Omaha City (part 8 of 26)

Albert C. Kugel

Albert C. Kugel, filling the position of city commissioner in Omaha, in which connection he is superintendent of the important department of police, sanitation and public safety, was born in London, England, on the 8th of February, 1867, a son of John F. and Emily (Albrecht) Kugel. The father's birth occurred in Mochmel, Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1838 and in London, England, he wedded Emily Albrecht. In 1872 they sailed for Canada and two weeks after reaching American shores the mother passed away in Toronto. In 1874 Mr. Kugel removed to Chicago and in 1877 became a resident of New York city. In 1880 he established his home at Harlan, Shelby county, Iowa, and for five years engaged in farming, although he was a cabinetmaker by trade and devoted much of his life to that pursuit. In 1885 he came to Omaha. For more than a quarter of a century he continued his residence here, passing away in the year 191 1.

Albert C. Kugel largely acquired his education in the schools of New York city and never had the privilege of pursuing a college course. At the age of twenty years he secured a team and began farming on rented land in Shelby county, Iowa. After a year, however, he came to Omaha and here learned the plumbers' trade, subsequent to which time he engaged in the plumbing business until elected to his present office. He was for eight years financial secretary of the Plumber's Union of Omaha and for several years was a delegate in the Central Labor Union of Omaha, by which he was sent as a delegate to the convention of the American Federation of Labor held in Norfolk, Virginia. He sei-ved out an unexpired term as city plumbing inspector in the early '90s but did not again seek or hold office until elected a member of 'the city council from the tenth ward of Omaha. He has twice been reelected under the commission form of government and became superintendent of the department of police, sanitation and public safety, now having supervision of those important departments of the public life. His political allegiance has ever been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and his efforts have been untiring in the advancement of its interests.

On the 8th of November, 1893, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Mr. Kugel was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Petersen. They have two children, Mildred Alberta and Charles Frederick. Mr. and J\lrs. Kugel hold membership in the Episcopal church and he is a well known York and Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Fdks lodge and along strictly social lines is identified with the Automobile Club and the Seymour Lake Club. That he has deep concern for the public welfare is indicated not only in his official service but also in his membership in the Commercial Club and his hearty cooperation in all its plans and projects toward upholding those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.

Dr. William Joseph McCrann, a physician of high professional attainments, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, March 31, 1855. His father, John McCrann, a native of County Sligo, Ireland, was born in 1830 and came to the United States in 1851. Two years later he was married in Louisville, Kentucky, and there he met an accidental death in i860. His widow long survived him and passed away in Omaha in 1908.

In the schools of his native city Dr. McCrann pursued his early education and afterward, having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, entered the Louisville Medical College, from which he was graduated with high honors in 1883, winning a gold medal. The following year he became assistant to the chair of theory and practice in the Louisville Medical College. In 1885 he was appointed attending physician to St. Vincent's Orphanage, a Catholic institution in Louisville, under the management of the Sisters of Nazareth of Kentucky, and containing several hundred children. He was also physician to the house of the Loretto Sisters of St. Bridget and to the Sisters of Charity as early as 1884.

In 1889 Dr. McCrann left Kentucky and removed to Tecumseh, Nebraska, where he practiced until 1892, when he removed to South Omaha, there residing until 191 2, when he took up his abode in Omaha. His work with the religious orders was continued after he came to this state and during his residence in South Omaha for fourteen years he was attending physician to the Sisters of Providence. Also in 1894, when the Convent of the Good Shepherd was established in South Omaha with about five sisters and a dozen inmates, he was made physician to that institution, which now has about two hundred and fifty inmates. At the present time he devotes most of his practice to the treatment of diseases of women and children and has attained a high degree of efficiency in that field. He has admitted his son, Dr. W. J. McCrann, Jr., to a partnership and they occupy a foremost position in the ranks of the medical fraternity in Omaha.

On the 23d of April, 1884, in Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. McCrann was joined in wedlock to Miss ]\Iary C. T. Hannon, daughter of the late Patrick Hannon. To them have been born three sons and eleven daughters, all of whom still survive with the exception of the eldest son and the eldest daughter. The son John C, was accidentally killed in Honolulu in January, 191 3, while in the service of the government. Another son. Dr. W. J. McCrann, Jr., was born in Tecumseh, Nebraska, May 21, 1891, and after completing his preparatory work in Creighton University entered the Louisville Medical College, from which his father had graduated many years before. The son completed his course there with honors in 19 12 and in competitive examination won the appointment to the position of interne in the city hospital. With the close of his year's service in that position he joined his father in active practice in Omaha. The third son, Patrick, is attending the Creighton Medical College and expects to complete his course in medicine in 1918. The wife and mother, Mrs. Mary (Hannon) Mc- Crann, is a woman of great ability in art and music and although the mother of fourteen children has found time to cultivate her talent. She has made an unusual record, as she has served for twenty-five years of her married life as organist and choir director, having officiated as organist in St. Agnes' church at South Omaha for ten years before the removal of the family to Omaha.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Dr. Mc- Crann holds membership with the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has represented the Hibernians and also the Young Men's Institute, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the democratic party in national conventions. He has taken an active part in community affairs and for eight years was president of the South Omaha Commercial Club. His political endorsement is given the democratic party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. For a time he filled the office of county physician of Douglas county and before leaving Louisville he served on the board of health of that city. He has been a delegate to many city, county, state and national fraternal and political conventions and has always taken an active part in democratic politics. It is said that every man has hobbies and Dr. McCrann's are perhaps music, or, as he says, something with sound or noise in it, and children. He has always been deeply interested in the welfare of children and in fact has put forth effort in many instances for the benefit of mankind.

Joseph B. Hummel

On the list of Omaha's city commissioners appears the name of Joseph B. Hummel, who is superintendent of parks and public property. He does not belong to that class of new arrivals who sometimes capture a city by storm and enter upon a spectacular phase of existence but is on the contrary almost a lifelong resident of Omaha and one whose worth fia? .been established in the long years of his residence here. He was brought to Omaha in 1863, when but six months old. His birth occurred in Yankton, South Dakota, September 8, 1862, being a son of John and Ellen (Fischer), .Hummel, natives of Germany, in which country they were reared and married. The. father was born in 1826 and in early life learned the cabinetmaker's trade. In 1852 he brougjit his family to the United States and in 1856 became a resident of Omaha. Later he removed to South Dakota and eventually returned to Omaha, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1894, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1896.

In the public schools of Omaha Joseph B. Hummel acquired his education and started in the business world as a building contractor, in which connection he made steady progress, but the public recognized his ability. and called him to office, since which time he has been almost continuously in the public service. He was elected a member of city council and acted in that capacity for three years. He was then chosen one of the new city commissioners and such was the excellence of his record that when he again became a ca-ndidate for the office he received the highest vote of any man on the ticket, polling twenty-two hundred more votes than the next highest candidate in May, 191 5. He is superintendent of parks and public property and he has thoroughly studied every question relating to his specific duties and has given to the city the benefit of faithful, loyal and capable service. Before becoming councilman he was street commissioner of Omaha from 1900 until 1906 and over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil.

On November 5, 1902, in Omaha, Mr. Hummel was married to Miss Josephine Myers and they have become parents of two sons, Joe Lyman and Frank. Mr. Hummel is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he has always given his political allegiance to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has made his home in this city for fifty-four years and comparatively few of its residents are more familiar with its history or have longer been a witness of the changes which have occurred. His memory goes back to the time when he gathered hazelnuts within a block of the site of the present city hall, little dreaming that he would one day become one of the commissioners of a great metropolitan center. Times were hard and money scarce at that period, and he remembers going with his mother down to the river bank when a steamboat anchored at the foot of Douglas street and his mother there paid thirty-six dollars for a barrel of flour. His entire life has been characterized by certain admirable qualities, among which is unfaltering honesty. He has made it a point to pay his debts promptly and never to interfere in the affairs of others. That the course which he has pursued is a wise one is indicated in the high regard entertained for him by those who know him, his circle of friends being almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance in Omaha.

Alfred J. Beaton

Alfred J. Beaton, a furniture dealer of Omaha for many years, continuing active in that field up to the time of his death, was well known and highly respected by reason of the many sterling traits of character which were manifest throughout his entire business career. He was born on Prince Edward Island, Canada, April 22, 1872, and passed away on the 24th of February, 1916. His parents were Allen and Mary (McDonald) Beaton, who removed from Canada to Omaha, where the father engaged in the lumber and coal business, spending his remaining days in this city.

Alfred J. Beaton completed his education in Omaha by a course of study in Creighton University and throughout his entire business career he was connected with commercial pursuits. He first entered mercantile circles as an employ of the Omaha Carpet Company and later he bought out the mercantile business of the J. L. Baker Company, which had succeeded to the business of the Shiverick Furniture Company. On acquiring the interests of the Baker Company i\Ir. Beaton organized the Miller, Stewart & Beaton Company, which in 1907 removed its store from Fourteenth and Faniam streets to a business block on Sixteenth street, betweent Harney and Howard streets. This is the present location of the Beaton & Laier Company, which firm was founded in 1912, Mr. Beaton becoming its president. Mrs. Beaton still continues the business which he established and displays marked capability and sagacity in carrying on the undertaking.

In Omaha Mr. Beaton was united in marriage to Miss Miriam Edith Orcutt, daughter of the late Clinton D. Orcutt. To this union were born two children, Orcutt and Anna Jane. Mr. Beaton belonged to St. Cecelia's Catholic church and along strictly social lines he had membership with the Omaha and the Country Clubs. He was a very active business man and enjoyed the confidence and goodwill of colleagues and contemporaries in an unusual degree. For two years prior to his death he was ill and was obliged to remain at home, passing away when but forty-three years of age. His worth was widely acknowledged by all who came in contact with him and in trade circles of the city he made for himself a very enviable position.

This is an age of specialization. Expert investigation has led to the concentration of activity along a single line of professional endeavor rather than the disposition of one's energies over a broader field. While well versed in the general principles of medicine and surgery. Dr. LeRoy Crummer, in common with the tendency of the age, is giving his attention especially to diagnosis and his work in that direction is notably successful. He was born in Elizabeth, Illinois, April 15, 1872, a son of Dr. ijcnjamin F. Crummer, also a native of that place, born in 1848, who in his early twenties married Mary Louise Donkersley, born in New England. Dr. Benjamin F. Crummer had prepared for a professional career as a medical student in the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1869. In 1888 they removed to Omaha, where he remained in active and successful practice until his death, January 23, 1907.

Dr. LeRoy Crummer received his early education in the public schools of Warren, Illinois, and afterward attended the Omaha high school, from which he was graduated in 1889. Whether inherited tendency, environment or natural predilection had most to do with his choice of a profession it is perhaps impossible to determine. He was in a measure "to the manner born" and the work of his father perhaps influenced him to turn his attention in the direction in which he has since won notable and creditable success. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan, in 1893, he entered the medical school of the Northwestern University at Chicago and there completed his course in 1896. He has, however, always been a close and discriminating student of his profession, embracing every opportunity whereby he might promote his knowledge and advance his efficiency. He has been engaged in practice as a specialist in diagnosis since 1897 and has taken post graduate work in Vienna, Berlin, Frank fort-on-the-Main, London and Zurich.

Dr. Crummer is a republican in politics, is a member of the University Club, the Country Club and the Omaha Club,, but all of these interests are side issues in a life of intense activity in his profession. In addition to a large private practice he is serving as professor of clinical medicine in the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has been president of the Omaha-Douglas County Medical Society, and is a member also of the Missouri Valley Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

Hon. James A. C. Kennedy

Hon. James A. C. Kennedy, an attorney of Omaha, Nebraska, was born October 31, 1876, in the city in which he still resides. He comes of Irish ancestry, his grandfather being Thomas Kennedy, a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, who in early manhood came to the United States and spent his last days in New York city. Thomas Kennedy, father of James A. C. Kennedy, was born in Kentucky in 1848 and at the outbreak of the Civil war enlisted m an Ohio regiment, with which he served for two years in defense of the Union, when illness incapacitated him for further duties. In Zanesville, Ohio, he married Anna M. Kennedy and in 1872 they removed to Omaha, where Mr. Kennedy passed away in 1883, his death resulting from conditions brought about by his military experience. His widow survives and is yet living in Omaha.

Reared under the parental roof and attending the public schools and Creighton College, James A. C. Kennedy, at the age of fifteen years, was compelled to put aside his books and made his initial step in the business world as a messenger boy in the First National Bank. Fidelity and ability won him promotion and by the close of his seven years connection with that institution he had risen to the position of bank bookkeeper. While working in the bank he devotedhis evening hours to the study of law but with the outbreak of the Spanish-American war in April, 1898, he responded to the Country's call for troops, enlisting as a private in Company G, Second Nebraska \'olunteer Infantry, which company was known as the Omaha Guards. A month later he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and later was appointed judge advocate and ordinance officer of the regiment, so continuing until mustered out at Fort Omaha at the close of the war on the nth of November, 1898. Mr. Kennedy had previous mihtary training as a member of the State Militia (Omaha Guards) from 1895 until 1898 with which company he served as private, corporal and sergeant.

Following his return to Omaha, Mr. Kennedy resumed his study of law, completing his course in 1900 in the University of Nebraska. He then entered upon the practice of his profession, which he is now following as junior partner in the firm of Mahoney & Kennedy. Earnest effort, close application and the exercise of his native talents have won him prestige as a lawyer at a bar that niunbers many eminent and prominent men. An excellent presence, marked strength of character and a thorough grasp of the law with the ability to correctly apply its principles make him an effective and successful advocate and his clientage is now large and of an important character. He has also become connected as directot- and stockholder with several important commercial enterprises of Omaha.

On the ist of June, 1905, in Omaha, Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Purvis, a daughter of Robert Purvis, and their children are Ann- Marie, Jean and James A. C, Jr.

Mr. Kennedy is a Catholic in religious faith, and in club circles he is well known, belonging to the University, Om.aha and Country Clubs and also to the Commercial Club. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. The democratic party finds in him a stalwart advocate and in 1903 he was elected on its ticket to the state legislature from Douglas county. In the same year he became deputy county attorney of Douglas county, which position he occupied for two years, and in 1906 he was appointed referee in bankruptcy under the late Judge William H. Munger and continued as a referee for ten years. In 1916 he was selected as one of the Nebraska delegates to the democratic national convention at St. Louis.

Mr. Kennedy is general attorney in Nebraska for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company and represents various other important corporations and private interests in the practice of his profession, in connection with which he has won notable distinction.

John Edwin Von Dorn

John Edwin von Dorn, a member of the Omaha bar, specializing in civil law practice, was bom September 10, 1872, at 17th and Harney streets in the city in which he makes his home, his parents being Theodore L. and Mary C. (Parker) von Dorn. The father was born in Chester, New Jersey, August 17, 1844, and the mother's birth occurred in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 15, 1845. They were married in Sedalia, Missouri, September 9, 1871. Eight years before Air. von Dorn had come to the middle west, establishing his home in Omaha, and throughout his remaining days he continued a resident of this city, covering a period of fortyfour years, his death occurring August 17, 1907. He was a highly educated man. He saw active service in the Civil war, was severely injured in the battle of Fredericksburg and upon leaving the hospital removed to Omaha, hoping to regain his health in the west. He was one of the party which first surveyed the route of the Union Pacific Railroad and afterward engaged in the machinery and foundry' business at No. 1410 Harney street, in the rear of Tom Murray's famous junk shop, which property he owned. At length the effects of his injuries received in the war compelled him to give up his business. He built the first apartment house in Omaha, which was known as the Von Dorn block and was located at No. 816 South Twenty-second street. He was well known to all the pioneers of Omaha and took an active part in all public affairs. His widow survived until January 2"], 1916, when she, too, was called to her final rest.

John E. Von Dorn

John E. von Dorn attended the Omaha schools and Bellevue College and in early life took up tlie study of telegraphy. When but fourteen years of age he became agent and telegrapher for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad ofifice at Turlington, Nebraska, remaining with that road for two years. He then went with the Northern Pacific Railroad as agent and operator, being employed in those capacities at several places until 1893. He afterward spent eight months with the Union Pacific Railroad and on attaining his majority turned his attention to the study of law. He had become convinced that if he made the progress he desired he must qualify for some other line of work and through a considerable period he devoted every moment that he could spare from business interests to mastering the principles of jurisprudence. It was necessary, however, that he provide for his own support throughout the period of his preparation and in 1900 he entered the grain business, which he carried on until 1008. The following year he was admitted to practice at Lincoln and has since followed his profession, devoting his attention exclusively to civil law.

Mr. von Dorn has been married twice. On the 7th of April, 1896, in Papillion, Nebraska, he wedded Louise Miller, a daughter of David Miller, and they had a son, John Edwin, born February 7, 1901. On the 5th of September, 191 1, in Glenwood, Iowa, Mr. von Dorn was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Rubin, a daughter of Louis and Flora (Rothholz) Rubin, of Omaha, who, however, are natives of Germany.

In politics Mr. von Dorn is a republican, manifesting a citizen's interest in all public questions of moment. In Masonry he has taken the degrees of the York Rite and is also a member of the Alystic Shrine. Laudable ambition has brought him to his present creditable place in professional circles. He may truly be called a self-made man, for from the early age of fourteen years he has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. He early recognized the eternal principle that industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life. He does with thoroughness anything that he undertakes and this characteristic, manifest in his preparation of his cases, is one of the strong elements in his success.

Hon. Charles Howe Withnell

Hon. Charles Howe Withnell, city commissioner of Omaha and superintendent of fire protection and water supply, has also been connected with the management of such interests as a legislator. Omaha claims him as a native son. his birth having here occurred on the 30th of June, 1858. His father, John Withnell, a native of Manchester, England, was born in 1827 and came to the United States in the early '50s. In St. Louis he wedded Mary A. Commer, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and on the 12th of October, 1854, they removed to Omaha, then a straggling village on the western frontier. The father became a general contractor and was thus closely allied with the development and improvement of the city. He died in January, 1901, having long survived his wife, who passed away in January. 188-?.

Reared in Omaha, Charles LI. Withnell attended its public schools and a business college. When his textbooks were put aside he learned the bricklayer's trade and in 1887 began contracting along that line. He was thus engaged until 1903. when he was called to public office, being elected city building inspector, which position he capably and continuously filled until 191 2, when he was chosen by popular suffrage to the office of city commissioner and became superintendent of the* department of fire protection and water supply. He is now giving his entire attention to his official duties, which are discharged most promptly and capably. He has ever exercised his right of franchise in support of democratic principles since age conferred upon him the suffrage and in 1893

On the 23d of May, 1888. in Malvern, Towa, Mr. Wilhnell was united in marriage to Miss Alfarctta J. Cleaver and their children are John h2. and Kent Charles. The former married Sybil Robinson and the latter son married Miss Bessie Ahlquist. Air. and Mrs. Withnell hold membership ni the Episcopal church and he is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He has continuously held office in Omaha for thirteen years and the record which he has made is an excellent one, for at all times he stands firmly in support of his honest convictions, subordinating personal aggrandizement to the general good and partisanship to the public welfare.

Herbert H. Fish

Herbert H. Fish, vice president and general manager of the Western Newspaper Union and a resident of Omaha, was born in Oxford, New York, in 18^0 and is a representative of one of the old families of the Empire state. His grandfather, Selah H. Fish, was born at Fishkill, New York, in 1815, came of Holland ancestry and passed away in 1887. John J. Fish, father of Herbert H. Fish, was born in Cooperstown, New York, in 1845, ^^^^ is now a resident of Neenah, Wisconsin.

It was there that Herbert H. Fish acquired his public school education, supplemented by study in the Lake Forest University at Lake Forest, Illinois. In 1888 he returned to Neenah and entered the office of the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company, by which he was employed until 1893, when he became a resident of Nebraska. Settling at Lincoln, he secured a position with the Western Newspaper Union and two years later was transferred to the Chicago office, where he remained for six years. In the latter part of 1900 he came to Omaha and in 1903 became secretary of the business at this point, serving in that capacity until September, 1916, when he was elected vice president and general manager. He is active in controlling the interests of that great organization which in its splendidly developing system is disseminating news all over the country to hundreds of papers, while its news gatherers are known in every section of the world. Twenty-three years' connection with the Newspaper Union indicates the value of Mr. Fish's service, his business qualities being especially adapted for the responsible interests now under his control.

In his political views Mr. Fish is a stalwart republican with firm belief in the principles of the party. He is prominently known in club circles, beng identified with the Omaha Commercial, Field, Rotary, Happy Hollow and Omaha Athletic Clubs of Omaha and with the Union League Club of Chicago.

Harrison Crosby Brome

Harrison Crosby Brome, for twenty-nine years an active member of the Omaha bar, is a man of strong purpose and in the utilization of the talents and powers with which nature endowed him he has worked his way upward to a position of distinction in the practice of law. He was born upon a farm in Sullivan county, New York, March 8, 1856, a son of Levi and Mary E. (Hill) Brome and a grandson of the Rev. Philip C. Brome, a native of England, who became a minister of the Primitive Baptist church. He founded the family in the new world and passed away in the state of New York. Levi Brome was bom in Sullivan county, New York, in 1821 and in 1880 removed westward with his family to Norfolk, Nebraska, where he resided until 1903. He and his wife then became residents of Butte, Montana, where their remaining days were passed. Throughout the entire period of his active business career Levi Brome followed the occupation of farming.

Reared upon the home farm in Sullivan county, New York, with the usual environment and opportunities of the farm bred boy, Harrison C. Brome took up the profession of teaching after mastering the branches of learning taught in the district schools. He devoted his attention to that profession in New York between the ages of seventeen and twenty- two years and while thus engaged utilized his leisure hours for the study of law. In 1878 he became a resident of Cass county, Nebraska, where he engaged in teaching through the succeeding winter, and he also became a law student in the office of Sam M. Chapman, of Plattsmouth, Nebraska. He was there admitted to practice in March, 1879, and in May of that year opened an office at Stanton, Nebraska. In November, 1881, he removed to Norfolk, Nebraska, and became associated with A. J. Durland in the practice of his profession under the firm style of Brome & Durland, an association that was maintained until 1885, when the junior partner retired. On the ist of January, 1887, Benjamin T. White and Burt Mapes joined Mr. Brome under the firm name of Brome, White & Mapes. That association was continued until June, 1888, when Mr. Brome removed to Omaha and opened an office. In 1890 he became senior partner in the firm of Brome, Andrews & Sheehan, his associates being I. R. Andrews and James B. Sheehan. That connection was discontinued in 1893 and about the ist of January, 1894, Mr. Brome entered into partnership with A. H. Burnett under the firm style of Brome & Burnett. Withdrawing from that partnership in 1908, he is now senior partner in the firm of Brome & Brome, his associate being his son, Clinton. It is well known that Mr. Brome is never easily swerved from a course which he marks out. He possesses tenacity and courage and one of the strong elements of his success is the thoroughness with which he prepares his cases. His mind is naturally analytical and logical in its trend and he readily recognizes the relation between cause and effect. He is seldom, if ever, at fault in the application of a legal principle. He never seeks to enshroud his cause in a sentimental garb or illusion, but endeavors to present it in the strong, clear light of reason and thus promote the ends of justice.

On the 7th of October, 1882, in Schuyler, Nebraska, Mr. Brome was married to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, a daughter of the late Martin Thompson, who serv^ed in a New York regiment in the Civil war. Two sons have been bom of this marriage : Clinton, who was born in 1884 and who was married in Omaha to Miss Alletta Stewart ; and Charles, who was married in Omaha to Miss Margaret Kennedy. She died on November 14, 1916, at Worland, Wyoming.

The parents attend the Unitarian church and Mr. Brome exercises his right of franchise in support of the principles and candidates of the republican party. The strength of his character is a manifestation of genuine worth, a recognition of the obligations as well as the opportunities of life.

Cyrus Dean Glover

Cyrus Dean Glover, active in the field of real estate and insurance, has carried on business since 1912 as senior partner in the firm of Glover & Spain. His early training w^as along this line, for soon after leaving school he entered the real estate and insurance office of his father. He was born upon a farm near Long Pine, Nebraska, July 28, 1885, and is a son of Charles R. and Effie (Whittemore) Glover, who were married in Aurora, Nebraska. The father was born near Oberlin, Ohio, in 1849 and came to this state in early manhood. He served as register of the United States land office at Valentine, Nebraska, for four years and prior to that time organized the Brown County Bank at Long Pine, Nebraska, of which he remained the president for fourteen years. In 1898 he became a resident of Omaha and through the following decade was engaged in the real estate and insurance business in this city but in 1908 removed to the island of Cuba, where he resided until 1913, removing then to New York city, where he is now living retired, lie lust his first wife in 1890 and was again married in iS<)4, his second union being with Mollie Hawes.

Cyrus D. Glover was a lad of nine years when the family left the home farm near Long Pine and removed to \'alentine, where he lived for four years and then came with his father to Omaha. His educational opportunities were those aft'orded by the public school system of the state and when his textbooks were put aside he joined his father in the real estate and insurance business in Omaha, acting as his father's assistant from 1905 until 1908, when, at the age of twentythree years, he succeeded to the business. He continued alone for four years and in K)i2 organized the firm of Glover & Spain, in which connection he has since carried on his interests. He is accorded a good clientage in both departments of his business and conducts many important realty transfers, while at the same time he writes a large amount of insurance annually. He is a member of the Omaha Keal Estate Board and of the Building Owners and Managers Association.

On the 22(1 of December, 1909, in Omaha, Mr. Glover was united in marriage tu Miss ALiry B. Fenn and to them has been born a son, Robert Dean, whose natal day was September 12, 191 1.

Mr. Glover votes with the democratic party but has never been abitious to hold office. He belongs to the Carter Lake Club, which indicates something of the nature of his recreation, and his interest in community affairs and in the upbuilding and welfare of Omaha is indicated in his membership in the Commercial Club and the Ak-Sar-Ben.

Peter Elvad

In 1912 when Peter Elvad undertook as the leading spirit the organization of the new monster architectural and building construction corporation known as the Bankers Realty Investment Company, he became an important factor in Omaha's development and progress, for from that day to this, this business institution, of which he is the president, has made its influence for the city's good one of constantly increasing importance.

The great number of business buildings, large and small, and the many comfortable and beautiful homes all over the city of Omaha attest to this, but by far the most remarkable of this company's achievements up to the present time - one which is recognized all over the entire country as one of the finest buildings of its kind in existence today - is the Omaha Blackstone Hotel. Not only did the Bankers Realty Investment Company design and erect this building complete in ever>' detail for the building owners, it is responsible for bringing the existing opportunity for such a building to their attention as well; so that in reality this company should be given full credit for the existence of an apartment hotel building in Omaha which for architectural beauty and all around efficiency will compare favorably with the very best buildings of this type in the United States today.

Not only in Omaha is the influence of the Bankers Realty Livestnient Company at work - its business is spread all over this and neighboring states as well. At the present time it has contracts for and has under way over a million and a half dollars worth of building business in the middle western states, inclusive of its business in Omaha proper.

Like many young men, America beckoned to Peter Elvad from across the seas, as a land of promise, and like many he came with but Httle else than faith and courage to this land of opportunity, to carve out by dint of hard work of hands and brain a fortune and a place of ht)nor. In 1904 he landed in Omaha and secured a position as a bookkeeper. He saw that America was everything it had promised. He studied conditions carefully and saw opportunities, many of them. He saw Omaha a city with a future and he determined to become a factor in evolving this future.

The long gray days behind a bookkeeper's desk gave hirn plenty of opportunity to observe, and he, like many other successful men, realized the meaning of the word "service" as applied to business success, with the result that the Bankers Realty Investment Company stands today as one of the finest examples of a highly organized service-rendering institution of its kind in this section of the country.

Mr. Elvad personally refuses to take as much of the credit for this organization as those who know him well say that he deserves. 'He insists that those associated with him accomplished the biggest part - that the big corporation, of which he is the head, is successful only because he has been fortunate in his choice of captains, lieutenants and privates. But regardless of his modesty, there can be no doubt in the minds of those who know him well that his star is in its ascendancy and that with his progressive mentality, his indefatigable energy, the powerful influence which he in his position can bring to bear, caused him to be a factor to be counted on in a big way to do much toward bringing Omaha and the middle west into the position which the people have so long hoped to see them achieve.

Henry Bassette Ramsey

Henry Bassette Ramsey, representing- the Prudential Insurance Company at Omaha as state manager for Nebraska and South Dakota, was born in Richmond, Missouri, February 2, 1886. His great-grandfather, David Ramsey, came to America from Scotland and took part in the War of 1812. The grandfather, Joseph Ramsey, was born in Monroe, Virginia, now West Virginia, on the 27th of December, 1817, and served in the Confederate army during the Civil war. His son. James William Ramsey, the father of our subject, Avas likewise born in Monroe and his natal day was June 20, 1846. Ele was married to Miss Anna E. Brawley, a native of the Old Dominion. At the time of the Civil war he went to the front as a soldier of the Confederate army and was in the battles of Piedmont, Winchester, Fishers Hill, Cedar Creek and others, fourteen in all, and remained in the army until the surrender of General Lee in 1865. He was honorably discharged from the Confederate service but was never paroled by the Federals. Subsequently he entered the ministry of the Methodist church, in which he has since been active. In 1885 he removed with his family to Missouri and is nowengaged in preaching at Jonesburg, that state.

After attending the public schools in his native state Henry B. Ramsey continued his education in a college at St. Charles, Missouri, and in Westminster College at Fulton, Missouri, which he attended for three years. He left the latter institution in 1904 and removed to Barfield. Arkansas, where he accepted the position of bookkeeper in a mercantile house, being thus engaged for eighteen months. He then returned to Fulton, Missouri, where he was connected with a book store for a year, on the expiration of which period he embarked in business on his own account at Blytheville, Arkansas, as a dealer in books and confectionery. There he remained until 19 12, when he went to Des Moines, Iowa, as special agent for the Prudential Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey, thus making his initial step in the line of business in which he has since so successfully engaged. In March, 191 5, he came to Omaha as state manager for South Dakota and Nebraska for the Prudential and has since made his headquarters in this city.

in marriage to Miss Blanche R. Farmer, a daughter of Lemuel D. Farmer, and they have become the parents of two children, Dorothy L. and James Dudley.

Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, ilis political allegiance is given to the democratic party but he has neither the time nor inclination for public office, preferring to concentrate his efforts upon his business affairs. The fact that since 1912, when he entered the service of the Prudential in Des Moines as an ordinary agent he has worked his way steadily u])ward to the responsible position of manager for the company in two states s])eaks well for his business ability and his enterprise.

George Henry Merten

While one of the younger members of the legal profession in Omaha, George Henry Merten has already won a position which many an older practitioner might well envy. He is a native son of St. Louis but was reared in Fillmore county, Nebraska, with the usual experiences of the farm bred boy. He attended the graded and high schools of Grafton, Nebraska, from which he graduated in 1894. He decided to make the practice of law his life work and with that end in view entered Creighton University at Omaha, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1904. Thus upon the foundation of broad literar}- learning he reared the superstructure of his professional knowledge, pursuing his law course at Creighton University, from which he was graduated in 1907 with the LL. D. degree. His alma mater conferred upon him the Master of Arts degree in 1906. Following his admission to the bar in 1907 he opened a law office in Omaha, where he has since remained. His ability was early recognized and as a logical sequence he has been accorded a large and representative clientage.

On the 9th of June, 1908, in Omaha, Mr. Merten was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. McCauley, a daughter of the late Jam.es McCauley, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Mary Eileen.

Mr. Merten gives his political endorsement to the democratic party. He has many friends, the number being almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances, and he is recognized as a dynamic force in connection with those lines in which his activity has been most strongly manifest.

Harry A. Wolf

Actuated by a public-spirited devotion to his adopted city as well as by laudable personal ambition, Harry A. Wolf has in the course of his active business career in Omaha, covering a period of more than twelve years, done much for the city's development as well as for the upbuilding of his own fortunes through his real estate operations. He closely studies every question that has to do with activity in the real estate field and has been a keen observer of men and methods in other cities. Moreover, he is a striking example of what may be accomplished by a man of foreign birth. He was born in Vilna, Russia, October i, 1884, a son of Joshua and Rebecca Wolf, both of whom passed away in Russia in 1886. They had a family of four children : Samuel, now living in Philadelphia ; Mrs. Esther Robinson, of Omaha; Balah, the wife of Jacob Kooper; and Harry A.

The last named was thirteen years of age when he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the new world. He attended school in Russia, where he was reared by his sisters, being but two years of age at the time he v/as left an orphan. He came alone to America, attracted by the business opportuni- ties which he believed might be enjoyed on this side the Atlantic. Landing at New York city, he there secured employment as an errand boy in a factory at two dollars and a half per week. Experience is a very thorough teacher and experience had already taught Harry A. Wolf something concerning the value of an education as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties. Accordingly while working in that humble capacity he attended night school and through study in that manner he secured a fair education. He remained in New York for two years and then went to Philadelphia, where he resided for five years, working in the daytime and studying through the evening hours. In the meantime he had formed the purpose of becoming a lawyer although subsequent events changed his pains. While in Philadelphia he studied law under one who was both an attorney and real estate dealer and it was during that period that Mr. Wolf first came to a realization of the opportunities offered in the real estate field. On the ist of August, 1904, he arrived in Omaha and turned his attention to the real estate business. He realized that the most lucrative property is the business property of a city. He studied conditions very thoroughly in other cities and from time to time as his financial resources permitted he made investment in business property which had deteriorated in price because of the old buildings thereon. Securing such property, he at once erected new buildings. In this connection one of the local papers said of him:

"Pie made numerous trips to the eastern cities, watching the growth of other cities and always studying their business centers with a view of comparing them with the probable development of Omaha. Wolf a number of years ago came to the conclusion that the most lucrative and most stable property in Omaha is in the business center, which was sadly neglected. Realizing that the property is too expensive for any individual to handle, he hit upon the plan of acquiring down town property through syndicates, by' interesting two or more people in only one deal. He has organized a number of these syndicates. Notable among the deals consummated by him is the taking over from the Woodmen of the World of their old office building at Fifteenth and Howard streets. He has remodeled it at an expense of over sixty thousand dollars, turned it into a hotel, which is now a very profitable investment. He built the Down Town Garage on Howard street near Fifteenth and a number of store buildings on Upper Sixteenth street. He recently took over the Curtis property and by spending on it fiftyfive thousand dollars turned it into one of the most beautiful little hotels in the city. He has charge of the Ware block at Fifteenth and Farnam, and is now erecting a ten-story hotel building on one of the best corners in the city, on a lot he recently acquired from George A. Joslyn on a ninety-nine year lease, on the northwest corner of Sixteenth and Harney streets. Mr. Wolf is recognized as an authority on values of down town property and is often consulted by loan companies and private people with reference to values and development of down town property. He is known for his honest, fair and frank dealings and has succeeded in obtaining the confidence of many of the foremost financial men of the city, whom he has interested in the various syndicates and who have profited through his investments. Mr. Wolf is very enthusiastic about the future of Omaha and claims that the development of the city is now only in its infancy and capital consen^atively invested will bring large returns to the investors as well as help the city in its forward movement to become one of the prominent central American cities. He has been a prominent factor in real estate circles and is always found among the enthusiasts who are working for a bigger and better city. His knowledge of the real estate business and his service is offered to the individual investor, whether his savings be listed in hundreds or thousands of dollars." Mr. Wolf is now a director in a number of real estate corporations, including the Commercial Realty, the Keystone Investment Company and the Carlton Realty Company.

On the 20th of January, 1907, Mr. Wolf was united in marriage to Miss Clara Bernstein, of Philadelphia, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bernstein,

Mr. Wolf is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, lie also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is an active member of the principal Jewish societies, of both local and national importance, being i)residcnt of the Omaha Hebrew Club, which is one of the largest in the west. He is likewise a valued member of the Commercial Club and of the Athletic Club and belongs to the Omaha real estate board, of which he has been treasurer and director. He is likewise connected with the National Real Estate ICxchange. is a member of the River and Harbor Association and is a member of the iJuilding Owners and Managers Association. In a word he has studied conditions affecting the country in all its economic relations and he keeps abreast with the trend of modern thought and progress. His achievements are notable from the fact that he arrived in America when a youth of thirteen unacquainted with the language, customs and methods of the American people. His strength of character, however, proved the foundation for his advancement and success. Allowing no obstacles or difficulties to discourage him or to bar his path, he has steadily progressed and Omaha acknowledges her indebtedness to him as a factor in her business circles and a supporter of many of her progressive and helpful municipal projects.

Charles De Alars Beaton

Charles De ]\Iars Beaton, an Omaha druggist whose collegiate training well qualified him to take up pharmaceutical work, is not only successfully conducting his store but is also president of the Beaton Realty Company and of the Beaton Photo Supply Company. A native of Nebraska, he was born in Schuyler in 1875, a son of Allen Daniel and Mary Anne (Macdonald) Beaton. The father was born at East Point on Prince Edward Island in 1824 and in 1875 became a resident of Schuyler, Nebraska, but ni the meantime engaged in business at Boston as a shipbuilder. In 1879 he removed to Omaha and became a well known general contractor of this city. He was married on Prince Edward Island and passed away in Omaha in 1881, while his widow, long surviving, departed this life in 1914.

Charles De Alars Beaton was but four years of age when brought to this city and therefore his public school education was here acquired. In 1892 he was graduated from Creighton College, after which he made his initial step in the business world by securing a clerkship in a small drug store in Omaha. Liking the work, he decided to further qualify for the business and to that end entered the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1894. In the latter year he returned to Omaha and again engaged in clerking until March, 1899, when he established a store of his own which he has since conducted. It is attractive in its arrangement and he carries an extensive line of drugs and druggists' sundries, while the business methods of the house commend it to the continued and growing public patronage. Not only is he successfully managing his store but is also active in shaping the policy and controlling the interests of other business concerns, being now president of the Beaton Realty Company of Omaha and of the Beaton Photo Supply Company.

On the 6th of November, 191 2, in Milwaukee, Mr. Beaton was united in marriage to Miss Hattie E. Wurster, a daughter of Emanuel A. Wurster. They have two children, Charles De Mars, Jr., and Harriet W. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and along strictly social lines is connected with the Omaha Club and the Country Club. He is also identified with various organizations which have to do with the business development of the city, including the Ad Club, the Business Men's Association, the Retailers' Association and the Commercial Club. Moreover, he is one of the most active and prominent workers in the Ak-Sar-Ben, of which he is now a governor, while in 1914-15 he was king. He is thoroughly in sympathy with its purposes and believes in such a method of advertising Omaha's advantages and opportunities. He feels that for individual business or community interests publicity is the basis of development and success, and advertising has been a potent force in the promotion of his mercantile interests.

Joseph Herman Green

Joseph Herman Green, a successful clothing merchant of Omaha, was born in Roumania in 1866, a son of Lieb Green, who spent his entire life in Roumania, there passing away in 1887. Joseph H. Green attended the schools of his native country to the age of eighteen years, and then, attracted by the opportunities which he believed he might enjoy in the new world, crossed the Atlantic to the United States. Making his way to Cleveland, Ohio, he there remained for four years and was afterward a resident of St. Louis, Missouri, for a similar period. In 1891 he went to San Francisco, where he resided for a year, and in 1893 he was in Chicago. He went to Kansas City in 1894 and in 1896 embarked in the clothing business, there conducting a store until early in 1916, when he came to Omaha and opened an exclusive clothing establishment on Sixteenth and Howard streets, at the same time retaining the ownership of his Kansas City business. He is controlling extensive interests in the two cities and already has won a very large patronage in Omaha, carrying an excellent and well selected line of goods, while his business methods commend him to the patronage of the public and have secured for him a high position among the foremost merchants of the city.

On the 4th of June, 1896, in Kansas City, Mr. Green was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Fiegel, by whom he has two sons, namely : Lawrence Elmer, who is a Harvard student, class of 1918, and Howard Jay. Mr. Green is a republican in his political views. He holds to the Hebrew faith in his religious opinion and is a member of B'nai B'rith. Mr. Green deserves all the credit implied in the term a self-made man, for he started out empty handed and has worked his way upward through persistent, earnest effort, utilizing industry and economy to gain for him the capital that at length enabled him to embark in business for himself.

John Thomas Yates

John Thomas Yates, a man of marked individuality and force of character, who was one of the organizers of the Woodmen of the World and has served continuously as sovereign clerk since January i, 1892, with headquarters at Omaha, was born at Mount Savage, Maryland, June 2, 1866, a son of Thomas and Mary (Evans) Yates. The father was a native of England but was married in Wales and in the early '40s came to the United States, settling in Maryland, where both spent their remaining days. Air. Yates passing away in 1880, while his wife died in 1882. He served throughout the entire period of the Civil war as a private of the Second Maryland Volunteer Infantry.

To the public schools of his native city John T. Yates is indebted for his educational opportunities, and with the lure of the west upon him he came to Nebraska in 1882, settling in Nemaha City, where he spent a year. Since 1886 he has been a resident of Omaha, in which year he entered the employ of Milton Rogers, a pioneer hardware merchant, with whom he continued for six years. In January, 1892, he became associated with Joseph Cullen Root in organizing the

Woodmen of the World, a fraternal insurance order which has grown steadily and which now numhers many thousand members, lie accepted the position of sovereign clerk of the order and has given practically his entire time and attention to furthering the interests of the organization since January i, 1892. In connection with the Woodmen of the World he organized the branch known as the Uniform Rank, which now has a membership of between thirty and forty thousand well trained and picked men. He himself had previously had military experience and was an honorary member of the Thurston Rifles of Omaha, an organization which still exists although under another name. Aside from his work as sovereign clerk Mr. Yates is editing the Woodman News, a monthly paper published at Omaha and devoted to the interests of the Woodmen. In this connection he has become well known as a short story writer and his articles frequently appear in that .publication. They are characterized by a simplicity and beauty of style that touches the hearts of his readers and carries home the message which he wishes to convey.

On the 3d of October, 1880, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Yates was married to Miss Mary C. Schuey, who died in December, 1905, leaving two sons and three daughters. On the 12th of October, 1907, in Omaha, he wedded Mary E. Free, a daughter of the late Milton Free and a native of Baltimore. His children are: Mary Frances, the wife of Harry E. Weil, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Anna, the widow of J. B. Lindsay and a resident of Omaha; Effie; Frank C, who was graduated from Creighton University and is now an attorney of Omaha ; and Thomas, Jr.

In religious belief Mr. Yates is an Episcopalian, while his political faith is that of the republican party. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, being now past illustrious potentate of Tangier Temple of Omaha. Fie has held all the chairs in the subordinate lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also in the Knights of Pythias. He has membership in the Country Club and the Happy Hollow Club and his interest in community affairs is manifest in his membership in the Commercial Club and his support of the projects which it advances to aid the city, extend its trade relations and uphold its civic standards.

Elmer Stephen Redick

Elmer Stephen Redick, an attorney whose legal knowledge is brought to bear in the successful management of the extensive interests under his direction, was bom in this city on the loth of June, 1887, a brother of the Hon. W. A. Redick and O. C. Redick, in connection with whose records on other pages of this work the family history is given. Having mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Omaha, Elmer S. Redick continued his education in the Shattuck Preparatory School at Faribault, Minnesota, after which he entered Yale and completed a law course in the university with the class of 191 1. Returning to Omaha, he soon afterward went abroad, traveling for a year on the Continent for that more liberal if less specialized culture which travel brings, making many feel, therefore, that travel is perhaps a better educator than the college.

Mr. Redick was admitted to the bar in 191 1 and now concentrates his energies upon the direction of his personal interests, in which connection his knowledge of law is proving of marked value to him. He has investments in many important business enterprises and is the president of the E. S. Redick Company, dealers in real estate.

Politically Mr. Redick is a republican and he is identified with several college fraternities and social organizations, including the Psi Sigma Kappa, the Phi Delta Phi, the Omaha Club, the Country Club and the Commercial Club. He is recognized as a prominent factor in promoting movements that mean a bigger and better Omaha, giving valuable support to well devised plans and measures looking to the further interests and growth of the city. His entire life has been passed in Omaha, where his acquaintance is a wide one and the many sterling traits of his character insure his personal popularity.

Alexander Mackenzie

Throughout his entire life Alexander Mackenzie was connected with the dry goods trade and became widely recognized as an expert on silks. His business ability, developing year by year, was of a notable order and he enjoyed in the fullest measure the confidence of his associates in commercial circles. He was born near Glasgow, Scotland, June i8, 1848, and after acquiring a good education in the schools of that country he entered one of the largest dry goods stores of Glasgow and there received his business training.

Mr. Mackenzie was about twenty-five years of age when in 1873 he severed home ties and crossed the Atlantic to New York. There he met N. B. Falconer, of Omaha, who offered him a position in the retail dry goods store of A. Cruickshank & Company of this city, who were then in business at the corner of Farnam and Fourteenth streets. The offer was accepted and Mr. Mackenzie remained continuously in that line of business in Omaha up to the time of his demise. While his knowledge of the trade in every department was of value to the house he came to be regarded as an expert on silk goods. He recognized the real worth of any piece of silk and he contributed miuch to the success of the house through his judicious purchases. For the last fifteen years of his life he was connected with the Thompson-Belden Company,

In 1878 Mr. Mackenzie was united in marriage to Miss Emma N. Brown, a daughter of William D. Brown, one of the honored pioneer residents of Omaha, who developed the first ferry system and in many- ways was closely connected with the establishment of the city and -its- business connections. Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie became the parents of four children, Mrs. Edith Brown Winegar, Leon R., Norma G. and Lyle S. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie became well known in Omaha, their genuine worth establishing them in a most enviable position in social circles.

The death of Mr. Mackenzie occurred June 9, 1907. His friends, and they were many, knew him as a social, genial and companionable gentleman and his business ability was a force to be reckoned with, for his expert knowledge, which was combined with irreproachable business integrity, made him a man who never stopped short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose.

John Wilson Battin

John Wilson Battin, for twenty-three years a practitioner at the Omaha bar, was born in Albany, New York, February 6, 1868. His grandfather and his father were both natives of Pennsylvania. The latter, Isaac Battin, born in 1832, was married in that state to Nancy Maus Wilson and in 1887 they removed to^Omaha, but in 1912 returned to the Keystone state, settling in Swarthmore, where the father passed away February 11, 191 5, and where his widow still resides.

During his youthful days John W. Battin largely devoted his attention to the mastery of the branches of learning taught in the graded and high schools of Albany, New York, after which he entered Cornell University at Ithaca and was there graduated with the class of 1890. Returning to his parents' home in

Omaha, he completed a course in the Omaha Law School with the class of 1893 and at once entered upon practice in this city, since which time he has been closely connected with the bar. Advancement in the law is proverjjially slow, yet he has readily worked his way upward, giving proof of his ability to handle imj^ortant and complex legal questions.

On the 2cSth of March, 1907, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mr. liattin was married to Miss Lila J. Lathrop, a daughter of Hesper Lathrop. They are members of the Episcopal church and Mr. Battin is a Master Mason. He l)elongs to Delta Upsilon, a college fraternity, and is also identified with the h'ield Club, the Commercial Club, the Cornell Club of Omaha, and is a member of the Omaha and Nebraska Bar Association. In politics he is a republican and in 1896 was elected to represent Douglas county in the state legislature but did not qualify. His ambition is not in the line of otifice holding and he prefers that his public service shall be done as a private citizen. In a word he concentrates his efforts and attention upon his law practice, depending upon his ability in that connection to win him success and advancement. At times, however, he has been active in republican politics but it has been along the line of influence and not of office seeking, his political labors resulting from a recognition of the obligations of citizenship.

Charles Watson Hull

Charles Watson Hull, conducting an extensive and profitable business in coal and building materials, is president of C. W. Hull Co. of Omaha, treasurer of the Hawkeye Portland Cement Company of Des Moines, treasurer of the Aiational Stone Company of Omaha, president of the L. B. McCoun Company of Omaha, president of the Florence Lumber & Coal Company of Florence, Nebraska, and president of the Machine Engineering & Manufacturing Company of Council Bluffs and has thus extended his efforts over a broad field, his ramifying interests interlacing various localities in a network of commercial activity that constitutes an important element in commercial progress and enterprise. It is characteristic of him that he has ever quickly recognized and utilized opportunities which others pass heedlessly by and yet sound judgment and keen discrimination have prevented any of those unwarranted risks or failures into which unrestricted progressiveness is so often led.

Mr. Hull was born in Coldwater, Michigan, in 1864, a son of Henry Palmer Hull, who was born in England in 1830 and in 1850 came to the United States, settling in Rochester, New York. He afterward went to New York city and later to Coldwater, Michigan, and in 1872 he removed to Rock Island, Illinois, where he now resides, being connected with its financial interests as vice president of the Rock Island Savings Bank. It was in Detroit, Michigan, that he wedded Elizabeth Watson, who was born in England, and who passed away in 1871.

A lad of eight years at the time of the removal of the family «to Rock Island, Charles Watson Hull pursued his education until he had completed the high school course, after which he became a student in the Morgan Park Military Academy of Chicago. Later he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where for a year he occupied a position in a wholesale implement house, and in 1886 he came to Omaha, where he entered into active connection with the coal and building material trade. In this field he has since operated, covering a period of thirty years, and as president of the C. W. Hull Co. he is conducting an extensive and continually growing business. He extended the scope of his activities by becoming treasurer of the National Stone Company of Omaha and president of the L. B. JNIcCoun Company of Omaha and of- the Florence Lumber & Coal Company of Florence. He also began operations in other fields, carrying on business at Des Moines as treasurer of the liawkeye Portland Cement Company and president of the Machine Engineering & Manufacturing Company of Council Bluffs. These varied connections have made his interests of mammoth proportions and he is today one of the foremost jobbers in coal and building materials in this section of the country.

Some years ago Mr. Hull became a charter member of the Old Omaha Guards, in which he rose to the rank of sergeant major. He is a republican in his political views and an Episcopalian in his religious faith. He is prominent in club circles in Omaha and elsewhere, being most active as a member of the University, Omaha, and Omaha Country clubs. He also belongs to the Commercial Club, to the Carter Lake Rod & Gun Club, to the Council Bluffs Rowing Association, to the Des Moines (la.) Club, and to the Fremont (Neb.) Country Club. He is likewise connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Mature judgment characterizes his eft'orts at all times and he stands today as a splendid representative of commercial activity, to whom, however, business is but one phase of life and does not exclude his active participation in and support of the other vital interests which go to make up human existence.

Daniel Farrell

While the life record of Daniel Farrell covered but a comparatively brief period, he seems to have accomplished in his allotted span of years more than many men accomplish in a lifetime of twice that duration. Fie w^as but forty-six when called to the home beyond and yet from a humble start in the business world he had worked his way steadily upward and had achieved notable success in founding and conducting an important productive enterprise. Fie was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1851, a son of Daniel Farrell, who afterward became a resident of Galesburg, Illinois. It was in the year 18S7 that Daniel Farrell of this review came to Omaha from Keokuk, Iowa. Fie had previously filled the position of paymaster in the United States navy for a number of years at Nagasaki, Japan, but resigned his position before removing to this city. Here he became actively identified with the industrial development of Omaha, estabhshing a pressed brick manufactory in the suburbs. This was owned by a company for which Mr. Farrell acted as manager and he was also one of the stockholders. A few months later, however, he disposed of his interest in that business and in 1888 turned his attention to the manufacture of syrup at No. 11 10 Douglas street. He was first associated with Mr. Welch, as a member of the firm of Farrell & Welch, but after two years he bought out the interest of his partner and organized the Farrell Company. Later a removal was made to Eighth and Farnam streets, where he erected a building, and he extended the scope of his business to include the manufacture of molasses, jellies and other goods. From a small beginning the business has steadily developed until in its ramifying branches it now reaches out all over the country, its shipments being sent to many parts of the United States. The house is represented by traveling salesmen throughout the American continent and the business is growing year by year. Employment is furnished to one hundred people and since the father's death the interests have been continued with his son, D. H. Farrell, as president, treasurer and manager of the business.

In Keokuk, Iowa, in 1881, Daniel Farrell was united in marriage to Miss Anna C. Floward, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and to them were born nine children but only four are yet living: Mrs. Alene Cecelia Cannon, of Los Angeles, California; Raymond A., living in Portland, Oregon; Daniel Howard; and Irene P., who is the wife of S. B. Young, of Omaha.

Mr. Farrell was a Catholic in religious faith. Flis political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was asked to become a candidate for mayor but refused. He took a helpful interest in matters relating to the general wel- fare, however, and to that end cooperated in the progressive movements of the Commercial Club and was also one of the original members of the Ak-Sar-Ben. He belonged also to the Omaha Club. He was one of the organizers of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition, being the first man to put money into that venture. At the time of his death he was serving as president of the Omaha Board of Trade and a life of great usefulness was terminated when on the i8th of July, 1897, he was called to his final rest, having then attained the age of but fortysix years. His worth as a business man and citizen was widely acknowledged and it was well known that his aid and cooperation could be counted upon to further even,' movement of benefit to the conmiunity. He early learned the value of industry, determination and persistency of purpose, and the course of life which he marked out accorded full recognition of the worth of those qualities.

Daniel Howard Farrell

Daniel Howard b'arrell, president, treasurer and manager of the Farrell Company, controlling one of the important productive industries of Omaha, was born in Omaha in 1890 and supplemented a public school education by two years' study in Notre Dame University of Indiana and a further course in Creighton University of Omaha. He was graduated from the law department of that institution, but though qualified for the bar, he never entered upon active practice. Instead he became his father's successor in business and has since been connected with the further development of one of the city's important industries. The business has been enlarged from time to time and in connection with the manufacture of jellies and molasses the company manufactures its own cans. Its trade extends to all sections of the country and in the year 1916 the sales amounted to three hundred thousand dollars. In 1910 a removal of the plant was made to Dodge and Tenth streets and the establishment is well equipped according to modern methods and processes. Associated with Mr. Farrell in the management and control of the business is George J. Braig, who is the vice president and secretary of the company.

Mr. Farrell was united in marriage in Omaha, in 1912, to Miss Annette Lady, of this city, and they have a son, John Van Buren. Mr. Farrell figures very prominently in club circles, holding membership in the University, Athletic and Field Clubs. He also belongs to the Ak-Sar-Ben and to the Commercial Club and thus takes active interest in promoting projects that look to the establishment of higher civic standards and to the extension of the trade relations of the city. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has always stood for progressiveness not only in business but in municipal affairs, and he is justly accounted one of the valued and representative residents of Omaha.

Charles C. George

Charles C. George, president of the firm of George & Company, real estate and investment securities, is also an officer in various other business organizations. He was born in Galesburg, Illinois, in 1863, a son of John W. and Mary E. (Younger) George, who were married in Ohio. The father was born in Muskingum county, that state, in 1826, and throughout his entire active life followed the occupation of farming. He was a son of John George, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and was of English lineage. The death of John W. George occurred in Galesburg, Illinois, in 1914, while his wife passed away in 1908.

After attending the public schools in Galesburg Charles C. George continued his education in Knox College of that city, from which he was graduated with the class of 1885. He then came to Omaha and entered the real estate and investment field, since which time he has given his attention to real estate operations and investment securities. In 1890 the Potter & George Company was incorporated. Air. George becoming the secretary and manager, in which connection he remained until 1900, when he and his brother, John Edward George, took over the business of the corporation and changed the name to George & Company, and since that time Charles C. George has been the president. He is a director and vice president of the Conservative Savings & Loan Association, having been active in the upbuilding of that association and connected with it since 1893. He is also president of the Dundee Realty Company, is president of the City National Bank Building Company, and in all these corporations owns substantial interests.

On the 14th of December, 1905, in Chicago, Mr. George was united in marriage to Miss Idella Louise Hamlin and they have a daughter, Mary. The parents are members of the Episcopal church and Mr. George is a vestryman of Trinity Cathedral. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he belongs to the Commercial Club, being chairman of the executive committee of that organization in 191 7. He also has membership in the Happy Hollow and Omaha Country Clubs, and in the Omaha and University Clubs, of which last named club he was president during 1916. He is a man of unusual energy and has used his time and opportunities not only in the attainment of business success but in the cultivation of those interests which bring intellectual pleasure or which are based upon a recognition of man's relations to his fellowmen. His life therefore has maintained an even balance and words of appreciation and worth are ever coupled with the mention of his name.

Dr. Frank J. Schleier, a physician of Omaha, was born in Cassville, Wisconsin, in 1877. His father, Michael Schleier, a native of Germany, was bom in 1830 and when eighteen years of age came to the United States in 1848, settling first in Wisconsin. There he married Catherine Koll, who was born in Germany, and some years later they became residents of Iowa, the father passing away at Earling, that state, in 191 1. His widow still survives, now making her home at Defiance, Iowa. Throughout his entire business career the father had followed the occupation of farming.

Dr. Schleier was a little lad of but five summers when the family went to Earling, Iowa, where he pursued his public school education, which was supplemented by study in the Normal University at Lincoln, Nebraska. In preparation for a professional career he entered the Creighton Medical College of Omaha, from which he was graduated in 1904, and later he spent a year as interne in St. Joseph's Hospital of Omaha, gaining thereby the broad practical knowledge and experience which only hospital work can bring. He has since practiced in Omaha and has specialized in surgical work. He is now attending surgeon at St. Joseph's Hospital and is a lecturer on surgery in Creighton College. He has studied broadly along the line of his specialty, keeping in touch with the most advanced work of the eminent surgeons of this and other lands. In 191 1 he became county physician of Douglas county, which position he filled for three

On the loth of August, 1910, in Sioux City, Iowa, Dr. Schleier was united in marriage to Miss Ellen M. Minogue, daughter of John and Johannah (Carey) Minogue. In religious faith they are Catholics and in political.belief Dr. Schleier is a republican. He belongs to the Athletic Club of Omaha and to the Com- niercial Club, and while interested in all matters relating to the public welfare, he allows nothing to interfere with the faithful performance of his i)rofessional tluties, which he ably and conscientiously discharges, lie is a member of the American Medical Association, the Nebraska State Medical Association and the Omaha-Douglas County Medical Society and thus he keeps in touch with the trend of modern professional thought and progress.

John Foster Flack

Starting out in life on his own account at the early age of eleven years, John Foster Flack has since been dependent entirely upon his individual exertions, but he early became familiar with the eternal principle that industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life. Not all days in his career have been equally bright, for obstacles and difficulties have at limes barred his path and there have been periods when he has seen the storm clouds gathering, threatening disaster, but his perseverance and persistency have enabled him to surmount all obstacles and win a creditable and enviable position as a leading Omaha financier. Moreover, his efforts have been of a character that have contributed largely to the public welfare, as various concerns with wdiich he has been connected have become factors in the business development of the city.

Mr. Flack was born in Cambridge, New York, March 24, 1863, and traces his ancestry back in direct line to James Flack, who was his great-great-grandfather and who came to the United States about 1750 from the north of Ireland. John W. Flack, his grandfather, was a soldier of the War of 1812. Flis father, George FL Flack, was born in Argyle, New York, in 1832 and there wedded Martha Foster. They continued residents of the Empire state until called to the home beyond, the mother passing away in 1868, while the father survived until June, 1885. In the maternal line the ancestry is traced back to James Ashton, who was the great-great-grandfather of John F. Flack and who became an officer in the Revolutionary war, serving throughout the period of hostilities with the mother countiy that led to the independence of the nation.

At the usual age John Foster Flack began his education in the public schools of New York but when a lad of only eleven years he felt that parental authority was irksome and moreover was imbued with the desire for adventure, so he left home. Being thus thrown on his own resources, he was employed on farms until 1880, when he entered the Claverick College and Hudson River Institute at Claverick, New York, from which institution he was graduated in 1884. In that same year he came to Omaha and in March, 1885, he entered the produce commission business, at 105 South Fourteenth street, his previous farm experience giving him considerable knowledge of the value of farm products. After two years spent in that way he entered the real estate field and so successfully placed his investments and managed his property that before he was twentyfive years of age he had bought, built and sold one hundred houses. It was a logical step to the building and loan business, which he entered in 1893 as manager of the Conservative Savings & Loan Association, the interests of which he controlled in that official connection until 1908, when he sold out. In 1906 he had become secretary and vice president of the Occidental Building & Loan Association and in 1908 he was elected to the presidency, still remaining as its chief executive officer and directing head. In 19 13 he was elected to the presidency of the Bankers Mortgage Loan Company, which was organized in 1912. This indicates but some of the features of his business activity, however. In 1908 he aided in organizing the City Trust Company, of which he continued as president until February, 1915, when he resigned. In 1901 he became one of the organizers of the syndicate which was formed in Omaha and which purchased the Omaha Loan & Trust Company's Savings Bank, at which time the name was changed to the City Savings Bank. Mr. Flack became its vice president and in 1906 was elected to the presidency, so continuing until 1908, when the institution was converted into the City National Bank, of which he remained president until March 27, 191 6. He then sold out to the German-American Bank, which later was merged into the State Bank, now existing. His business interests have constantly grown and developed and the methods which he has followed have at all times been such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. His plans have been well devised and carefully executed and his success has followed a thorough understanding of business conditions in the specific line in which he has operated.

On the 29th of December, 1886, in Salem, New York, Mr. Flack was united in marriage to Miss Carrie J. Sherman, a daughter of Jesse S. Sherman. They have two children : George C, who is treasurer of the Occidental Building & Loan Association and treasurer of the Bankers Mortgage Loan Company; and Henrietta Lois, the wife of Miles McFayden, who is the secretary of the Bankers Mortgage Loan Company and by whom she has a daughter, Lois Caroline.

Mr. Flack is a republican and he has membership in the Commercial Club, the Omaha Club, the Country Club, the Happy Hollow Club, the University Club and the United Presbyterian church - associations which indicate the nature of his interests and show that his activities have not been centered alone in lines of individual benefit but have reached out into those fields where assistance is given to the many and toward the promotion of the general good.

Irvin Andrew Medlar

Irvin Andrew ^Medlar, secretary and treasurer of the Irvin A. Medlar Company, owners and publishers of the Mid-West Hotel Reporter and the Omaha Hotel Reporter and also conducting a profitable job printing business, was born upon a farm in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and represents an old family of that state, of German lineage, which was founded in America by his greatgrandfather. His grandfather. Samuel Medlar, was born in Pennsylvania, as was his father, John Christopher Medlar, also a native of Schuylkill county, where he was reared and married Rebecca Seltzer. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause of the Union and went to the front with a Pennsylvania regiment. For years he filled the office of postmaster at Drehersville, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1912, his widow passing away November 19, 1916.

In his youthful days Irvin A. Medlar attended the district schools and for five years continued his education in Marion county, Kansas. He then returned to the old home in Pennsylvania with his parents and became a pupil in the public schools of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, the county seat of Schuylkill county. He afterward learned the printer's trade on the Pottsville Republican, with^ which paper he was connected for three or four years. Later he went to Newton, Kansas, and became connected with the Newton Republican, in which office he was advanced to the position of foreman, remaining there for about four years. At Kansas City, Missouri, he became connected with the Star and in the fall of 1891 he removed to Omaha and entered the employ of the Omaha Printing Company, with which he remained for a year or more, when the establishment was destroyed by fire. He went into business on his own account in 1892, establishing the Omaha Daily Hotel Reporter, and a year later added a book and job printing department. At the same time he incorporated the busniess under the name of the Irvin A. Medlar Company, of which he is the secretary and treasurer. Something of the growth of his business is indicated in the fact that he not only publishes the Omaha Hotel Reporter but also the Mid-West Hotel Reporter, which is now in the eleventh volume, and that he is a prominent and popular figure in hotel circles and widely known in that connection is indi-

On the 8th of May. 1894. in Omaha, Mr. Medlar was united in marriage to Miss Lotta Josephine Jenkins, her father heing Clarence L. Jenkins, a pioneer of Omaha. To them have l)een born two children: Henrietta Cordelia; and Irvin Frank, whose birth occurred in 1899.

In early manhood Mr. Medlar was connected with the National Guard of Kansas at Newton and served as a drummer in his regiment. He is a republican in his political views and fraternally is a Master Mason and Knight of Pythias. He belongs to the Happy Hollow Club, the Athletic Club of Omaha, the Sons of X'eterans in Kansas, the Commercial Club of Omaha and the Ak-Sar-Ben. Diversified and varied as are the interests thus indicated, they do not compass the entire extent of his activities, for he belongs also to the Central United Presbyterian church and his life in all its varied relations measures up to high standards of manhood and citizenship.

Elmer James Neville

Elmer James Neville, who since 1898 has practiced at the Omaha bar, was in that year graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan. He is a native son of the city in which he resides, his birth having here occurred April 24, 1874. While spending his youthful days in the home of his father, James Neville, he attended the public schools and then for further educational training entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which institution he was graduated in 1896 on the completion of a classical course, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree. Two years later he was graduated in law from the same school and then returned to Omaha, where he oi>ened an office. The fact that he has continued in practice for eighteen years is proof of his success and gradually in this connection he has worked his way upward. He has come to display resourcefulness in the work of the courts and at all times his position IS fortified by thorough preparation and a clear and comprehensive understandmg of legal principles.

In 1896, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mr. Neville was united in marriage to Miss Clara ]^Iarkham, and they have become the parents of five children, Florence Anna, Eugene J., Maria Emefine, Elmer Markham and Norman Lewis. Mr. Neville is a chapter Mason and in his political views is a republican but he allows no outside interests to interfere with the performance of his professional duties.

Irving Franklin Baxter

Irving Franklin Baxter, member of the Omaha bar practicing as a member of the firm of Brown, Baxter & Van Dusen, was born in Liverpool, New York, January 11, 1863, a son of George and Amie C. (Sitts) Baxter. The father was born in Borodino, New York, in 1840, and for years was engaged in the lumber business, while later he turned his attention to real estate activities. He served as supervisor of the town of Liverpool, New York, and was once defeated for the legislature. His wife passed away in February, 1916.

Irving F. Baxter, after attending the Liverpool Academy and the Syracuse (N. Y.) high school, took up the study of law in the office of Frank Hiscock, former United States senator from Syracuse, and after thorough preliminary reading was admitted to practice at the New York bar in 1887. In July of that )ear he came to Omaha and in January, 1888, entered into partnership with

Charles J. Greene and Charles H. Marple. A year later the firm became Greene & Baxter and so continued until January, 1894, when Mr. Baxter was elected county judge of Douglas county and served for three terms or six years. In the fall of 1899 he was chosen by popular suffrage for the office of district judge of the fourth judicial district and in 1904 high compliment to his ability was accorded him in a reelection without opposition. He continued upon the district bench until April, 1905, when he resigned to accept the position of United States attorney for Nebraska at Omaha. While in that office he entered into a partnership that resulted in the organization of the firm of Baxter & Van Dusen. In July, 1912, the junior partner retired and Hon. Norris Brown, then United States senator, joined Mr. Baxter under the firm name of Brown, Baxter & Van Dusen, although Mr. Van Dusen died in February, 1916, and had had no connection with the firm since 19 12. The name, however, was retained and his son, Dana \"an Dusen, entered the firm in September, 1916. This is recognized as one of the prominent law firms of Omaha, the ability of its members placing it in the front rank among the city's ablest attorneys and counselors. Mr. Baxter's law firm is attorney for the Pullman Company, for the Union Stock Yards, the Howard Stove Works and the Interstate Hotel Company and he has largely concentrated his eft'orts and attention upon corporation law. He is a director of the Interstate Hotel Company, operating Hotel Fontenelle.

On the 26th of September, 1888, at Liverpool, New York, Mr. Baxter was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Cornelia Gleason, a daughter of William and Cornelia (Jackson) Gleason, both of whom were born in Elmira, New York. Her father held the rank of lieutenant in the Forty-ninth New York \'olunteer Infantry and served throughout the entire period of the Civil war. After receiving wounds he was transferred to the quartermaster's department.

Judge Baxter is a member of the Christian Science church and fraternally is identified with the Royal Arcanum, the W'oodmen of the World and the Elks. He is also a member of the Omaha Club, the University Club, the Happy Hollow Country Club, the Athletic Club and the Commercial Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has frequently been a delegate to its state conventions, his opinions carrying weight in its councils. Those who know him entertain for him the warmest regard by reason of his notable ability in professional lines and also because of his sterling personal worth. He is honored and respected by all and the value of his work along many lines relating to the general welfare has made him naturally a leader of public thought and opinion.

George McGregor Tunison, practicing at the Omaha bar as a member of the firm of Jeiferis & Tunison, was born at Parkersburg, Iowa, December 20, 1882, his parents being James Wellington and Catherine (McGregor) Tunison. The former was a nephew of Henry C. Tunison, the map publisher of Chicago, and was his representative in the west.