Mrs. J. R. Manchester, also of Omaha.

In politics Mr. McAusland was a republican, active in the work of the party, and on one occasion he was a candidate for the legislature but failing health compelled him to withdraw from the race ere the election was held. He was a public-spirited man in an eminent degree and was active in all that pertained to the welfare and upbuilding of his adopted city. He passed away in 1867 at the age of fifty-six years, while his widow survived until 1901 and had reached the notable old age of ninety-four years at the time of her demise. They attended the First Congregational church and Mr. McAusland was a Mason, loyal to the teachings of the craft. In a word his was a well spent life in which industry-, determination, integrity and rectitude of character were salient features.

Byron George Burbank

Byron George Burbank, since 1885 a member of the Omaha bar, long maintaining a position of prominence among his colleagues and contemporaries in practice, was born near Northfield, Minnesota, August 26, i860. He is the youngest child of Edy and Sarah (Richardson) Mulcahie. The former was born in Eastport, Maine, in 1837 and the latter in Illinois in 1839. They w^ere married at Marengo in that state in 1855. Mrs. Mulcahie was a direct descendant of Amos Richardson, who came from England in 1634 and established his home in Boston, where he lived and died. About 1858 Mr. and Mrs. Edy Mulcahie removed to Minnesota and there the latter passed away in 1861. Three children were born to them, Clark, Mary and Byron George, who was taken, upon his mother's death, by her sister and husband. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Burbank, of Genoa. Illinois, with whom he lived and whose surname was given him and which he has ever since retained.

Byeon G. Burbank

pany K of the Sixty-fifth IlHnois \'olunteer Infantry and served throughout the period of the Civil war. He was with Sherman on the memorable march to the. sea and participated in the grand review at Washington, D. C, where the vie-' torious Union army marched through the streets of the capital under a banner emblazoned with the words : "The only debt which the country owes that she cannot pay is the debt she owes to her soldiers." In early life Mr. ]\Iulcahie devoted his attention to teaching but after the war became a farmer of Missouri and passed away at Stony Point, that state, in 1884.

Byron George Burbank attended the country schools of De Kalb county. Illinois. He afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for three years in the winter seasons, and in the fall and spring months he attended the Elgin (111.) Academy, from which he was graduated in 1880, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. For three years afterward he was principal of the high school at Byron, Illinois, and in the fourth year, he became principal of the high school at Mount Morris, Illinois. He then went abroad for study and travel, spending the scholastic year 1884-5 i" Heidelberg University in Germany, where he pursued the Roman law and special work. Following his return to the United States upon examination in the appellate court in Chicago, in the fall of T885, he was admitted to practice law in Illinois and on the 20th of October of the same year came to Omaha. He at once began to practice in the office of the Hon, John L. Webster, with whom he continued for five years. Since then he has practiced alone and his developing powers have gained him a large and distinctively representative clientage. The assiduous and unrelaxing attention which he gives to the interests of his clients and the thoroughness with which he prepares his cases have been strong elements in his growing success.

On the 26th of November, 1881, at Rockford, Illinois, Mr. Burbank was married, and the children of that union are Byron M. and Wayne. On the 6th of June, 1906, in Omaha, Mr. Burbank wedded Jane B. Browne, a daughter of the late William J. Browne, who was a Union soldier, going to the front from Missouri. By the second marriage there is one child, Forrest.

Mr. Burbank attends the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a member of the Omaha Club and of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the York and Scottish Rite degrees. His political support is given to the republican party but beyond the exercise of his right of franchise he does not take an active interest in party work because of a desire to give his attention to his professional duties.

Emile M. F. Leflang

Emile M. F. Leflang, a capitalist of Omaha, who for forty years was prominently connected with banking interests and with the grain trade in Nebraska, is now living retired save for the supervision which he gives to his invested interests. His life record is an illustration of what may be accomplished by the man of foreign birth who recognizes the opportunities ofliered in the new world and utilizes them for advancement, making his efforts count for the utmost along legitimate lines of business. Mr. Leflang was born in Denmark in 1850. His father, Andrew W. Leflang, also a native of that country, came to the United States in 1864 and established his home in Illinois, where he remained until 1867, when he came to Nebraska. Soon afterward he removed to Omaha but his last days were spent in Idaho, where he passed away in 191 5.

Emile M. F. Leflang pursued his education in the schools of Haderslev, Denmark. He has continuously resided in Omaha since 1908 but has long been a resident of Nebraska, having for forty years been prominently connected with banking and grain trade interests at Lexington, this state. There he developed a business of extensive proportions in both lines and from time to time made judicious investments in property until his realty holdings are now extensive. He is also president of the Lexington Mill & Elevator Company and the president of the Wyoming & Nebraska Telephone Company. In the management of his business alfairs he has always displayed keen sagacity and sound judgment. 1 le is a man of unfaltering ])uri)ose, strong, persistent and resourceful in carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes and at all times conforming his business interests to high standards of integrity as well as enterprise.

On the 15th of April, 1913, in Lexington. Nebraska, Mr. Leflang was united in marViage to Miss Anna Cole, a daughter of David Cole, a veteran of the Civil war. i>y his first marriage, which occurred in 1872, Mr. Leflang has a son, Arthur Charles, who was born in Lexington, Nebraska, in 1876, and is manager of the Lexington Mill & Elevator Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Letlang are identified with the Presbyterian church and he also has membership in the Omaha Club and the Happy Hollow Club. He votes with the republican ])arty and his interest in community aft'airs is indicated in his membership in the Commercial Club, which has for its object the upbuilding of the city, the expansion of its trade relations and the upholding of its civic standards. His life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when there is the will to dare and to do.

James C. Buffington

James C. Buffington, president of the Guarantee Fund Life Association of Omaha, has made steady progress in the insurance field since taking his initial step in that direction in 1890. He was born in Columbus City, Louisa county, Iowa, in 1866 and is a representative of the old Buffington family of Virginia of English extraction, his grandfather being James Ouincy Buffington, a native of the Old Dominion. His father, David S. Bufiington, was born in Ohio in 1842 and wedded Nancy Ann Getts, a native of Pennsylvania. She passed away at Chariton, Iowa, in 1902, and Mr. Buffington, surviving for a number of years, died at Columbus Junction, Iowa, in 19 13.

In the public schools of Chariton, Iowa, James C. Buffington began his education but was the eldest of a family of twelve children and it seemed necessary that he early provide for his own support. His textbooks were therefore put aside and he began to learn the harness maker's trade under the direction of his father, following that pursuit until 1884, when he was appointed deputy county auditor and treasurer of Lucas county, Iowa, which position he filled until 1890. He then received an appointment to a position in the interior department at Washington, D. C, where he spent about a year, when he resigned, giving up a position paying eighteen hundred dollars a year to enter the insurance field as a representative of the Bankers Life Company of Des Moines at a salary of nine hundred dollars per year. He recognized the fact, however, that the latter offered better opportunities for steady advancement, and thus looking beyond the exigencies of the moment to future conditions, he made the step which has brought him eventually to his present place of prominence in insurance circles. He remained with the Bankers Life at Des Moines for ten years and then resigned the cashiership to organize the Guarantee Fund Life Association of Omaha, of which he became the secretary and manager. The business of the company was developed largely through his individual efforts and in 191 2 he was elected to the presidency and so continues. He has thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase of insurance and has wrought along resultant lines, the ramifying interests of the company now covering a broad territory and interlacing in a financial network many states.

to Miss Mae Griffis, daughter of John P. and Lorinda (Woods) Griffis, the former now deceased. The two children of this marriage are Ruth and James C. :\Ir. and Mrs. Buffington belong to the First Methodist Episcopal church and his political belief is that of the progressive party. He is identified with the Commercial Club, which indicates his interest in the welfare and upbuilding of the city, and to its projects for the public good he lends active aid and cooperation. He also belongs to the Happy Hollow Club and the Omaha Athletic Club, while fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason and an Odd Fellow. Both he and his wife are widely known and have gained many warm friends during the thirteen years of their residence in Omaha, while in business circles Mr. Buffington has attained that success which is the legitimate outcome of intelligently directed effort prompted by laudable ambition.

Howard Kennedy

Howard Kennedy, deceased, was the founder and promoter of a real estate firm which under the name of the Alfred C. Kennedy Company is still occupying a foremost position in real estate circles in Omaha. He became a resident of the city in a pioneer epoch in its development. He was born in Lansingburg, New York, August 14, 1832, a son of George W. and Anne (Combs) Kennedy, both of whom were natives of Baltimore, Maryland, the former born in 1797 and the latter in 1800. Reared in the Empire state, Howard Kennedy pursued his preparatory course in the Kinderhook Academy at Kinderhook, New York, and later attended W'illiams College. He early took up the profession of teaching and came to Omaha in 1859 ^o accept the position of the first superintendent of the Omaha schools. Omaha was then a straggling western frontier village and gave little evidence or promise of its future substantial growth and development. Following the Civil war Mr. Kennedy became receiver of the United States land office and since that time the family has been closely connected with the handling of Nebraska real estate. He had returned to the east in the meantime, remaining in that section of the country during die Civil war, but in 1866 again came west with his family, establishing his home at Nebraska City, at which point he performed the duties of receiver of the United States land office. He afterward went to Lincoln, where he aided in platting the city and sold the first town lot there. In 1869 he again arrived in Omaha. For seventeen years Howard Kennedy was identified with the land department of the Union Pacific, which gave him comprehensive knowledge of the real estate market and land values. Desirous that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he then turned his attention to the farm mortgage business and afterward extended the scope of his interests and activities to include real estate, rentals and insurance. About 1900 the business was organized under the firm style of Howard Kennedy & Son, his associate being Alfred C. Kennedy, who was then admitted to a partnership by his father. Howard Kennedy remained an active factor in the management and control of the business until his demise.

On the 20th of September, i860, in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage to INIiss Margaret A. Long, a daughter of Jacob and Charlotte (Verner) Long. They became the parents of three children, as follows: Alfred C, who married Miss EHzabeth H. Leisenring and for his second wife chose Miss Jessie C. Godso ; Howard Kennedy, who wedded Mary R. Cunningham; and Ethelwynne. who gave her hand in marriage to William W. Grigor.

The death of ]\Ir. Kennedy occurred on the i8th of April, 1905. when he was in the seventy-third year of his age. He was a man of fine personal appearance and the sterling qualities of his nature measured up to the standards of his physical manhood. His life was ever guided by high and honorable prin- ciples that found expression in straightforward business deaHng and recognition of his (hities and obligations to liis fellowmen. lie was a devoted Presbyterian. The l'"irst I'resbytcrian church of Lincoln was organized in his home and he was elected its first ruling elder. After his removal to Omaha he was honored with the same office in the First Presbyterian church of Omaha and served in that capacity until his death. He was an exenii)lary representative of the -Masonic fraternit), attaining the Knights Templar degree in the York Rite and the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. His political allegiance was given to the rei)ublican party and from about 1875 ^""itil 1882 he served as a member of the Omaha school board. His life was characterized by unfailing courtesy and kindness.

William Simeral

William Simeral, a member of the Omaha bar concentrating his entire attention upon the practice of his profession, was born in Dubuque, Iowa, December 10, 1863, a son of James Montgomery Simeral, who is mentioned at some length in the sketch of E. W. Simeral on another page of this work. In the schools of Otnaha William Simeral pursued his studies. He afterward determined upon the practice of law as a life work and after a thorough study of the principles of jurisprudence was admitted to the bar and has since followed his profession, gaining distinction and success by reason of his close application and the thoroughness and care with which he prepares his cases.

On the 23d of November, 1914, at Papillion, Nebraska, Mr. Simeral was united in marriage to Miss Pauline J. Berkeley, a daughter of Junius Berkeley, a prominent attorney of Boulder, Colorado, and direct descendant of Governor Berkeley of Virginia.

Mr. Simeral is a Catholic in religious faith. His military experience covers service as a member of Company L of the First Nebraska Militia m 1879-80. In his political views he is a republican but the only office which he has ever held is that of deputy county attorney of Douglas county in 1888. He has never sought political preferment, concentrating his energies upon his professional interests, his ability making the name of Simeral a recognized force at the Omaha bar.

Joel N. Cornish

The life record of Joel N. Cornish compassed a period of eighty years, for he was born in Rome, New York, May 28, 1828, and was called to his final rest on the 7th of June, 1908. His father was Allen Cornish, a son of Josiah Cornish and a representative of an old English family, the ancestry being traced back to Samuel Cornish, who on the 27th of October, 1692, arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, from Cornwall, England. He married Susannah Clark, who was a granddaughter of Thomas Clark, mate of the ^Mayflower. Thomas Cornish, great-grandfather of Joel N. Cornish, served with the militia in the Revolutionary war and he was the father of Josiah Cornish who followed the occupation of farming. His son, Allen Cornish, resided at Lee Center, New York, where he built an iron foundry, and became prominently identified with the industrial development of that region.

Joel N. Cornish was a graduate of the State Normal School at Albany, New York, and afterward took up the study of law in Utica and in Rome, New York, reading in the same law office as Roscoe Conkling. Eventually he was admitted to the bar and located for the practice of his profession in Iowa City, Iowa, where he soon won a notable reputation as an able and successful attorney, his fame spreading all over that territory. In 1877 he organized the First National Bank of Hamburg and remained at the head of that institution until he came to Omaha in 1888. As a banker he never lost a loan nor ever had to realize on a mortgage security for one. Upon coming to Omaha he accepted the presidency of the National Bank of Commerce and continued in active and helpful connection with the banking and business enterprises of the city for a long period. He became a member of the first board of directors of the old Midland State Bank and he was a director of the Carter White Lead Company. He was also a member of the Real Estate Owners' Association. He displayed sound judgment in all his business affairs, his opinions being based upon broad practical experience and keen insight.

Mr. Cornish was married in Cuba, New York, to Miss Virginia Raymond and they became the parents of two daughters and two sons : Ada, who became the wife of J. H. Hertsche ; Anna, who married Joseph M. Metcalf ; Albert J., judge of the supreme court of Nebraska; and Edward J., president of the National Lead Company of New York.

Colonel Cornish was a typical representative of his Cornish ancestors. He was broad-shouldered and about six feet in height, being a splendid representative of the pioneer settlers of the west. He was independent and self-reliant, early learning to depend upon his own resources and labors. In 1862 he was appointed draft commissioner for his congressional district with the rank of lieutenant colonel of cavalry and later he was commissioned by Abraham Lincoln a colonel of the Iowa cavalry, in which rank he served with honor. During the war he was stationed at Des Moines and also served as governor's aid de camp and provost marshal. He afterward became brigade quartermaster with the rank of colonel under presidential appointment.

Through the period of his residence in the west Mr. Cornish was connected with many of its most prominent men. While he was studying law preparatory to practicing he used the law books of Samuel Kirkwood, governor of Iowa, who kindly loaned them to him. He was a man of great strength of character, wise and just, always well poised and well balanced.

Dan W. Shull

Dan W. Shull, whose operations in the field of real estate have contributed in substantial measure to the improvement and development of Omaha, has been identified with the history of this section of the state for many years, beginning in the early pioneer times and continuing down to the period of modern development and progress. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1840, near the historic Gettysburg battle ground. His father, Jacob Shull, came from Pennsylvania to Omaha in 1856, making the trip from Pittsburgh by boat to St. Louis, thence by the river to his destination. He lost everything that he had while en route, for the boat sank. Turning his attention to farming in this locality, he thus spent eight months, after which death called him to his final rest in 1857. His wife, Mrs. Susanna Shull, came to Nebraska in 1857 and the family home was established on the land which the father hand entered. They had five children, but only two are now living: Dan W. ; and Mrs. Kate :\L Jackman, also a resident of Omaha.

Dan W. Shull was a youth of sixteen years when his father died. To provide for his support he began the operation of a ferry for the Nebraska Ferry Company, being one of the oldest pilots on the river. For eighteen years he operated a steamboat on the river from Fort Benton to St. Louis, and for about five years was a pilot on the Missouri. He is today the last surv'ivor of the old pilots who were identified with navigation interests in that period when much of the travel was by water, long before the era of railroad building into this section of the country began. Later Mr. ShuU took up his abode upon the homestead farm which his father had entered in 1856 and which he had managed to retain only after a big legal fight. The value of this property increased as the city grew and developed and the land was needed for the extension of Omaha's corporation limits. He then turned his attention to the real estate business and platted the one hundred and sixty acres of land which he owned, laying it off in ShuU's first and second additions, which he personally handled, organizing the Shull Land Company. They expended about fifty thousand dollars in getting this into shape but realized a handsome return on the investment, for land values rose quite rapidly owing to the demand for city property. Mr. Shull built a home at Twentieth and Pierce streets and also erected many other structures. For many years he devoted his entire attention to real estate activity but is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.

Mr. Shull was married forty-five years ago to Miss Margaret Stevenson, who came to Omaha in 1856 with her father, Alexander Stevenson, who was a native of Scotland. He was one of the early ferrymen of this part of the state, operating the first ferry at Florence. In later years he turned his attention to farming and was very active along that line for a considerable period. He died in 191 5, at the notable old age of ninety-two years. In his family were three sons and two daughters who are yet living: John, Orson, Joseph, Mrs. Shull and Mrs. Minnie Gibson. To Mr. and Mrs. Shull was born a son Harry Roy, who passed away at the age of seven years.

In his political views Mr. Shull is a republican and fraternally he is connected with Omaha Lodge, No. 39, B. P. O. E. He and his wafe are members of the Douglas County Pioneers Association. There is no phase of the city's early development with which he is not familiar and he has comprehensive knowledge of the various important points in the history of this section of the country. He has lived to witness many changes since the old days when he piloted boats on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. In those early days Omaha was a straggling western frontier village surrounded by broad prairies starred with a million wild flowers in the summer seasons. The most farsighted could not have dreamed of the changes which w-ere to occur. Mr. Shull has witnessed a notable transformation through the intervening years and is justly proud of what he has done toward the development of the great western metropolis as Omaha has been converted into a splendid commercial center, with its ramifying trade interests reaching out into all parts of the country.

Daniel L. Shane

Fifty years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since Daniel L. Shane took up his abode in Omaha in August, 1866, arriving by boat from St. Louis after having made his way to the middle west from Boston, Massachusetts. He was born March 15, 1835, in London, England, and in his childhood days crossed the briny deep to the new world, the family home being established in Massachusetts. In his boyhood, youth and early manhood he followed the sea and he also learned the mason's trade and became connected with a business of that character in Omaha. At that time there were no available houses in this city and Mr. Shane had to wait for the completion of a cottage then being erected by George Francis Train. He took an active part in promoting early building operations in this city and soon became a contractor. He was associated w^ith different men in this undertaking, being for a time a member of the firm of Shane & Jackson. He continued active in the building business up to the time of his death and in fact was superintending the construction of the new courthouse when called to his final rest. He also superintended the old courthouse and erected many of the famous early structures of the city. The last large building which he erected was the Brandeis building. Among the important business blocks which he constructed were the Paxton block and the Omaha National Bank building and on all sides can yet be seen evidences of his skill and handiwork.

Mr. Shane was married in Boston, December 25, 1863, to Miss Lydia Collins, a native of the state of Indiana, who survives him. To them were born five children, of whom two are living, Wallace O., teller in the Omaha National Bank, and L. Estella.

Mr. Shane had reached the age of seventy-seven years when on August 10, 1912, he passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Shane tmited with the First Baptist church in 1 87 1, and he held a number of offices in the church, including that of trustee, in which he served for many years until his death, being the oldest trustee at that time in point of service. Airs. Shane is the oldest living member in point of years of membership in the church. Mr. Shane was a public-spirited citizen, interested in all that pertained to the general welfare yet not active in politics. Outside of business he preferred to concentrate his attention upon his home, for he was a man of domestic nature and found his greatest happiness at his own fireside. Coming to the west at the period of its early development, he was closely associated with the improvement and upbuilding of the city for many years and his name is therefore inseparably interwoven with its history.

Peter Frenzer

In the passing of Peter Frenzer July 15, 1912, Omaha lost one of its best known and most respected pioneer citizens - a man who for fifty-six years had resided in the city, witnessing its development from a frontier village into a great western metropolis. He was born .in .Guthenthal, Prussia, Germany, on the 24th of April, 1831, and there spent the first fourteen years of his life, after which he was brought by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Frenzer, to the new world in 1845. The family home was established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and there Peter Frenzer was reared to manhood. While a resident of that city he learned the trade of carriage and wagon making, thoroughly mastering the work in principle and detail. He was afterward employed in a wagon shop in Chicago until 1856, when he determined to cast in his lot with the early settlers of the little village of Omaha and accordingly established himself at his trade here, coming by boat from St. Louis. In 1858 he entered into partnership with Charles J. Karbach and the two men did an extensive business in wagon making and repairing for several years, for at that time, while Omaha was nothing but a trading post, it was also the place where the California gold seekers outfitted for the long journey across the country and their services as wagon makers were in constant demand. At length Mr. Karbach withdrew from the partnership, after which Mr. Frenzer continued the business alone for a time. Later he formed a partnership with Jtilius Rudowsky for the conduct of a lumberyard and they continued in that business for several years, Mr. Frenzer carrying on the yard alone after his partner withdrew. Another field of his business activity was the sand trade, in which he engaged from 1885 until 1893 in partnership with Jacob Tex. In the latter year he withdrew from active commercial interests and thereafter to the time of his death devoted his attention to the management of his property interests and investments. Whenever opportunity had offered he had purchased property and had improved his holdings from time to time by the erection of substantial buildings. He was the owner of the Frenzer block, an office building at the corner of Fifteenth and Dodge streets, and of much other valuable real estate in the city.

In early manhood Mr. Frenzer wedded Miss Catherine Leist, who passed away in Omaha on the 5th of June, 1905. His death occurred on the 15th of

Frenzer belonged to the Catholic church and in politics he was an active democrat but never an aspirant for office. He was one of the leading members of the Douglas County Pioneers' Association and his warmest friendships were found perhaps among those with whom he had been associated from the early days of Omaha's development. There was no phase of the city's growth and progress with which he was not familiar through tifty-six years of the city's existence. He had indeed witnessed a notable change as the tiny frontier town grew and developed into a city, his memory forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.

Alfred Conkling Kennedy, Sr., deceased, was an Omaha citizen honored and respected by all not only on account of the success which he achieved but also owing to the straightforward business policy which he ever followed. He was practically a lifelong resident of this city, although his birth occurred in New Lebanon, New York, April 7, 1862. In 1866 his father, Howard Kennedy, who had previously lived for a brief period in Nebraska and was the iirst superintendent of the Omaha schools, returned with his family to the west and settled at Nebraska City. That was in the year 1866, when Alfred C. Kennedy was a little lad of but four years. The family also lived for a time in Lincoln but in 1869 the family home was established in Omaha, where he was reared and educated. When his textbooks were put aside he entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad Company in Omaha and afterward became assistant secretary of the South Omaha Land Company, in which connection he had charge of its selling operations. It was this company which platted the original town site of South Omaha. Later his father admitted him to a partnership in the real estate, loan and insurance business which he had established, the firm then becoming known .as Howard Kennedy & Son. Upon the death of his father in 1905 he conducted business under his own name until in 191 5, when it was incorporated, Alfred C. Kennedy, Jr., at that time becoming a member of the firm. In July of the same year Alfred C. Kennedy, Sr., passed away. Like his father before him, he had occupied an enviable and honorable position in the business circles of the city. He was a most alert and enterprising man, watchful of every opportunity pointing to legitimate success, and his energies carried him into fields where prosperity was assured.