Omaha City (part 7 of 26)

Mr. Kennedy was married twice. In Omaha, on the 24th of February, 1884, he wedded Elizabeth H. Leisenring, a daughter of Dr. P. S. Leisenring, who was long a prominent and distinguished citizen of Omaha, where he settled in pioneer times. He was a leading and active member of the Kountze Memorial Lutheran church and of the Young Men's Christian Association. He was also one of the faculty of the Omaha Medical School and served for a time as city physician. Following the death of his first wife Alfred C. Kennedy was married in Omaha, September 8, 1897, to Jessie C. Godso. His children are six in number: Donald L., Margaret, Alfred C, Gilbert V., Jean G. and George L. The elder daughter is now the wife of Charles L. Brome.

Mr. Kennedy followed in the political footsteps of his father, giving stalwart support to the republican party, but he never sought office of a strictly political nature. He sen-ed, however, as a member of the library board of Omaha from 1898 until 1903 and in the latter year was made a member of the school board, so continuing until his death. Socially he was connected with the University, Happy Hollow and Omaha Clubs and he also belonged to the Commercial Club. He was a Master Mason, attained the Knights Templar degree of the York Rite, the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and was also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He also was an elder of the First Presbyterian church of Omaha and guided his life according to its teachings. He was open-handed and openhearted, while his strong intellect enabled him to maintain an even balance between unbridled generosity and justice. His life at all times proved the soundness of the Emersonian philosophy that "'the way to win a friend is to be one."

The old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country does not find verification in the life record of Dr. Frederick Williams Lake, for in Omaha, his native city, he has won a most creditable position as a medical practitioner. Dr. Lake was born in 1876, son of the late Judge George Baker Lake, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this publication.

Reared in Omaha, Dr. Lake there began his education and subsequently entered St. Paul's school at Concord, New Hampshire, from which he was graduated in 1894. He next entered Harvard and is among its alumni of 1898. He then began specific preparation for a professional career as a medical student in the University of Pennsylvania and won his diploma and degree in 1901. He received, moreover, thorough practical training and broad valuable experience in two years' hospital work in Philadelphia, after which he returned to Omaha for the practice of internal medicine and diagnosis and in that field has gained notable success.

On the 24th of July, 1903, Dr. Lake was united in marriage to Miss Katherine \V. WVight, her father being Arthur Justin W'right, formerly of Omaha. They have two children, Lawrence W. and Katherine. Dr. and Mrs. Lake hold membership in the Episcopal church and his political endorsement is given to the democratic party. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in club circles his membership extends to the Commercial, Omaha and Omaha Country Clubs. Along strictly professional lines he is identified with the Omaha-Douglas County Medical Society, the Missouri Valley Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Association and the American Medical Association and through the proceedings of those societies he keeps in close touch with the onward trend of modern thought and progress in the field of medical science.

Martin Dunham

Martin Dunham, who was active in various business lines at Omaha until his death on the i8th of February, 191 5, was born in Clarksville, Pennsylvania, November 10, 1836. In early life he made his way to the middle west, going first to Spragueville, Iowa, while in 1859 he arrived in Omaha. He did not tarry long at that time, however, but continued his journey westward to what is now Denver, there remaining for a year. On the expiration of that period he returned and entered the employ of A. J. Simpson, a carriage trimmer for Ryan & Swingle, harness makers. In 1863 he established a harness shop of his own where the Paxton Hotel now stands and there he conducted business until 1878, when he moved across the street to the present site of the World-Herald building, having previously purchased that lot. x\t length he sold that property and bought on Nineteenth and Farnam streets, where he erected the Dufrane building, which he rented. He also built where the public market is now located and he was identified in large measure with the early development of the city. He turned his attention to the hide and leather business, becoming a member of the firm of McDonald, Oberg, Hozek & Dunham. That firm was organized in Chicago and suffered heavy losses at the time of the great Chicago fire in 1871, at which time Mr. Dunham' withdrew from connection with the business. For two years he was in the railway mail service, making the run between Omaha and Ogden, Utah, as railway mail clerk. 1 le was also engaged in the ice business in connection with Richard Kimball for several years and after selling out lived practically retired although operating to some extent in the field of real estate.

In Omaha, July 13, 1863, Mr. Dunham was united in marriage to Miss Sarah 1. Winship, a daughter of jabez L. Winship, who with his family traveled by "wagon from Indiana to Nebraska in 1857. Her parents were both natives of New York and her father passed away in Omaha June i, 1858, being permitted to enjoy his western home for only a brief period. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To Air. and Mrs. Dunham we're born three children; Charles A., now of Boston, who married Prudence Pearman, of Nebraska City, daughter of Alajor Pearman ; Bessie Clare, the wife of Captain L. La Vergne Gregg, U. S. A., who is in command of Schofield barracks in the Hawaiian islands; and Daniel H., a resident of Omaha, who married Morence Finch, of Newton, Iowa.

-Mr. Dunham belonged to the Alasonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he gave his political allegiance to the republican party. He served as a member of the state legislature, the city council of Omaha and the school board and took a leading part in establishing the present school system in Omaha. At the time of the massacre at Plum creek he responded to Governor Saunders" call for troops to put down the Indians. For twenty-eight years he served on the state board of agriculture and thus his activities were broad and varied, connecting him with many features of development and progress bearing upon the public welfare.

Joseph Barker

Joseph Barker, a prominent figure in insurance circles in Omaha and actively connected with other business interests of importance, was born in this city February 19, 1877, his parents, Joseph and Eliza E. Barker, having been among the earliest settlers of Omaha. They arrived in the year 1856 and were married in 1875. For six decades, therefore, the name of Barker has been closely associated with the city, its development and upbuilding.

After attending the local schools Joseph Barker of this review continued his education in St. Paul's school at Concord, New Hampshire, and started out upon his business career in connection with railroading. He has been closely associated with insurance interests since 1907 and is now representing the Home Insurance Company of New York, the Fidelity & Casualty Company of New York, the London Guarantee & Accident Company and other companies. In this connection he has built up a business of large and gratifying proportions and, also extending his efl'orts and investments into other fields, he has become connected with the Omaha Loan & Building Association and with the Omaha Electric Light & Power Company.

On the 31st of October, 1899, in Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Barker was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Peck, a daughter of E. P. Peck. Their children are three in number, namely : Elizabeth E., Virginia and Joseph, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Barker hold membership in the Episcopal church and in the social circles of the city occupy a prominent position. He has attained high rank in Masonry, having taken the degrees of the York Rite, while in the Scottish Rite he has attained the thirty-second degree. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a well known figure in the Omaha, Country, University and Commercial Clubs. In the last named he has at various times served as a member of the executive committee. He has also been a director of the Young Men's Christian Association, a trustee of the University of Omaha and a governor of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, associations which indicate much concerning the breadth of his interests and activities and which tell as well the story of his public spirit and devotion to all that pertains to the growth and best interests of (3maha. He has never allowed private business interests- to so monopolize his attention that he could not find time for public service but on the contrary has cooperated with all those forces that work for the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of the community.

Nathan E. Adams

For a third of a century Nathan E. Adams was a resident of Omaha, and at the time of his death, which occurred January 31, 1917, had important and extensive real estate holdings in the city. He came here from Missouri but was a native son of New England, his birth having occurred at West Brookfield, Massachusetts, in 1839. He was about twenty-nine years of age when in 1868 he came to the middle west, settling first in Audrain county, Missouri, where he began selling goods for an eastern boot company and also carried on farming. There he resided for about sixteen years or until 1884, when he disposed of his business interests there and came to Omaha. Here he turned his attention to the real estate business and to operations on the Board of Trade but withdrew from the latter line a number of years ago. In the real estate field his activities contributed to public progress as well as to individual success, for he improved much property, transforming unsightly vacancies into attractive residence districts. He improved much property in North Omaha and he also carried on his real estate activities outside of Nebraska, having large holdings in Texas and elsewhere.

In 1872 Mr. Adams was united in marriage in Massachusetts to Miss Charlotte M. Edmunds, of that state, who died in 1908. In November 1915, Mr. Adams was married to Margaret Ellen Giles, a native of Monmouth, Illinois, and a graduate of A/Tonmouth College. She is a member of the Central United Presbyterian church. He was a member of the Plymouth Congregational church, in the work of which he took a very active and helpful interest, and his political allegiance was given to the republican party. From 1884 he was identified with Omaha, residing at Miami and Twenty-second streets, and he became numbered among the capitalists of the city, owing his success and prosperity to his judicious investments, his keen sagacity and unfaltering enterprise.

Edward Joseph McArdle, connected with manufacturing interests of Omaha as the organizer and head of the Western Stamp & Stencil Company, was born on a farm in Douglas county, Nebraska, March 24, 1878. The name indicates his Irish lineage. His grandfather, Patrick McArdle, and his father, James Hugh McArdle, are both natives of County Armagh, Ireland, the latter born in 1825, and in the year 1848 they crossed the Atlantic to America, Patrick AIcArdle afterward taking up government land in Douglas county, Nebraska, whereon he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1887. On his arrival in the new world James H. McArdle made his way to Philadelphia and in 1854 arrived in Douglas county, which was then largely an undeveloped and unimproved district. He at once turned his attention to the occupation of farming, in which he continued to engage for many years. He also filled the office of county commissioner for twenty years and in the '60s he was appointed territorial governor of Nebraska but dechned to fill the position. He was, however, always an active democrat in j)olitics and did all in his power to promote the growth and ensure the success of his party. In Douglas county he wedded Fidelia Allen, whose ancestors were among the defenders of American liberty in the Revolutionary war, so that Edward J. McArdle is eligible to membership in the Sons of the Revolution. Mrs. McArdle, a native of Nev/ York, survives her husband and yet resides on the old home farm.

Reared under the paternal roof, Edward J. McArdle supplemented his public school education by two years' study in Creighton College of Omaha and in 1891 he secured a position on the Omaha Bee in connection with the mailing department. He was continuously with the Bee for eight years, or until 1899, when he became an employe of the Sovereign Visitor, a monthly publication issued by the Woodmen of the World, and there he remained for five years. He next established a stamp and stencil business, which he is now conducting under the name of the Western Stamp & Stencil Company. He is also a member of the Advance Manufacturing & Supply Company, a Chicago corporation, and he is the president of the International Stamp & Stencil Association.

On the 25th of J\Iay, 1899, in Omaha, Mr. McArdle was married to Miss Katherine O'Hanlon, a daughter of James P. O'Hanlon, of Omaha, and they have two children, William James and Katherine Mercedes. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Mcx\rdle is identified also with the Knights of Columbus, the Woodmen of the World, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Eagles. He also belongs to the Avocation Club of Omaha and to the Commercial Club. In politics he has been a stalwart democrat since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he is now a member of both the Douglas county and Nebraska state democratic central committees. While at Benson he served as a member of the city council and in 191 1 was elected to the state legislature, in which he served for one term. His opinions carry weight in the local and state councils of his party and he is regarded as one of the prominent democratic leaders of Nebraska.

John Martin Daugherty

In the world of business John Martin Daugherty has steadily worked his way toward success by indefatigable industry and perseverance. His start was not unlike that of many other American boys of his day. Of humble parentage, he soon realized the necessity of work and all that it entailed, but with an indomitable will he kept to his purpose, being guided at all times by a spirit of enterprise and laudable ambition.

His father, Martin Daugherty, a native of Ireland, accompanied by his wife, a daughter of Mitchell Greene, reached Canada in the year 1852, and it was here in the town of Blenheim, Oxford county, Ontario, in the year 1859, that John M. Daugherty was born. At the close of the Civil war in 1865 the family located in Trumbull county, Ohio, where Martin Daugherty died in the following year. Some years later his widow removed to northern Iowa, whence she afterward came to Omaha to live with her son, John M., passing away while visiting at the home of another son June 2, 1899.

John Martin Daugherty as a lad attended the public schools, in Ohio. He was a youth of fifteen years when in 1874 he started out to earn his own living, securing a clerkship in a general merchandise store in Vienna, Ohio, where he remained for two years, thence going to West Jersey, Illinois, he engaged in the same line of work for more than a year, after which he saw a chance to go on with his education. From there he went to Crete, Nebraska, where he entered Doane College and studied for two years. Coming to Omaha in 1881, he was employed by JMcShane & Schroeder, wholesale produce merchants, for a short time, after which he was given a position in the office of the late John A. Creighton, with whom he was connected until the time of Mr. Creighton's death in Feb'ruar}^ 1907. He rose from a humble position in Mr. Creighton's service until he became his right hand confidential adviser. He found in each day's work courage and inspiration enough to carry him on through the succeeding day, and his life record is proof of the fact that activity does not tire, that it hardens and gives resisting power. His energies have ever been carefully and wisely directed, he thus advancing step by step, each step bringing him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. He is today the president of the J. M. Daugherty Land & Cattle Company, controlling extensive interests, and he is also financially and officially connected with many other business concerns of importance.

On the 27th of February, 1889, in Omaha, Mr. Daugherty was united in marriage to Miss Clara, a daughter of John D. Creighton and a niece of the late John A. Creighton. Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty 's family consists of five children, John Creighton, Frederick Charles, Edward Allison, Claire and George Martin.

The family are communicants of the Catholic church, and in political faith Mr. Daugherty is a democrat. He holds membership with the Elks and is also a member of the Omaha Club and Country Club. The sterling worth of his character has been recognized and appreciated by his associates and contemporaries, and during the thirty-five years of his residence in Omaha he has gained the confidence, goodwill and high respect of those with whom he has been associated, while at the same time his business ability has made for success.

De Ver Sholes

The news of the death of De Ver Sholes came with a shock to many of Omaha's citizens and carried with it a sense of personal bereavement, for during the thirty-eight years of his residence here his life record had become strongly interwoven with the history of the city and his many sterling traits of character had endeared him to his acquaintances and business colleagues. He was born upon a farm in Oneida county. New York, in 1855, ^ son of Lewis Miller Sholes, also a native of the Empire state, who removed to Butler county, Iowa, during the boyhood of his son De \^er. The latter obtained a public school education and in 1877, when a young man of twenty-two years, removed to Omaha, maintaining his residence here until called to his final rest. For a number of years he was associated with the Pacific Express Company but his desire to engage in business on his own account led him in 1887 to open a real estate office as a member of the firm of Sholes & Crum. Not long afterward he organized the D. \'. Sholes Company and throughout the intervening years until his death his firm figured prominently in the real estate interests of the city, handling some of the largest realty transfers known in Omaha. Less than a year prior to his death he promoted the sale of the Schlitz corner, which was sold by the First National Bank to George Joslyn for six hundred thousand dollars. Not long before his demise he disposed of property at the corner of Twenty-fourth and Farnam streets to Elmer Neville for one hundred thousand dollars, and he handled the Northwestern railroad purchase of its freight depot property, for which three hundred and eighty thousand dollars was paid. Only a few days before his last illness he sold the George Payne residence in Fairacres to J. A. Sunderland for forty thousand dollars. While he thus handled some of the largest real estate deals in Omaha, he did not become a wealthy man, although he was in comfortable financial circumstances. He was one of the very few among Omaha's real estate men to act exclusively as an agent, doing no personal speculation. It was a recognized fact that his word was as good as his signature and his colleagues and contemporaries bear testimony to his irreproachable business honesty.

In 1877, in Farley, Iowa, Mr. Sholes was married to Miss Delphina Clark and they became parents of a son and a daughter: Lewis Clark, who is his father's successor in business; and Helen S., of Omaha. These children, together with the mother, survive the husband and father, who was a man ever devoted to the welfare of his family and found his greatest happiness in promoting their interests.

His political allegiance was given the republican party, and while he never sought nor desired ofifice, he served as a member of the school board of Omaha and was ever interested in the welfare of the public school system. He belonged to the l*"ield and Commercial Clubs and all who were associated with him learned to value him speedily at his worth. His traits of character were indeed sterling and at all times he valued his own self-respect as of infinitely more worth than wealth, fame or position. He passed away on the 15th day of October, 191 5, after thirty-eight years' connection with the interests of Omaha, leaving behind him a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. If a pen picture could accurately delineate his business characteristics it might be given in these words : A progressive spirit ruled by more than ordinary intelligence and good judgment; a deep earnestness impelled and fostered by indomitable perseverance; a native justice expressing itself in correct principle and practice.

George Walter Loomis

George Walter Loomis, president of the Omaha Loan & Building Association and for a quarter of a century assistant to the general manager and chief clerk of the Burlington Railroad, was born in Windsor, Connecticut, March 4, 1857. His father, George Gilbert Loomis, also a native of Windsor, was born in 1820 and w^as a son of George Loomis, whose entire life was spent at Windsor. George W. Loomis is a representative in the ninth generation of the Loomis family in America and is the first in his direct line of descent to leave the old home at Windsor, where the immigrant ancestor, Joseph Loomis, settled with his five sons on coming from England to the new world in 1638. George G. Loomis, in response to the country's call for aid, enlisted in 1862 for duty with the Twentysecond Regiment of Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, remaining with that command until the termination of its period of service, when he was mustered out with the rank of corporal. Lie married Abigail M. Loomis, a distant relative, and he devoted his entire life to farming, passing away in Windsor, Connecticut, in 1884, while his wife survived until 1889.

George W. Loomis pursued his education in the public schools of Windsor and in a preparatory college at Hartford, Connecticut, where he completed his course. At the age of eighteeen years he secured a clerkship in a store in his native village, there remaining until 1879, when, attracted by the opportunities of the rapidly developing middle west, he made his way to Corning, Iowa, and there accepted a clerkship in the private bank of Frank & Darrow. He continued in that position for a year and then went to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he became stenographer in the land office of the Burlington & Missouri Railroad, a part of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy System. He remained in the capital city until January, 1881, when he was transferred to the office of the general superintendent of the Burlington at Omaha and later was transferred to the general manager's office, in which for the past quarter of a century he has been assistant to the general manager and chief clerk, having responsible duties in this connection. Since 1890 he has been president of the Omaha Loan & Building Association, of which he is an incorporator, and he is likewise president of the Prospect Hill Cemetery Association.

Mary L. Waggoner, a daughter of Dr. C. C. Waggoner, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who is now deceased. The children of this marriage are: George Waggoner, who died at the age of seven years; Walter Phelps; Gilbert Churchill; Maurice Morton; Margaret, who is a member of the class of 1918 of Wellesley College; and Mary Louise.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational church and in his political belief Mr. Loomis is a republican. He belongs to the Commercial Club and something of the nature of his recreation is indicated in his associaton with the Omaha Gun Club and the Omaha /\utomobile Club. His business career has been characterized by steady advancement and the steps in his orderly progression are easily discernible. Each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities and the faithful performance of each day's duties has developed in him strength and courage for the labor of the succeeding day. He is now occupying a position of high standing among the leading business men of his adopted city.

Joseph Boyd Ryan

Omaha had scarcely emerged from villagehood when Joseph Boyd Ryan took up his abode within its borders, arriving in 1865 from St. Joseph, Missouri, from which point he and his father had made their way by packet. They came originally from Rochester, New York. Charles Ryan, the father, coming to Omaha, purchased of the father of General Lowe a five acre tract of land at what is now Fortieth and Cuming streets and thereon engaged in farming. He lived on Hamilton avenue, in the old Lowe home, an'd first engaged in the nursery business, having brought nursery stock with him from Rochester, New York. He built up quite an extensive business as a nurseryman and for twenty years he filled the office of assessor in Omaha. In early manhood he wedded Margaret Boyd, of New York city, and on the 28th of October, 1888, he was called to his final rest. His ancestors fought for American independence in the Revolutionary war.

Their son, Joseph B. Ryan, was born in New York city July 15, 1846, and was therefore a youth of nineteen years when he came with his parents to the west. He had previously graduated from Fordham College at Fordham, New York, and later he returned to Rochester, New York. While there residing he wrote letters for the Washington Post every week under the nom de plume of Teddy O. Trix. He was for some time associated with Smith Benjamin on the Republican and was also connected with the Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester, New York. He received appointment to a position in Washington, where for four years he served as special pension examiner. He took up the study of law in the office of Cowin, Manderson & Savage before returning to the east and when he again came to Omaha in i88i~ he resumed active connection with journalistic interests, being connected with the editorial department of the Herald under Miller and Richardson, also with the Republican, while later he was with the Bee Publishing Company for some years. In fact he devoted much of his life to editorial work and he wrote much during the strike of the Burlington Railroad. He continued in newspaper work up to the time of his death, which occurred October 21, 1890.

It was Mr. Ryan who delivered the first St. Patrick's day address in Omaha at the old high school. He wrote many addresses for public speakers, wielding a facile pen. In fact he was regarded as one of the foremost newspaper writers in his day in the middle west. His discussion of any vital question was always clear, concise and to the point and the soundness of his opinions drew to his cause many followers. His editorials in both the Sunday and daily papers were eagerly read and did much to shape public thought and action. He was also

In Washington, D. C, in 1877, .Mr. Ryan was united in marriage to Miss Kate Gray, of New York city. Her father, James Gray, put the red seal on the paper money in the treasury dei)artnicnt at Washington, with which he was connected for twenty-one years, his last days being there spent. While residing in New York he had responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in the Twelfth New York Regiment under Colonel Butterfield, and he also served as a volunteer fireman of New York city. To Mr. and Mrs. Ryan were born four children: Kate F., who is now a nurse ; Margaret Arabella, assistant superintendent of schools; Adele B., who is the wife of Wilbur Beahm, of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Mary J., who is teaching in Seattle, Washington.

Mrs. Ryan still lives upon part of the old homestead which her father-in-law secured upon coming to Omaha, near Fortieth and Cuming streets. It was then a countr}^ district and the Ryan family has lived there for the past fifty years. Since her husband's death Mrs. Ryan has platted the property, which is known as Ryan's addition, and she has been active in conducting real estate operations there. She has seen every president of the United States inaugurated from the time of Lincoln down to the present, save Hayes and Wilson, for she lived in Washington for many years.

Mr. Ryan was a member of the Press Club but otherwise was not active in club circles. His activities and interests brought him into close touch with public affairs, enabling him to keep his finger constantly on the public pulse, and through his editorial writings and in other ways he did much to shape thought and opinion.

William H. Koenig

William H. Koenig, who was actively connected with the commercial interests of Omaha as a dry goods merchant and member of the firm of Thomas Kilpatrick & Company, was numbered among the native sons of the city who rose to prominence by reason of their force of character, business enterprise, and ready recognition of possibilities and opportunities. He was born in this city, May 23, 1863, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 8th of April, 1916. His father, William Koenig, removed from St. Louis to Omaha in 1855, when the site of the present city had upon it but a few dwellings, constituting a little hamlet upon the western frontier. He afterward returned to St. Louis, where he was married in 1861 to Eleanor Beecher. Henry Pundt came with him to Omaha and together they engaged in the grocery business until the death of Mr. Koenig, which occurred on the 19th of October, 1863. For a long time the store of Pundt & Koenig was one of the landmarks of the city, their location being at Thirteenth and Famam streets.

WiUiam H. Koenig pursued his early education in the schools of Omaha and afterward entered the schools of St. Louis, to which city he went when eleven years of age. He and his mother afterward went to Europe, where they lived until he was nineteen years of age, that period being spent by him in school in Dresden. Returning to his native land, he was for seven years a resident of New York, during which period he traveled on the road as the representative of a wholesale house for a time. He then again came to Omaha and erected a house at Nineteenth and Davenport streets. He also became associated with the business management of the Omaha Bee and afterward entered the field of banking as a representative of the Omaha National Bank. Further extending his efforts in business circles by the purchase of an interest in the Thomas Kilpatrick Dry Goods Company, he thus became one of the organizers of the Kilpatrick-Koch Dry Goods Company, wholesale dealers in dry goods. Later they bought out the

Faulkner stock and later abandoned the wholesale branch of the business, concentrating their energies upon the further development of their retail store, which they carried on under the name of Thomas Kilpatrick & Company up to the time of the death of Mr. Koenig. He possessed keen insight and discrimination and his initiative spirit brought him to a creditable and prominent position in commercial circles.

In St. Louis, in 1892, Mr. Koenig was united in marriage to Miss Elsa Kolbenheyer, a daughter of Dr. Frederick Kolbenheyer, of that city. The two children born of this marriage are Frederick William and Gertrude A. E., both residents of Omaha.

Mr. Koenig attended the Lutheran church, of which he served as treasurer. He belonged to the Omaha Club, the Field Club and the Commercial Club and was preeminently a home man, finding his greatest happiness at his own fireside. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and at one time he served as a member of the school board, but he did not seek nor desire official preferment. He was, however, a most pubHc-spirited man, interested in everything that pertained to the welfare of his native city, its progress and upbuilding. He became one of the organizers of the Sons of Omaha, a society formed of native citizens. Those who knew him found him a most congenial companion. He was a man of broad and liberal culture, well descended and well bred, always courteous, kindly and considerate, and thus it was that the circle of his friends was almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.

Clarence John Canan

Clarence John Canan, a real estate dealer of Omaha, was born in St. Clair, Michigan, January 10, 1851, and is descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry, the line being traced back through several generations to John Canan, who was born in the north of Ireland in 1746. He came to the new world prior to the Revolutionary war and served in the struggle for independence, in which he rose to the rank of captain, taking active part in winning American liberty. His son, John Canan II, was the grandfather of Clarence J. Canan and the father of John Canan III, who was born in Detroit, Michigan, and who in early manhood was married in St. Clair, Michigan, to Sarah Von Ostrander, a native of Pennsylvania. They spent the entire period of their married life in Michigan and Mr. Canan became a very wealthy and prominent lumberman of St. Clair but suffered heavy losses during the widespread financial panic of 1873. He died in the year 1891.

In the schools of his native city Clarence J. Canan pursued his early education and afterward attended Olivet College in Michigan, from which he was graduated with the class of 1872. On leaving home he came to Omaha in 1874, at which time he possessed a cash capital of a dollar and a half. His limited financial resources rendered it imperative that he obtain immediate employment and for two years he clerked in a dry goods store. In 1879 ^"^^ engaged in the merchant tailoring business on his own account and so continued actively until 1893. On retiring from that business he turned his attention to the real estate and fire insurance business, in which he has since been engaged. He handles much important property and writes a large amount of insurance annually. He has a wide acquaintance and his enterprising methods have placed him in the front rank in his chosen field of activity.

On the loth of August, 1881, at Pontiac, Michigan, Mr. Canan was united in marriage to Miss Elma L. Voorheis, by whom he has three children, namely: Jennie I.; Howard G., who is in West Point Military Academy, class of 1920; and Dorothy. The family attend the Episcopal church and Mr. Canan belongs to the Carter Lake Club.' His political endorsement is given to the democratic party but his activities are confined largely to the exercise of his right of franchise, as he prefers to c(jnccntrate his cntjcries upon his business affairs, which in their constant development have made him one of the foremost hgitres in real estate circles in Omaha.

James Henry Craddock

James Ilenry Craddock, an architect of Omaha since 1904 and now actively and prominently connected with the improvement of the city through its building operations, was bom at Mystic River, Connecticut, in 1856. His father, Nicholas Craddock, a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, came to the United States in 1848 and settled in Connecticut. At Mystic River he married Miss Ellen Purtel and both passed away in Connecticut, the death of the father occurring in 1878.

In the schools of Mystic River and in the Mystic River Institute, James H. Craddock pursued his education. The year 1885 witnessed his arrival in Nebraska, locating at Lincoln, w'here he began business as an architect. He also maintained an office in Omaha and in 1904, disposing of his business in Lincoln, he established his home in Omaha, where he has since practiced his profession. He is thoroughly conversant with every department of the work and the beauty and utility of his plans are manifest in some of the fine buildings of the city and state.

In Omaha, in 1904. ]\Ir. Craddock was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Sebring and they have become the parents of two children, Ellen C. and James H. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Craddock is identified with the Knights of Pythias and with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and in 191 7 he was representative in the general assembly from Douglas county. The greater part of his time, thotight and purpose, however, are directed to his profession and in his chosen calling he has made continuous advancement.

George C. Johnson

George C. Johnson, a well known Omaha grain merchant who in 1913 organized the Iowa Elevator Company, of which he is the president, was born in Denmark, September 28, 1861. His father, Marinus Johnson, also a native of Denmark, served with the Danish army in 1864 in the war with Germany. Ere leaving his native country he wedded Miss Katharine Larsen and in 1870 they came with their family to the United States, establishing their home upon a farm in Iroquois county, Illinois. Throughout the period of his residence in this country the father followed agricultural pursuits and passed away in Kankakee, Illinois, in 1908, having for two years survived his wife, who died in 1906.

George C. Johnson, a lad of nine years when brought to the new world, largely acquired his education in the public schools of Chebanse, Illinois, and also attended the Valparaiso (Ind.) College, in which he pursued a commercial course. He was at the time twenty years of age. Eor three years he w-as employed in a retail implement house in Kankakee, Illinois, after which he spent eight years upon the road as a traveling salesman, representing an implement manufacturing house of Sandwich, Illinois. During that time he spent eight months in Buenos Aires as representative for the firm. In 1889 he embarked in the retail hardware business at Newman Grove, Nebraska, where he remained for seventeen years, building up a business of large and profitable proportions. He turned his attention to banking in 1892 as cashier of the Citizens State Bank, now the First National Bank of Newman Grove, where he remained for seven years. In 1899 he with- drew from active connection with the bank and entered the grain and kimber business, remaining at Newman Grove until 1906, when he came to Omaha and has since been a factor in the business circles of this city. At first he was treasurer of the Nye-Schneider-Fowler Grain Company, with which he continued for two years, when he removed to Nebraska City and spent two years as vice president of the Duff Grain Company. In 191 1 he returned to Omaha and for two years was connected with the Crowell Elevator Company but on the ist of May, 1913, organized the Iowa Elevator Company and has since been the directing head of the enterprise as its president. Under his able management the business of the company has steadily increased and broadened and has now assumed extensive proportions.

Mr. Johnson has been twice married. On the 19th of October, 1892, in Omaha, he wedded ]Miss Anna Ostergard, who passed away October 31, 1914, leaving two children: Helen D., who was born in 1895; and Walter O., whose birth occurred in 1898. On the nth of April, 1916, in Fremont Nebraska, Mr. Johnson w^as again married, his second union being w'ith Josephine Srack, nee Christensen.

Mr. Johnson attends the Congregational church and formerly he was identified with the Masons and with the Odd Fellows but has been demitted from both organizations. He belongs to the Commercial Club, thus cooperating in activities for the benefit and upbuilding of the city, and he also has membership in the Happy Hollow Club. His political endorsement is given to the republican party. He is spoken of as a clean-cut, square business man who stands high in commercial circles, whose word is thoroughly reliable and whose methods are most enterprising and commendable. His salient qualities have won him many friends.

George Akin Eckles

George Akin Eckles, lawyer and real estate dealer of Omaha, was born in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, in 1850 and is of Irish lineage. His great-grandfather in the paternal line was Arthur Eckles, who came to the United States in 1775 from County Down, Ireland, and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His son, John Eckles, lived for many years in Pennsylvania and in Indiana and it was in the former state that his son, Joseph H. Eckles, father of George Akin Eckles, was born in the year 1818. Having arrived at years of maturity, he was married in Pennsylvania to Margaret Patton and in 1854 they removed westward to Indiana, settling first at Logansport, while a few years later they became residents of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Following the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south Joseph H. Eckles aided in recruiting the Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry for service in the Civil war and with that regiment went to the front as major. He was killed in a minor engagement in 1862 following the battle of Shiloh.

At Fort Wayne, Indiana, George A. Eckles attended the public schools and afterward became a student in an academy at Newville, Indiana, from which he was graduated. The year 1868 witnessed his arrival in Nebraska, at which time he settled in ]\Ierrick county, wdiere he lived for six years. He then took up his abode upon a stock ranch in Holt county, Nebraska, where he resided for three and a half years, and on the expiration of that period he went to Neligh, Nebraska, where he studied law with the Hon. J. H. Gurney, subsequently entering into partnership with his preceptor, which relation was maintained for three years. Mr. Eckles then removed to Chadron, Nebraska, where he remained in active law practice until 1907. In the latter year he came to Omaha and has since practically retired from the active- work of the profession, acting now only as consulting counsel. He concentrates his attention and energies largely upon the real estate business and has handled some valuable property in this city. While living in Chadron he filled the offices of city and county attorney. He was also largely instrumental in the establishment of the Chadron Academy in 1887 and in its restoration when it was destroyed by fire in 1892. He was secretary and trustee of the academy from its establishment until he removed to Omaha, when he resigned the office. He was also postmaster at Chadron for eight and a half years, retiring from that position in 1907, when he removed to this city.

In early manhood, in Allen county, Indiana, Mr. Eckles was married and has two children: Cleoa G., the wife of Charles II. Kelsey, of Norfolk, Nebraska, by whom she has two children, Alpha and Hadley ; and Joseph Paul, who was born in 1880 and is a graduate of the Nebraska State University. He is a building contractor, carrying on business in Omaha. In 1909 he married Augusta Walters and they have three children, Pauline, Thelma and George. Following the death of his first wife Mr. Eckles married again.

He is a Congregationalist in religious faith and something of the nature of his recreation is indicated in the fact that he belongs to the Elmwood Park Golf Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is a stalwart supporter of its principles. Pie made an excellent record in public office while in Chadron but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. His thought and purpose have rather been concentrated upon his business affairs and the discharge of his public duties as a private citizen, and the careful management of his interests has brought to him a substantial measure of success, especially in the real estate field.

Benjamin B. Barkalow

Attracted by the opportunities of the growing west, Benjamin B. Barkalow came to Omaha in 1856, at which time he found a small town on the western frontier. He did not take up his permanent abode here at that period although he remained for two years, but in the '60s he returned and continued his residence here until his death. Those who know aught of the early history of the city recognize the fact that he contributed in substantial measure to its early development and improvement and aided in laying the foundation for the present progress and prosperity of the city. He was born in Warren county, Ohio, October 13, 1819, a son of Zebulon and Amy (Vail) Barkalow. On arriving at years of maturity he wedded Margaret Denise, the wedding being celebrated June 19, 1842, at Carlisle, Ohio. Mrs. Barkalow was born ]\larch 27, 1818, a daughter of Sidney and Ann (Conover) Denise. ^Ir. and Mrs. Barkalow came of Holland Dutch and French lineage and their ancestors figured prominently in connection with the colonial history of this country and with the Revolutionary war. To Mr. and Mrs. Barkalow were born seven children- Derrick Vail, deceased; Sidney Denise, deceased ; Newton Evans, of Denver, Colorado ; Anna Denise, who has now passed away; Daisy Bell, who became the wife of Ben B. Wood; Moses Wilbur, of San Francisco; and Benjamin, who died in infancy.

During the period of his early manhood Benjamin B. Barkalow became prominently connected with business interests in Ohio. He owned canal boats, warehouses and a lumberyard on the Miami canal and his interests became extensive and important, connecting him in large measure with the business development of the district in which he operated. The reports which he heard concerning Omaha and the opportunities of the west led him to remove to Nebraska in 1850 and on the 6th of November of that year he reached Omaha, where he established a banking business and real estate office. Two years later he removed to St. Louis, Missouri, and afterward became a resident of Burlington, Iowa, but in the '60s returned to Omaha, where he remained until his life's labors were ended in death in September, 1864. His widow long survived him, passing away on the 6th of November, 1898. Both jMr. and Mrs. Barkalow assisted in organizing the Presbyterian church of Omaha and ahhough his residence in that city covered a comparatively brief period he was actively associated with enterprises and projects which led to the material and moral progress of the community. He foresaw the possibilities of the town and worked for its development and upbuilding in various ways and his labors constituted a motive power in bringing about later development and progress.

Guy Cameron McKenzie, president of the Corey-McKenzie Printing Company, was born in Omaha on the 19th of August, 1876, and comes of Scotch lineage, his grandfather being George McKenzie, a native of Scotland, who, however, spent his last days in Omaha. George McKenzie, Jr., father of Guy C. McKenzie, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and accompanied his parents to the United States when a youth of fourteen years, the family home being established at Kanesville, now Council Bluffs, Iowa. In Desoto, Nebraska, he married Eleanore Maxfield and in 1866 they removed to Omaha. Throughout his active life the father engaged in farming. He passed away in March, 1914, having for a considerable period survived his wife, who died in 1898. Of the Presbyterian church they were consistent and faithful members.

Reared in his native city, Guy C. McKenzie pursued his education in the public schools of Omaha and then became connected with a weekly paper of this city, which constituted his preliminary step in connection with the business in which he is still engaged. In December, 1907, the firm of Corey & McKenzie, which had previously been established, was incorporated as the Corey-McKenzie Printing Company, with Mr. McKenzie as the president, and as the head of this company he is directing its interests and broadening the scope of the business.

On the 26th of October, 191 1, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mr. McKenzie was united in marriage to Miss Esther E. Holton, daughter of Nicholas Holton. They have two children. Ruth Caroline and Esther Eleanore. The parents attend the Lutheran church and Mr. McKenzie gives his political endorsement to the republican party. He is well known in Masonic circles as a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 25, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master, also of Mount Calvary Commandery, No. i, K. T., and of Tangier Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He likewise belongs to the Rotary Club and these associations, as well as his business connections, have brought him a wide acquaintance, while the sterling worth of his character has established him in the high regard of his many friends.

Harry E. Mahaffey

Harry E. Mahaffey, whose efforts have materially increased the volume of insurance business done in Omaha during almost a quarter of a century, was bom in Oquawka, Illinois, in 1864, a son of Joseph C. and Mary EHzabeth (Kitchen) Mahaffey. His paternal grandfather was a native of Ohio, while the maternal grandfather, John Kitchen, was a native of North Carolina. The Mahaffey family is of Scotch-Irish descent, while the maternal grandmother of Harry E. Mahaffey came from Holland. Joseph C. Mahaffey was born on a farm in Brown county, Ohio, in 1838 and took up the occupation of farming as a life work but at the time of the Civil war responded to the country's call for troops in October, 1861, enlisting as a member of Company I, Fiftieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the engagement of Fort Donelson. was wounded twice in the battle of Shiloli April 6, 1862, and took part in a number of hotly contested engagements which contributed to the victory that finally crowned the Union arms. He was mustered out in August, 1862. In 1886 he became a resident of Tingley, Iowa, where he passed away in April, 1907, and his widow is now a resident of Fort Morgan, Colorado.

In the schools of Little ^'ork, Illinois, Harry E. Mahaffey pursued his education and never had the advantage of a college course. In 1887 he arrived in Omaha, then a young man of twenty-three years, and for two years thereafter was employed in a grocery store. He next entered the employ of the Philadelphia Publishing Plouse as city agent in Omaha and spent six months in that connection, at the end of which time he secured a position with T. S. Grigor, coffee and tea merchant, while later he engaged in clerking in a grocery store again, so continuing from 1890 until the spring of 1893. On the expiration of that period he entered the employ of the Pacific Mutual Life & Accident Insurance Company of San Francisco and six years afterward became a representative of the Standard Accident Insurance Company of Detroit, Michigan. In 1900 he was made superintendent of agents for the state of Iowa and a year later his jurisdiction was extended to Nebraska, northern Missouri and South Dakota. He retained his headquarters at Des Moines, Iowa, until July i, 1910, when he was transferred to Omaha as general manager of Nebraska, which position he now fills. He thoroughly understands every phase of the insurance business and his administrative direction and executive force constitute a very potent element in the upbuilding of the business of the company in this state.

On the 24th of April, 1895, in Omaha, Mr. Mahaffey was united in marriage to J\Iiss Jessie May Monteith, her parents being Lavinus and Margaret (Patterson) Monteith. The father, who was born in the Mohawk valley of New York in 1802, passed away in 1895, while the mother, a native of Scotland, died in 1885, when fifty-five years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Mahaffey are the parents of four children, namely : Edith Fern, Helen Grace, Donald Monteith and Margaret Elizabeth.

The parents hold membership in the Lowe Avenue Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Mahaft'ey is a trustee. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and he has membership in the Concord Club, the Ad Club and the Ak-Sar-Ben. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he stands at all times for those forces which he believes to be of vital worth in the upbuilding and progress of his city and state. He is never willing to choose the second best but looks for those things which are of greatest value to the community in its material, intellectual, social and moral development.

Dr. Clarence B. Foltz, an intelligent, progressive and popular young medical practitioner of Omaha, recognizing fully the responsibilities and obligations devolving upon him, was born in Clare, Illinois, November 9, 1885, ^ son of Jonathan and Nancy (Barlow) Foltz and a grandson of B. M. Foltz, a native of Germany, who was brought to the United States by his parents in his childhood days, the family home being established first in Pennsylvania. He afterward removed to Illinois and passed away in Farmington, that state. His son Jonathan was born in Pennsylvania in 1858 and was married in Farmington, Illinois, to Nancy Barlow, a native of that state, who passed away in 1913. The father is still living.

Dr. Foltz accompanied his parents on their removal to Osceola, Iowa, acquired his education in the public schools there and was graduated in 1914 from the medical department of Creighton University at Omaha. He then opened an ofifice in this city and already has built up a practice which many an older member of the profession might well envy. He is thoroughly conversant with all the modern methods of treatment and is deeply interested in everything that tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life.

On the nth of November, 1907, in Osceola, Iowa, Dr. Foltz was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Adelia Cady, a daughter of Judson Cady, of Vancouver, Washington, and they have become the parents of four children, Mary C, AHce A., Ethel A. and Ehzabeth.

Dr. Foltz votes with the republican party and he holds membership with the Commercial Club, thus cooperating in interests and activities that have for their object the benefit and upbuilding of the city. He has membership in the Christian church and the rules that govern his conduct are further indicated in his association with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the commandery and consistory degrees, and has also become a member of the Mystic Shrine. His life already indicates the progressive spirit and laudable ambition which have prompted him in his professional career and which promise well for success in the future.

Ellis U. Graff

It is a recognized fact that Omaha holds to and maintains high educational standards, not alone in her colleges and universities but in her public schools and therefore she demands that those in charge of her public institutions of learning shall be people of marked ability and of superior qualifications in their chosen field. Thorough preliminary training and broad experience well prepared Professor Ellis U. Grafl: for the position which he now occupies as superintendent of schools in Omaha. Fie was bom March 9, 1875, in Red Oak, Iowa, a son of David Grafi!^, a native of Pennsylvania, and a grandson of Joseph Graff, whose birth occurred in Germany. David Graft' was born in 1840 and removing to Illinois in early life, he there married Lucy White, coming to Iowa subsequent to the Civil war. He had served as a defender of the Union cause for three years, enlisting in an Illinois cavalry regiment, with which he was in active duty at Shiloh, in the siege of Vicksburg and in other important engagements. Both he and his wife are still living, their home being in Sac City, Iowa.

Ellis U. Graff was reared in Sac City, Iowa, whither his parents removed in his early boyhood, and after attending the public schools there he became a student in the Lake Forest College at Lake Forest, Illinois, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897, winning the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Later he pursued post graduate work in the University of Chicago and ini9i5 the Master of Arts degree was conferred upon him by his alma mater. He took up the profession of teaching as instructor in Latin and Greek in the high school at Clinton, Iowa, there remaining through the scholastic year of 1897-8. He then returned to his native city as principal of the high school, which position he occupied for three years, and for a similar period he was principal of the high school at Marshalltown, Iowa. He later spent four years as high school principal at Rockford, Illinois, and in 1908 accepted the position of principal of the high school of Omaha, in which connection he was retained for three years, and was then in 191 1 chosen superintendent of schools, in which capacity he has now served for five years. His work has been highly satisfactory to the public, especially to those who give thoughtful and earnest consideration to the question of public education. He keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress and is continually seeking out and employing new methods which will advance the efficiency of the schools.

At Clinton, Iowa, on the i8th of August, 1897, Mr. Graff was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Conger, a daughter of John S. Conger, who was a veteran

Professor and Mrs. Graff are communicants of the Presbyterian church and in political faith he is a republican, well versed m the principles of the party yet without ambition or desire for public office. His interest in community affairs finds expression in his membership in the Commercial Club and he enjoys pleasant social relations through his membership in the Rotary, University and Palimpsest Clubs. It would be tautological in this connection to enter into any series of statements showing him to be a man of broad scholarly attainments, for this has been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. He is recognized, however, as a man of kindly sympathy, generous in his opinion of others and yet never deviating from the high standards which he has set up as the course of his own conduct.

Edward Wood . Slaieral

Edward Wood Simeral was the first county attorney of Douglas county and is yet an active practitioner at the Omaha bar. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1853, a son of James ]^Iontgomery Simeral, who was bom in Smithfield, Ohio, March 12, 1821, and was there married in 1852 to Martha Wood, a daughter of Edward Wood, a native of England. In April, 1861, James M. Simeral responded to the country's call for troops to aid in quelling the rebellion in the south. He joined the First Iowa Cavalry, going to the front as a private, but was soon afterward made lieutenant and rose to the rank of captain of Company L of the First Iowa Cavalry. On being mustered out at x\ustin, Texas, in August, 1866, he held the rank of major. Following the close of the war he purchased a plantation in Texas and there remained for two years. He brought "his family to Omaha in 1870 and for many years he was actively engaged in the real estate business in this city, passing away in 1902, while his widow survived him until 1906.

During the period of the Civil war Edward W'. Simeral was a pupil in Kenyon College at Gambler, Ohio, pursuing his studies in that institution until 1866. He had previously been a pupil in the high school at Terre Haute, Indiana, for a year. In 1870 he came with his parents to Omaha and the following year entered the employ of the Omaha Bee, with which he was connected until December, 1903. It was soon after his arrival in this city that he took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1876, after which he served as attorney for the Bee from that date until 1903. He now concentrates his attention upon the private practice of law and his clientage is extensive and important. In January, 1886, he became the first county attorney of Douglas county and so continued for tvvo years.

Mr. Simeral votes with the republican party. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church and he belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is master of the fourth or patriotic degree for the district comprising Nebraska and South Dakota.

Harry B. Fleharty

Harry B. Fleharty, city solicitor of Omaha, to which position he was appointed in June, 191 5, has long been regarded as an active factor in democratic circles in eastern Nebraska and has been an untiring worker in support of the principles in which he believes. He was born in Windsor, Illinois, on the ist of July, 1872, and comes of a family of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His father, Henry C. Fleharty, a farmer by occupation, was born in Maryland in 1833 and had a twin brother, the late Rev. John Ouincy Adams Fleharty, who passed away in Omaha in 1916. Henry C. Fleharty was united in marriage to Margaret CuUison, a native of Virginia, who passed away in 1909, but Mr. Fleharty continues a resident of Omaha.

It was in the year 1880 that the parents removed to Ogallala, Nebraska, and there Harry B. Fleharty attended the public schools, while later he studied at Fullerton. He likewise spent two years in the Nebraska Wesleyan College at Lincoln and later entered upon the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1893 at Stockville, Nebraska. He there began practice but after eighteen months removed to Larned, Kansas, where he continued for a year. In 1896 he was appointed private secretary by Governor John W. Leedy and occupied that position for two years. In 1899 he opened an office in South Omaha, where he continued in the private practice of law until 1906, when he was elected to the office of city attorney. Two years later he was nominated for the position of attorney general of the state on the democratic ticket, but met defeat, as did the entire ticket save the candidate for governor. In 1908 he removed to Omaha and in 1910 he was defeated by only ninety votes for the nomination for congress. In June, 191 5, he was appointed city solicitor of Omaha, which position he is now acceptably and creditably filling. For a long period he has been an active leader in the democratic party and his opinions carry weight in its councils. He has ever closely studied the vital and significant problems before the country and his position is the result of a firm belief in the principles which he advocates.

On the 22d of October, 19 12, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Fleharty was united in marriage to Miss Maud Doersam. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Fleharty also holds membership with the Woodmen of the World, the Eagles and the Stags. His interest in and support of measures of civic virtue and civic pride is indicated in his identification with the Commercial Club.

Edward Morris Martin

Edward Morris Martin, vice president of the Guarantee Fund Life Association, was born in Delafield, Wisconsin, September 23, 1871. His father, the Rev. John Martin, was born in Ripley, Ohio, in 1825 and was the grandson of Alexander Martin, who enlisted from Staunton, Virginia, as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was wounded at the battle of Brandywine. The Rev. John Alartin became a Presbyterian minister and served as chaplain of an Ohio regiment in the Civil war. He was married in his native state to Miss Elizabeth King, who was born in Ohio, and in 1865 they went to Wisconsin, while in 1880 they came to Nebraska, settling in Cedar county, where the father passed away in 189 1 and the mother in -1896.

Edward M. Martin acquired a country school education in Cedar county and later attended Hastings College at Hastings, Nebraska, and Grinnell College at Grinnell, Iowa, being graduated from the latter with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1893. He completed a course in the law department of the Nebraska State University in 1895 and the same year was admitted to the bar. He at once located in Omaha, where he has since practiced law, and from 1912 to the present he has devoted his attention to insurance litigation and is vice president of and counsel for the Guarantee Fund Life Association. He is likewise president of the Home Casualty Company of Omaha and for years he has been counsel for the Nebraska State Bankers Association.

On the 1st of January, 1900, in Yankton. South Dakota. Mr. ^lartin was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Louisa Felber, her father being John J. Felber, who has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Martin hold membership in the West- minster Presbyterian church and he belongs also to the Omaha Club and the University Club, to the Sons of the American Revolution and to the Commercial Club. His political endorsement is given to the republican party. He earned the money with which to pay his way through college, as his father was unable to help him. He devotes his time and attention to his family and to his business rather than to clubs and social organizations and he has a beautiful country home about four miles from Omaha, where he spends much of the time not occupied with his legal and hnancial interests.

Frank J. Birss

Frank J. Birss stands at the head of one of the most important industrial enterprises of Omaha, being president of the Western Bridge & Construction Company, and his history is a story of earnest endeavor. When in the battle of life the city boy crosses swords with the country lad the odds are against him. The early rising, the daily tasks, the economic habits of the country boy prepare him for the struggle that must precede ascendancy. His early training was that of the farm and the habits of industry and close application which he there developed have constituted the foundation of his present success. He was born in 1862 upon a farm in Cedar county, Iowa. His father, John Birss, who followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life, was born in Scotland in 1818 and came alone to the United States in 1847, his arrival on the Atlantic coast terminating a voyage of fourteen weeks in one of the old-time sailing vessels. He made his way to Cedar county, Iowa, where a Scotch settlement had been planted, and there he married Ann Yule, their remaining days being spent in that county.

Reared on the home farm in the usual manner of boys of that locaHty and period, Frank J. Birss attended the country schools and also pursued a course in a business college in Omaha. In 1883 he located on a farm in Thayer county, Nebraska, devoting the succeeding four years to the w^ork of tilling the soil. In 1887 he entered the live stock and grain business in Belvidere, Thayer county, operating along that line until 1891, when he accepted the position of manager of a large elevator in Belvidere, so continuing until 1898. In 1894-5 there was a crop failure and to bridge over the interval Mr. Birss sold accident insurance, which was hard work, for money was scarce, but the experience proved of value to him and taught him self-confidence. He persevered and the second winter had a surjjlus over his expenses. It was in 1902 that he became connected with the enterprise of which he is now the head, having in that year entered the employ of John W. Tow^le, bridge builder, being connected with road work until 1906, when he was advanced to the position of manager and so continued until November of that year, when the Western Bridge & Construction Company was organized by Mr. Towle, Mr. Birss becoming secretary with Mr. Towle as president. This proved a growing and profitable undertaking and in November, 1914, Mr. Birss became president, Mr. Towle having withdrawn from the business. A local paper said :

"One of the chiefest of Omaha's many industries is the Western Bridge & Construction Company. This concern specializes in the smaller bridges, making it a policy to accept only such contracts as it can finish to the complete satisfaction of the patron, and in thus specializing it has created a field for its endeavors that places it in the position of being a dominant factor in the pioneer work of trail blazing. This idea of specialization is carried further in that the company does not maintain its own shops, but purchases the material used in its construction Avork from other shops that have the equipment to produce the best material. At the offices of the company, No. 648 Bee building, its engineers are constantly engaged in working out plans for defeating the obstacles of nature in spanning rivers, creeks and valleys. The company's work has proved one of the big factors in improvement of country roads, as the viaducts and bridges it erects are the acme of safety and service. One of the big things done by the company, which best illustrates its ability to perform acts that are in the nature of miracles, was the building of the intake for the Omaha Electric Light & Power Company's big generating plant on the banks of the Missouri river. This contract involved forty thousand dollars and is one of the most important engineering contracts ever completed in Omaha. The company's operations include the building of bridges in all parts of Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. This work in every instance may be considered in the light of pioneering, for it makes possible the march of progress. Bridges spanning the rivers and valleys of the west mean the shortening of distance, the annihilation of time, and the building of new cities on the new routes of travel provided by these bridges. This company means an important element in the upbuilding of the city, for in every piece of work it completes another tribute to the enterprise and ingenuity of Omaha is added. F. J. Birss, president of the company, is one of the experts and authorities of the country on bridge building."

On the 28th of September, 1892, in Belvidere, Nebraska, Mr. Birss wedded Carrie A. Allen. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Birss is a York Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, to the Commercial Club and to the Ak-Sar- Ben and in the midst of a very busy life he finds time to do his part in every civic enterprise that has for its aim the building of a bigger and better Omaha. In 1897, he was elected county clerk of Thayer county, and later he received endorsement of his first term's service in reetection. At the close of his second term he refused the nomination for county treasurer, for his ambition is not along the line of office seeking, as he has ever regarded the pursuits of private life as in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efforts.

Charles B. Rustin

Charles B. Rustin, who during the years of his residence in Omaha was identified with mining and allied interests, arrived in this city in 1864 and it was his place of residence until his final summons came. He was born in Vermont, March 29, 1836, and was a youth of sixteen years v/hen in March, 1852, he removed to Ohio, spending the succeeding year with a civil engineering corps. He then went to Denmark, Iowa, and in 1856 took up his abode at Sioux City. He was living there at the time of the Indian uprising and massacre, in which connection he did a notable service for the settlers. News reached the locality that the red men were approaching and all knew what might be expected if they were allowed to carry out their designs. Mr. Rustin, then a young man of twenty-five years, volunteered to ride to Council Bluffs and inform the military force there of the situation. He left Sioux City at seven o'clock at night on horseback and reached Council Bluff's at nine o'clock the following morning after fourteen hours spent in the saddle, having changed horses at the mail stations. There was then no telegraph communication between Council Bluff's and Sioux City and when Mr. Rustin volunteered it was believed that he would never reach there alive, for the Indians were supposed at that time to be in force, south of the city. With undaunted bravery and determination, however, he started, riding on through the long hours of the night, urging his horse to its utmost speed until he rode into Council Bluff's and gave the warning. Governor Kirkwood was telegraphed of the alarming conditions in the northwest. An order was telegraphed back by the Governor that the regiment which was in marching order to go to the south should start at once for Sioux City, and accordingly the troops departed for the north. Mr. Rustin became adjutant to Colonel James A.

It was in the year 1864 that Air. Rustin took up his permanent abode in Omaha. He had previously been engaged in the real estate business at Sioux City and following his arrival in Nebraska was for a time identified with ferry interests across the river as an owner of the Omaha Ferry Company. He was also freight agent with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company until arrangements were. made to pool their interests, after which he represented the l)Ooled lines until the completion of the bridge across the Missouri river. Later he resigned in order to devote his entire attention to his duties as president of the Omaha Smelting Company, continuing in that position until 1880. He then severed his connection with the company, after which he was individually interested in mining at Leadville. He had at different times operated mines in Nevada, Utah, old Mexico and Idaho. He was one of the incorporators of the Cable Tramway Company of Omaha in 1884 and also one of its reorganizers in 1888, when it became the Omaha Cable Tramway Company. He took a most active and helpful part in ])romoting the early transportation interests and facilities of the city. In a word, he contributed much to the upbuilding of the district and his name thus became inseparably interwoven with its annals.

On the 29th of June, 1859, at Keosauqua, Iowa, Mr. Rustin was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Wilkins, born in Ohio, who went to Iowa in 1846. Her father, Daniel Putnam Wilkins, was one of the early attorneys of Ohio and he passed away in that state when a comparatively young man. Mr. and Mrs. Rustin became the parents of five children, a daughter and four sons, of whom Claire, the wife of James H. Mcintosh, of New York city, survives.

The death of the husband and father occurred July 18, 1900, when he was sixty-four years of age, following a residence of more than a third of a century in Omaha. He was a loyal and progressive citizen and the democratic party, to which he gave his support, elected him to the office of state senator. He gave careful consideration to all the varied questions which came up for settlement and never hesitated to stanchly support a measure in the justice of which he l)elieved. Llis life commended him to the confidence and goodwill of all, and although nearly two decades have come and gone since he passed away, those wlio knew him yet cherish his memory, while the part which he played in the development of this section of the state will not soon be forgotten.

Henry Atkinson Holdrege

Henry Atkinson Holdrege, general manager of the Omaha Electric Light & Power Company, in which position he is bending his energies to administrative direction and executive control of one of the leading corporate interests of the city, has throughout his entire business career made wise use of his time, talents and opportunities and each forward step has brought to him a broader outlook. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1873, ^ son of George W. Holdrege, who is general manager of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company with headquarters at Omaha and who is represented elsewhere in this work.

The establishment of the family home in Omaha during the early boyhood of Henry A. Holdrege led to his becoming a public school pupil here and for advanced training he returned to his native city, entering the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, from which he was graduated in 1895 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. His excellent work and high scholarship in that institution are indicated in the fact that he was retained there as a teacher in the laboratory for a year. He then went to Chicago and from 1896 until 1903 was with the Chicago Telephone Company, in which connection his increasing powers and trustworthiness led to his advance until he was occupying the position of district manager when he resigned. In 1903 he went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, as manager of the Citizens Gas & Electric Company and on the ist of January, 1904, was transferred to the Omaha Electric Light & Power Company as general manager. This position of large responsibility he is now filling and under his control the business has been thoroughly systematized and so developed that maximum results are achieved with a minimum expenditure of time, labor and material. He is now one of the directors of the company, also of the Citizens Gas & Electric Company of Council Bluff's, and is the president of the Hoeschen Manufacturing Company of Omaha.

At Belmont, Massachusetts, on the 26th of September, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Holdrege and Miss Annie Mumford Hunt, a daughter of the late Charles F. Hunt, and they now have three children, Emily, George Chandler and Charles Francis. The family attend the Unitarian church. Mr. Holdrege votes with the republican party and he is identified with the leading organizations which figure most prominently in the social life of the city, being a member of the Omaha, University, Omaha Country and Athletic Clubs and the Council Bluffs Rowing Association. He is also a member of the Commercial Club. Alert and enterprising, he is watchful of every opportunity pointing to broader activity along business lines, and each step in his career has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities.

W. Scott King

W. Scott King, president of the King-Rohrbough Company, was bom in Omaha, January 19, 1862, and is a representative of one of its oldest and best known pioneer families. His paternal grandfather was a native of Virginia and on removing westward settled at Springfield, Illinois, where his remaining days were passed. A great-grandfather of W. Scott King served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His father, Jacob King, was born in Springfield, Illinois, in 1832 and devoted his life to the occupation of farming. In August, 1856, he removed to Omaha, then a small frontier town of little commercial or industrial importance save that it was an outfitting station for travelers across the plains. In Omaha he wedded Christina Peterson and they remained residents of this city until called to the home beyond, the former passing away in 1910 and the latter in 1912.

In the schools of Omaha W. Scott King began his education and also received private instruction in civil engineering. His life has been devoted to professional activity along that line since 1881 and he has been more and more largely connected with important engineering projects as the years have gone on. He has become recognized as an authority upon many m.atters relating to his profession and from 1881 until 1887 he was connected as a civil engineer with the Union Pacific Railroad Company. In 1887 when the construction of the Union Stock Yards was begun Mr. King became chief engineer and superintendent of construction and continued to hold both of those positions until 1907 when he resigned. During this time the greater portion of the present yards was constructed. At the present time he is a consulting engineer, practicing as president of the King-Rohrbough Company, which occupies a position of leadership in

In Elkhorn, Douglas county, Nebraska, on the 4th of January, 1888, Mr Kmg was married to Miss Margaret C. Hall, a daughter of the late Edward Hall, and they have become the parents of five children, Howard S., Fred W., Vera B., Ralph H. and Margaret.

The religious faith of the parents is that of the Episcopal church. Mr. Kmg is well known in Masonic circles as both a York and Scottish Rite Mason and as a member of the Mystic Shrine. He also has membership with the Elks and he belongs to the Nebraska Territorial Pioneers and the Douglas County Association of Nebraska Pioneers. In politics he is a stalwart republican and for five or six years he filled the office of city engineer of South Uniaha, while in 1896 he was chosen county engineer of Douglas county, but after one year resigned to concentrate his energies upon the private practice of his profession, in which he has steadily advanced to a place of leadership.

Robert Levi Carter

Robert Levi Carter, president of the Omaha Sheet Metal Company, has been engaged in that line of business in Omaha since 1886 and has conducted an independent enterprise since June, 1889, thus becoming a well known factor in the industrial circles of the city. He was born in Sparta, Illinois, November 16, 1865, a son of Robert Levi and Mary E. (Johaningsmier) Carter, who were married in Illinois. The father was born in North Carolina in 1822 and passed away in Illinois in 1879, while his wadow, long surviving him, died in Omaha in

After attending the public schools in southern Illinois Robert L. Carter continued his education in a college at Carbondale, Illinois, but did not graduate. Crossing the threshold of business life, he learned the sheet metal worker's trade in Mason City, Iowa, and in 1886 came to Omaha, where he sought and secured employment in that line. He was ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own account and in June, 1889, entered into partnership with Edward McBrien under the firm name of McBrien & Carter. They established a sheet metal shop at No. 1 10 South Eleventh street and the partnership continued for more than two years, at the end of which time Mr. Carter bought out the interests of Mr. McBrien. In 1909 the business was incorporated under the name of the Carter Sheet Metal Works and Mr. Carter became the president and executive head. In this connection he has since directed the policy and course of the business, which has steadily grown until it is now a large and profitable productive industry of Omaha. In 1916 the firm name was changed to the Omaha Sheet Metal Company.

On the 8th of January, 1891, in Omaha, Mr. Carter was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Sherry and they have become the parents of three children, Mary Alice, Irene and Ruth Louise. The parents are Episcopalians in religious faith, holding membership in Trinity Cathedral, in which Mr. Carter is serving as vestryman. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of America. He is a life member of the Athletic Club of Omaha and belongs also to the Ak-Sar-Ben and the Commercial and Rotary Clubs, oiganizations which have to do with the upbuilding, substantial improvement and progress of the city. He manifests the same spirit of progressiveness in relation to public affairs that he has displayed in his private life and it is a well known fact that in his business career he has advanced steadily from the work bench to the position which he now occupies as president of a profitable and growing business concern of Omaha.

Hon. John E. Reagan

A member of the Omaha bar and a well known leader in democratic circles is Hon. John E. Reagan, whose especial concern in public affairs has always been manifest in efforts for the upbuilding and development of his city although he never sought nor held office himself until 1910. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1867 and, as the family name indicates, comes of Irish ancestry.

His paternal grandfather, Thomas Reagan, hved and died in County Kerry, Ireland. His father, Michael Reagan, who was born in that county in 1822, came to the United States in 1848, settling first in Philadelphia. He afterward removed to Pittsburgh, where he remained for a year, and then went to St. Louis, Missouri. He came to Omaha in 1893 and there passed away in 1898. He devoted much of his life to farming and during the Civil war did service as a freighter. He was married in Davenport, Iowa, in i860 to Miss Mary Farrell, who died in Omaha in 1906.

John E. Reagan pursued his education in the country schools of Adair county, Iowa, while spending his youthful days upon his father's farm and afterward attended the Teachers' Normal at Greenfield, Iowa, being graduated therefrom with the class of 1885. He took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for four years in Adair county, and then came to Omaha, where he established a little grocery store. While engaged in the conduct of his store he began the study of law and became one of the incorporators of the Omaha School of Law, now a department of Omaha University. He was admitted to the bar in 1897 and has since specialized in handling estates, being thoroughly versed in land values and in all matters pertaining to his specialty. In practicing along that line he has traveled all over the United States and Europe in the interests of his clients.

In Omaha, on the loth of June, 1902, Mr. Reagan was united in marriage to Miss Margaret C. Cannon, a daughter of the late Martin Cannon, and they have become the parents of four children, Adesta, Patricia, Margaret Clare and Frances Mary.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Reagan holds membership with the Friendly Sons of Ireland, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Moose. In politics he is a stalwart democrat but while long an active party worker he did not seek nor hold office until 1910, when he was elected to represent the sixth senatorial district, embracing Douglas county, in the upper house of the Nebraska general assembly, where he proved a strong and influential member, putting forth tireless effort to secure the adoption of laws favored by his constituents. He was a member of the first charter board of Omaha and he has served at different times both as chairman and secretary of the Douglas county democratic central committee. He is a fluent and earnest speaker and a forceful reasoner and his opinions carry weight with many.

Fay J. Uehling

Fay J. Uehling, closely connected with insurance interests in Omaha as secretary and manager of the Commonwealth Life Company, was born at Scribner, Nebraska, September 23, 1881, a son of Fred and Marie F. (Kroeger) Uehling, the former a native of Wisconsin and the latter of Germany. At an early period in the development of this state the father came to Nebraska and first settled in Dodge county. He drove a freight team from Omaha and remained in Dodge county for sixteen years, being closely identified with its early development and progress. He settled at Scribner, where he established a furniture business, which he conducted for a short time. He afterward removed to Oakland, Burt county, where he engaged in the gAin and lumber business, and in 1901 he retired from active connection with commercial interests, passing away in March, 19 14, at the age of sixty years, his last days having been spent in Omaha. His widow, who was born in Germany, in March, 1858. is now living in Omaha. In their family were eight children, two of whom have passed away. Fay J. was the second in order of birth. The others who still survive are: Mrs. W. H. Bosse, of Meadow Grove, Nebraska; Emil M., also residing at

In his youthful days h"ay J. Uchhng attended the schools of Oakland, Nebraska, and passed through consecutive grades to the senior year in the high school. He afterward entered the Normal College at Fremont, Nebraska, and when his education was comi)letcd he started out in the business world, securing a position with the liolmquisl Grain & Lumber L^ompany, with which he remained for about four years. He then began business on his own account at JJloomheld, Nebraska, as a lumber merchant and remained at that point for three years, at the end of which time he became connected with the First National Bank of illoomheld and was active in the banking business there for seven years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and became identified with the Commonwealth Life Insurance Company, of which he was one of the organizers. The business was established in 1909 and since entering upon active operations in the insurance held in 1910 has had a wonderful growth. The officers of the company are: Frans Nelson, president; George I. Parker and Paul Wupper, vice presidents; and Fay J. Uehling secretary. The business was established along safe and conservative yet progressive lines and the affairs of the company have been so conducted that its career has been one of increasing success.

On the 3d of August, 1904, Mr. Uehling was united in marriage to Miss Maude L. Chambers, of Ponca, Nebraska, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dayton Chambers, and they have one child. Fay Lucille, who was born in Bloomfield, Nebraska, January 13, 1907, and is now attending school in Omaha.

The parents are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Uehling is a Master Mason, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. In politics he is a democrat and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He stands high in public regard as a substantial business man, a respected citizen and a faithful friend and he is rich in the possession of those characteristics which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.

Rubert E. Rogers

Rubert E. Rogers, who was long active in the development of the live stock mdustry in Omaha and the upbuilding of the Omaha Stock Yards, continued an active factor in business circles of the city to the time of his death, which occurred May 31, 1916. Fie was then sixty-one years of age, his birth having occurred at Tackbear Farms, in Devonshire, England.

While spending his youthful days in the home of his parents, Nicholas and Lovedy (Jewell) Rogers, he pursued his education in the public schools. He was still quite young when he came to America, making his way to Pennsylvania, while later he resided in Oilman, Illinois, prior to his removal to Nebraska in 188 r. On coming to this state he took up his abode at Gibbon, on the Union Pacific Railroad, purchased land and engaged in the cattle business at that point for about twelve years. He resided two years at Grand Island, where he devoted his attention to the work of looking up loans, passing on cattle and other such activities in connection with the interests of Shelly, Rogers & Company at South Omaha, of which firm he became a partner about 1891. In 1895 he removed with his family to Omaha. The firm of Shelly, Rogers & Company later went out of business and Mr. Rogers immediately organized the Omaha Live Stock Commission Company of which he became president and directing head. The firm still conducts an extensive business, for at the death of the father his interests were taken over by his sons and the business is still carried on under the name of the Omaha Live Stock Company. Mr. Rogers remained active in the business until 191 1 and was a most prominent factor in the development of the stock yards and the great packing house industries which have contributed so much to the growth, progress and prosperity of the city. He was a most excellent judge of cattle and his opinions were sought by many. There v/as no phase of the business with which he was not familiar and his sound judgment, keen discrimination and unfaltering enterprise were manifest in the substantial success that rewarded his efforts.

In Oilman, Illinois, in 1888, Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Alice Margaret Tibbey, of London, England, a daughter of William and Margaret (McPherson) Tibbey, the former a native of England and the latter of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers became the parents of two sons and a daughter : Arthur E., who is married and has three children ; Bryant C, who is married and has one child; and Daisy B., the wife of Charles E. Olson.

Mr. Rogers was a loyal member of the Masonic fraternity and he belonged also to the Field Club of Omaha. He exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and was mterested in all measures relative to the public good. His was a strong character and his many substantial qualities fitted him for leadership. Dependent upon his own resources from an early age, he steadily worked his way upward, making wise use of his time and talents and readily utilizing opportunities that others passed heedlessly by. There was no esoteric phase in all his business career but a straightforwardness of purpose that made him one of the honored and respected citizens of Omaha.