1889 HISTORY OF LINCOLN NEBRASKA

CHAPTER XIV

LINCOLN POLITICALLY FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE PRESENT -- HER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS -- PAVING, SEWERAGE, AND WATER-WORKS -- SEMI-PUBLIC WORKS -- HER FIRE DEPARTMENT --THE POLICE FORCE -- THE PRESENT CITY OFFICERS AND OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF TRADE

(177) As has been stated in an earlier chapter, the town of Lincoln was organized in 1869.

In 1870 the Town Trustees elected were C. N. Baird, D. S. Smith, D. A. Sherwood, C. H. Gere, and H. J. Walsh. C. H. Gere was elected Chairman, R. O. Phillips was chosen Clerk, and N. C. Brock was continued as Treasurer of the board.

On March 18, 1871, the town was organized as a city of the second class, under a charter. The election occurred on the third of the following April, and the officers then chosen were: W. F. Chapin, Mayor; C. H. Street and R. E. Moore, Police Judges; A. E. Hastings, Marshal; T. F. L. Catlin, Clerk; G. W. Ballentine, Treasurer; Councilmen -- First ward, L. A. Scoggin and C. C. Burr; Second ward, D. A. Sherwood and J. M. Creamer; Third ward, J. J. Gosper and J. L. McConnell; T. T. Murphy, City Engineer. Thereafter, until 1889, the city officers elected were as follows:

1872. -- The city officers of 1872 were: Mayor, E. E. Brown; Councilmen -- First ward, J. R. Fairbank (two years) and L. A. Scoggin, (one year;) Second ward, William McLaughlin (two years) and D. A. Sherwood, (one year;) Third ward, G. G. Owen (two years) and J. J. Gosper, (one year;) Clerk, Thomas L. Catlin; Treasurer, William A. Coleman; Marshal, John McManigal; City Physician, J. O. Carter; Police Judge, R. E. Moore; Engineer, Tom I. Atwood.

1873 -- Mayor, Robert D. Silvers; Councilmen -- First ward, L. A. Scoggin and J. R. Fairbank; Second ward, T. P. Quick and William McLaughlin; Third ward, N. S. Scott and S. G. Owen; City Clerk, R. N. Vedder, (resigned September 2d, and E. P. Roggen appointed to fill vacancy;) Treasurer, William Coleman; Marshal, Brad Ringer; Engineer, Thomas I. Atwood; City Physician, S. W. Robinson; (178) Police Judge, Lewis A. Groff, and C. Green, Police Judge to fill vacancy; Street Commissioner and Fire Warden, George B. Skinner; and T. P. Quick, Chief of the Fire Department.

1874. -- Mayor, Samuel W. Little; Councilmen -- First ward, L. A. Scoggin and John Eaton; Second ward, William McLaughlin and T. P. Quick; Third ward, R. O. Phillips and N. S. Scott; Clerk, E. P. Roggen; Treasurer, William A. Sharrar; Marshal, P. H. Cooper; City Engineer, A. Roberts; Police Judge, J. H. Foxworthy; Street Commissioner and Fire Warden, George B. Skinner; Chief of the Fire Department, T. P. Quick, and Gran. Ensign Assistant.

1875 -- Mavor, Amasa Cobb; City Clerk, R. W. Charter; Treasurer, B. F. Fisher; Police Judge, R. W. Taylor; Marshal, P. H. Cooper; City Engineer, A. Roberts; Cemetery Trustee, Philetus Peck; Councilmen -- First ward, James Ledwith, and J. R. Fairbank to fill vacancy; Second ward, Fred. W. Krone; Third ward, O. Kingman; T. P. Quick, Chief of Fire Department.

1876. -- Mayor, R. D. Silver; City Clerk, George V. Kent; City Treasurer, James McConnell; Marshal, P. H. Cooper; Police Judge, John McLean; City Engineer, J. P. Walton; Cemetery Trustee, Israel Putnam; Councilmen -- First ward, John Monteith; Second ward, L. W. Billingsley; Third ward, C. M. Leighton and E. W. Morgan; T. P. Quick, Chief of the Fire Department.

1877. -- Mayor, H. W. Hardy; Clerk, R. C. Manley; Treasurer, James McConnell; Police Judge, J. S. Dales; Marshal, Thomas Carr; Engineer, J. P. Walton; Cemetery Trustee, J. J. Turner; Councilmen -- First ward, James Ledwith; Second ward, Rufus Yard and J. B. Wright, (elected in September to fill vacancy;) Third ward, J. K. Honeywell; T. P. Quick, Chief of the Fire Department.

1878 --- Mayor, H. W. Hardy; Clerk, R. W. Jacobs; Treasurer, James McConnell; Marshal, Thomas Carr; Police Judge, J. S. Dales; Engineer, J. P. Walton; Cemetery Trustee, A. M. Davis; Councilmen -- First ward, James H. Dailey; Second ward, R. P. R. Millar, Third ward, Austin Humphrey; Isaac M. Raymond, Chief of the Fire Department.

1879. -- Mayor, Seth P. Galey; Clerk, M. Nelson; Treasurer, D. B. Cropsey; Police Judge, J. S. Dales; Marshal, I. L. Lyman; City Engineer, J. P. Walton; T. P. Quick, Chief of the Fire Department. Councilmen -- First ward, W. C. Griffith and James Ledwith; Second (179) ward, R. P. R. Millar and John B. Wright; Third ward, Austin Humphrey and H. J. Walsh.

1880. -- Mayor, John B. Wright; Clerk, R. C. Manley; Treasurer, D. B. Cropsey; Police Judge, J. S. Dales; Chief of Police, I. L. Lyman. Councilmen -- First ward, R. Grimes and J. Ledwith; Second ward, J. L. Caldwell and J. Frederick Krone; Third ward, H. J. Walsh and John Doolittle; City Engineer, J. P. Walton; Chief of the Fire Department, T. P. Quick.

1881. -- John H. Wright, Mayor; R. C. Manley, City Clerk; A. C. Cross, Treasurer; J. S. Dales, Police Judge; N. S. Scott, City Engineer; Cemetery Trustee, L. J. Byer, and to fill vacancy, A. M. Davis. For Councilmen -- First ward, C. C. Munson; Second ward, S. B. Linderman; Third ward, J. H. Harley.

The question of voting the Lincoln City Street Railway Company right-of-way over north and south streets from Seventh to Seventeenth, and on east and west streets from A to R, was carried in favor of the license by a vote of 841 to 405.

1882 -- At the city election of April 4, 1882, 1,899 votes were cast, with the following result: Mayor, John Doolittle; City Clerk, R. C. Manley; City Treasurer, A. C. Cass; Police Judge, B. F. Cobb; City Engineer, J. P. Walton; Cemetery Trustee, A. M. Davis. Councilmen -- First ward, H. Shaberg; Second ward, Fred Krone; Third ward, C. L. Baum.

1883. -- At the city election held on April 3, 1883, 1,705 votes were polled. The election resulted in the choice of the following officers:

Mayor, R. E. Moore; City Clerk, R. C. Manley; City Treasurer, John T. Jones; Cemetery Trustee, Lewis Gregory; Councilmen -- First ward, W. C. Lane, Second ward, S. B. Linderman; Third ward, Charles West; Fourth ward, W. J. Cooper long term, and J. H. Harley short term.

1884. -- The city election of 1884 was held April 1st, and 1,550 votes were cast. Mayor; R. E. Moore; Clerk, R. C. Manley, and Treasurer, John T. Jones, held over. The elected officers were: Police Judge, M. Montgomery; Cemetery Trustee, H. J. Walsh. Councilmen -- First ward, N. C. Brock; Second ward, H. P. Lau; Third ward, J. W. Winger; Fourth ward, J. R. Webster.

1885 -- At the city election held on April 7, 1885, 2,447 votes were (180) cast. The officers elected were -- Mayor, C. C. Burr; City Clerk, R. C. Manley; City Treasurer, John T. Jones; Cemetery Trustee, A. M. Davis. Councilmen -- First ward, James Dailey; Second ward, L. W. Billingsley; Third ward, A. E. Hargreaves; Fourth ward, W. J. Cooper.

At this election Burr received 1,115 votes, Fitzgerald 1,085 votes, and H. W. Hardy 247 votes. The votes were counted on the 9th of April, and on the evening of the 10th the Council met to consider a notice of contest by John Fitzgerald. The attorneys for Fitzgerald, Whedon, Sawyer &, Snell, objected to the jurisdiction of the Council to hear and determine the contest. On motion of Billingsley and Webster, the objection was sustained, and the Mayor and Clerk were ordered to issue certificates to candidates having a majority on the face of the returns. Attorney Whedon gave notice that he would apply to the Supreme Court for a perpetual injunction to restrain those officers from issuing the certificate; but the matter was dropped without further proceedings.

1886. -- The city election of 1886 was held on April 6th. Police Judge, Cemetery Trustee, and Councilmen, were elected, as follows: Police Judge, A. F. Parsons; [removed from office and place filled by appointment of H. J. Whitmore;] Cemetery Trustee, Lewis Gregory. Councilmen -- First ward, N. C. Brock; Second ward, John Fraas; Third ward, H. H. Dean; Fourth ward, R. B. Graham. The total vote cast was 2,668.

1887. -- The city election of 1887 took place on April 5th, and 3,919 votes were cast. E. P. Roggen was the regular Republican nominee; A. J. Sawyer, the independent reform movement nominee, and A. J. Cropsey, the straight-out Prohibition nominee. This election was carried on without regard to party affiliation. Roggen received 1,478 votes; Sawyer, 2,013 votes, and Cropsey, 428 votes. The election resulted as follows: Mayor, A. J. Sawyer; Clerk, R. C. Manley; Treasurer, J. T. Jones; Cemetery Trustee, L. J. Byer. Councilmen -- First ward, J. H. Dailey; Second ward, L. W. Billingsley; Third ward, J. M. Burks; Fourth ward, W. J. Cooper; Fifth ward, long term, Gran. Ensign; short term, J. Z. Briscoe; Sixth ward, long term, (two years,) L. C. Pace; short term, (one year,) Fred. A. Hovey. The question of voting right-of-way on the streets to the Rapid Transit Street Railway Company was settled at this election in (181) favor of the license by a vote of 2,571 to 43. C. A. Atkinson was appointed City Attorney, and P. H. Cooper Chief of Police, or Marshal.

1888. -- The city election of 1888 was held on April 3d, and the total vote was 4,063. The following officers were elected: Police Judge, W. J. Houston; Cemetery Trustee, A. M. Davis. Councilmen -- First ward, A. Halter; Second ward, John Fraas; Third ward, H. H. Dean; Fourth ward, R. B. Graham; Fifth ward, Louie Meyer; Sixth ward, H. M. Rice. G. M. Lambertson was appointed City Attorney.

1889. -- At the city election of April, 1889, R. B. Graham was elected Mayor; D. C. Van Duyn, Clerk; Elmer B. Stephenson, Treasurer; O. N. Gardner, City Engineer; I. L. Lyman, Water Commissioner.

The Legislature of 1889 gave the city a new charter, which provided for an Excise Board, designed to have exclusive control of the liquor licenses of the city, instead of the Council, as theretofore. The first board, elected in April at the city election, were John Doolittle and C. J. Daubach. The Mayor is an ex-officio member of the board, so that Mayor Graham is the third member of the first board. The Councilmen chosen at this election were: First ward, P. Hayden; Second ward, J. C. Saulsbury; Third ward, William McLaughlin; Fourth ward, F. A. Boehmer and W. S. Hamilton; Fifth ward, H. M. Bushnell; Sixth ward, L. C. Pace.

Having become a candidate for Mayor, Mr. R. B. Graham resigned his chair in the Council before the election. Mr. W. J. Cooper was nominated for the place, and elected. But it afterward seemed that there was some technical invalidity in his election, and it was thought best to go through the formality of an election again. So the Mayor called a special election; and, there seeming to be no opposition to Mr. Cooper, less than half the vote in the ward was polled. But during the day some schemers quietly put W. S. Hamilton in the field against Cooper, and to the surprise of the city he was elected. His friends had completely surprised and taken the camp of the Cooper people. This and other causes led up to the appointment of a committee of Councilmen, by the Council, to investigate allegations of corruption on the part of the Council of 1887 and 1888. The committee consisted of W. S. Hamilton, H. M. Bushnell, H. H. Dean, L. C. Pace, (182) and William McLaughlin. After intermittent sittings for several weeks in May and June, during which numerous witnesses were examined, it appeared by the report of the committee that nothing of much consequence could be charged against any one. The city bond, had been fairly well handled, the storm-water sewers had been well constructed, and the charges against Councilmen having been subsidized were not sustained. It appeared that W. J. Cooper had sold had material to the city at high prices, while Councilman, under the name of one of his men; and this was about all that seemed worthy of criticism. The atmosphere now cleared up, and no more was heard about the matter.

The entire list of city officers, including the officers of the Board of Trade, for 1889, are as follows:

Councilmen. -- First ward, A. Halter, P. Hayden; Second ward, John Fraas, J. C. Saulsbury; Third ward, H. H. Dean President, William McLaughlin; Fourth ward, F. A. Boehmer, W. S. Hamilton; Fifth ward; L. Meyer, H. M. Bushnell; Sixth ward, H. M. Rice, L. C. Pace.

Other City Officers. -- D. C. Van Duyn, City Clerk; H. H. Townley, Deputy; E. B. Stephenson, Treasurer; R. C. Hazlett, Deputy; G. M. Lambertson, City Attorney; W. J. Houston, Police Judge; O. N. Gardner, City Civil Engineer; I. L. Lyman, Water Commissioner; L. J. Byers, Street Commissioner; W. W. Carder, Chief' Police; W. H. Newbury, Chief Fire Department; V. H. Dyer, Sewer Inspector; Joseph McGraw, Gas Inspector; Wm. Rhode, Inspector Live Stock; A. H. Bartram, Health Officer.

Excise Board. -- R. B. Graham, President; D. C. Van Duyn, Clerk; John Doolittle, C. J. Daubach.

Directors. -- R. H. Oakley, President; T. P. Kennard, T. W. Lowrey, J. J. Imhoff; Eli Plummer, Joseph Boehmer, C. J. Ernst, (183) A. E. Hargreaves, Mason Gregg, M. L. Trester, A. H. Weir, C. W. Mosher, C. T. Brown.

Committees. -- A. H. Weir, Chairman Railroads; Jacob Rocke, Chairman Live Stock; J. J. Imhoff, Chairman Miscellaneous; C. W. Mosher, Chairman Rules; M. L. Trester, Chairman Membership; Joseph Boehmer, Chairman Finance; C. J. Ernst, Chairman Executive; T. W. Lowrey, Chairman Transportation; T. P. Kennard, Chairman Manufactories; Eli Plummer, Chairman Reception; Mason Gregg, Chairman Market Reports; H. D. Hathaway, Chairman Papers and Periodicals; C. T. Brown, Chairman Real Estate; A. E. Hargreaves, Chairman Arbitration; C. A. Atkinson, Chairman Advertising.

The Fire Department has kept pace with the growth of the city, and to-day is recognized by the Board of Underwriters to be one of the best organized, disciplined, and equipped, departments in the West; in fact, second to none. The first volunteer fire company was organized in 1875, and was named the Phoenix Hook and Ladder Company. In 1872 the growth of the city demanded better protection, and a Silsby steam fire engine was purchased, and named The W. F. Chapin, the Hon. W. F. Chapin being the Mayor of the city in that year. Two hose carts, and 1,000 feet of rubber hose, were purchased at the same time, and a company called the Chapin Hose Company was organized, with a roster of fifty men. In 1880 it was found necessary to increase the strength of the department, and a second size Silsby steamer was purchased and added to the equipment. No changes were made in the department until 1882, when the Chapin hose Company was disbanded, (the Hook and Ladder Company having disbanded in 1879.) Two new hose companies were organized, known as the Merchants' Hose Company No. 1, and the Fitzgerald Hose Company No. 2. The "Fitzgeralds" have a national reputation, having won the Nebraska State championship belt and cart in the years 1884 and 1885, and the world's championship at the city of New Orleans in 1886. On January 4, 1886, the department was reorganized, Hon. C. C. Burr, Mayor, by Fire Warden Newbury, and five all-paid men appointed and a two-horse, four-wheel hose carriage purchased and put in service. In January, 1887, the Merchants' and Fitzgerald Hose Companies were disbanded, thus ending the life and (184) useful career of the volunteer fire department of Lincoln, which had performed faithful and efficient service for twelve years. But the rapid growth and increasing area of the city demanded a change, and a metropolitan system, with trained and experienced men, constantly on duty, was placed in service. In the month of January, 1887, Hon. A. J. Sawyer Mayor, the department was reorganized by Chief W. H. Newbury and placed on a solid and substantial basis. The fire department at present consists of thirty-five full-paid men, the organization being as follows: one Chief of Fire Department, one Assistant Chief, three Captains, two engineers of steamers, and twenty-eight men. Salaries: Chief, $140.00 per month; Captains, $75.00 per month: engineers of steamers, $75.00 per month; drivers, pipemen, linemen $70.00 per month. Apparatus in service: Two four-wheel two-horse hose carts, one hose Wagon, two four-wheel two-horse chemical engines, hook and ladder truck, one aerial hook and ladder truck, one chief's buggy, one supply wagon, nineteen horses. Annual expense of maintaining department, present equipment, $35,000.00.

The engine houses are large double houses, fitted up with all the modern and best improved electrical appliances, and will contain four pieces of apparatus each. Fire department headquarters -- Engine house No. 1 is situated at the corner of Tenth and Q streets. Engine house No. 2, corner of O and Twenty-third street, and engine house No. 4, at F street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets.

The first chief of the volunteer department was the Hon. Seth Linderman. His successor was T. P. Quick esq., who held the position for about ten years. The Hon. N. C. Abbott, Hon. I. M. Raymond, Hon. Gran Ensign, and Hon. I. L. Lyman, gentlemen who have represented the State, county, and city, in different positions of trust and honor, were at different times chief of the volunteer organization. The present chief, Wm. H. Newbury, was appointed Fire Warden of the city in July, 1885; appointed Chief of the Fire Department in April, 1887. Through his untiring efforts the city of Lincoln has to-day a fire department of which it is justly proud. No city in the country of the same size has had so small a percentage of loss from fire as Lincoln has had since the organization of the paid department.

The roster of the the Fire Department, as at present constituted, is as follows:

     Chief -- W. H. Newbury. Captains -- J. Morrow of company No. (185) I. G. H. Priest of company No. 2. Drivers -- F. Maden, P. Kuykendall, and R. Malone. Engineer -- J. Heberling. Stoker -- Frank Strattan. Firemen -- H. Stratton, C. W. Clyter, B. H. Floyd, J. C. McCune, A. B. Hosman, G. R. Slat, F. G. Fawcett, F. McMillan, J. Fitzgerald, and S. S. Smith.

     One of the most successful institutions of the city is the Red Ribbon Club, which was organized by John B. Finch in November, 1877, at a place on the east side of Tenth street, about four doors north of Tenth and N streets. For years it held its meetings in "Red Ribbon Hall," at the northwest corner of Twelfth and M streets. Every Sunday afternoon in the year Mr. George B. Skinner, who has been president, manager, and inspiration to the organization from its beginning, would be found on the platform directing the meeting. The programes consisted of singing from "Gospel Hymns," or similar musical books, and voluntary addresses by persons in the audience, though Mr. Skinner would often call upon men or women whom he thought could make short, useful addresses. Hundreds of drinking men have been induced to sign the pledge by this club, and by it assisted to keep the good resolution. The club now meets at a large assembly room on T street, between Eleventh and Twelfth street. The roll of the organization now numbers fully 17,001) persons, including many of the leading men and women of the city and State. For twelve years it has lived and expanded, and is now, perhaps, the largest, oldest, and most successful, association of its kind in the United States. For all this growth and power it is substantially indebted to George B. Skinner.

     Lincoln has hotel accommodations for fully 2,000 persons. A sketch of the earliest hotel history has already been given in another chapter, where reference is made to the "Pioneer," the "Cadman," and the "Atwood."

In 1869 -- -- Wilson constructed a store foundation on the southwest corner of P and Eleventh streets. This lot and one other to the southward, were sold to James Griffith, who still resides in this county, who disposed of them to Cropsey & England. That firm passed the property over to Dr. Scott, who completed the building on the foundation already there, and opened a drug store in it about 1869. In 1870 be converted the building into a hotel, which was managed (186) by John Douglas, and it was called the "Douglas House." Mr. Douglas conducted it until November, 1873, when Mr. J. J. Imhoff bought it, called it the "Commercial Hotel," and at once greatly enlarged it. Its patronage increased constantly under his control, and he was obliged to enlarge it to its present dimensions of 150 x 108 ½ feet, and to three stories in height, so as to possess a capacity to accommodate easily 300 guests. It soon became the political headquarters of the State and the principal rendezvous of politicians, associations, and public affairs generally. Mr. Imhoff owned the hotel until the opening of 1886, when Mr. C. W. Kitchen bought it, changed its name to "The Capital Hotel," and managed it until May 1st, 1887. Then Hon. Edward P. Roggen became its landlord, Mr. W. H. B. Stout having bought it, and so continued until March, 1889, when Mr. G. F. Macdonald, formerly of the Millard Hotel in Omaha, bought an interest with Mr. Roggen, and since that date the house has been managed by Roggen & Macdonald. It still continues to be the political hub of the State, being Republican State headquarters annually. It possesses all modern conveniences and improvements and is the best known hotel in Nebraska. Mr. Richard W. Johnson, who was chief clerk with Mr. Imhoff, occupied the same position with Mr. Kitchen, and has been the chief clerk with Mr. Roggen and Messrs. Roggen & Macdonald. He is one of the worthiest and best hotel men in Nebraska, and one of the best known.

Next in order of origin is Opelt's Hotel, at Ninth and Q, streets, which was built by Mr. J. S. Atwood, who completed it in 1880. It was then named the "Arlington" house. It was the largest hotel in Nebraska at that date, and yet ranks among the most spacious and excellent hostelries in the State. Mr. Joseph Opelt, its present landlord, became its first landlord and conducted it until 1881, when it was purchased by J. S. McIntire, who managed it for a short time, and it passed into the hands of Capt. Wm. Ensey, who controlled it about three years. It then was without a landlord for about three months, when Mr. Joseph Opelt, on March 15, 1886, again became its lessee and landlord, and so continues to the present time. He has always had a large and profitable business. The house is fitted up with modern improvements and has an easy capacity of about 250 guests. Mr. Stanley C. Wicks is the efficient chief clerk of this excellent hotel. It is now owned by W. H. Atwood, of Kinderhook, N. Y., the son of the builder.

(188) The next large hotel built in Lincoln was the Windsor, at first called the "Gorham House," located at the southeast corner of Eleventh and Q streets. This hotel was erected by Mr. T. F. Barnes, in 1884, and was opened January 5, 1885, by Gorham & Brown, who managed it about a year, when it passed into the hands of Glass & Montrose, who also conducted it about a year. Then it came into the control of its presentable managers, Messrs. E. K. Criley & Co., Mr. E. K. Criley being in immediate charge. In his hands it has been much improved, and its business and capacity extended. The same firm controls the "Paddock house" at Beatrice, and other noted hotels in the West. The Windsor is equipped with the most improved hotel facilities and lhas a capacity of over 200 guests. It is still owned by Mr. T. F. Barnes, Mr. S. J. Whitmore, is the chief clerk of the Windsor, and is an excellent and capable man in the position.

The "Lindell Hotel" is an excellent hostelry, located at the northwest corner of Thirteenth and M streets. This is a pleasant, quiet, home-like place, new and tidy, and managed by Dr. A. L. Hoover and his son, Mr. S. C. Hoover, under the firm title of Hoover & Son. It is a favorite resort for people who wish excellent accommodations away from the noise and disturbance of the business part of the city. The site of the Lindell has been a hotel location for twenty years. In 1869 J. N. Townley opened a boarding-louse there, which was managed by John Douglas for a short time before he took charge of the "Douglas House," at Eleventh and P streets. The property passed through various vicissitudes, and finally came into the hands of Dr. Hoover, in 1885, who removed the old frame to one side for a kitchen and erected a brick structure in 1886, which the growing business of the house required to be enlarged in 1888. It has a capacity of over 100 guests, and is furnished with the leading hotel conveniences. It discards a bar.

The "Tremont Hotel," at the southwest corner of P and Eighth streets, is yin excellent public house, possessed of steam heating, electric light, and other facilities of that kind, and its rates are very low for the accommodations it offers. It is conducted by Mr. R. W. Copeland, and can accommodate about 100 guests.

The "St. Charles Hotel," on the south side of O street, between Seventh and Eighth, is a well-known hostelry of the city, long conducted by Mrs. Kate Martin, who still owns it. Mr. Jacob Rocke

(190) is now the landlord and lessee. It enjoys a good trade, and can accommodate 150 guests. It is managed by Mr. Chris. Rocke, brother of Jacob Rocke, the County Treasurer.

The "Transit," on Twelfth between O and P, Wright & Marcy, proprietors, has accommodations for fifty guests.

The "Washington House," on the southeast corner of M and Ninth, and the "Peoria House," on the northwest corner of Q and Ninth, are frame hotels, of smaller capacity, with rates at $1.00 per day. The "Ideal Hotel," on the west side of Fourteenth street, between N and O, is conducted by W. C. Trott as a hotel and select boarding-house, and has a capacity of about 100 guests. There are a number of smaller public houses in the city, so that Lincoln can comfortably entertain a large number of persons of all tastes as to accommodations and price.

The regular police force of Lincoln consists of but seventeen men, or one to about each 3,000 inhabitants. Yet few cities in the United States are better policed, owing to the high grade of the citizenship in the city as well as to the excellent class of men on the force and the effective discipline maintained. The criminal record of Lincoln ranks with the minimum records of the very best governed cities of equal population in the world. The excellence of the police discipline was largely effected under the administration of Mayor A. J. Sawyer, by Marshal P. H. Cooper, and Captain W. T. B. Ireland, both being officials of long experience, the latter being especially efficient in the administrative details of the department. Officers A. L. Pound, C. M. Green, and J. K. Post, were also men of experience and fine record on the old force, and Officers Splain and Kinney also deserve praise as guardians of the city.

In Time, 1889, the force was reorganized by Marshal W. W. Carder, who came into office at that time. Marshal Carder has already added a number of features of excellence to the department, and the force is in a most effective condition for the duties belonging to it. It now consists of nine night men and eight day men, including the Marshal. The roster of the force is as follows: Marshal W. W. Carder. Night Captain -- C. M. Green. Sergeant -- F. A. Miller. Officers -- George F. Sipe, James Malone, A. L. Pound, J. K. Post, W. T. B. Ireland, M. F. McWilliams, William Splain, Joseph N. Snyder, W. H. Palmer, Thomas Carnahan, Louis C. Otto, J. E. Kinney, (191) John Keane. Special -- W. S. Crick. General Police Officers -- Health Commissioner, A. M. Bartram; Meat and Live Stock Inspector, W. C. Rhode; Driver of the Patrol Wagon, John H. Simpson.

Hon. Robert B. Graham, chief executive of the city of Lincoln, is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Lancaster county, a man who has done much to advance the material interests of both city and county. That he is of Scotch parentage can readily

Image of Hon. Robert B. Graham, Mayor

be told at a glance, his sturdy, well knit frame and kindly face proclaiming the nationality of his birth. Mr. Graham was born in New York City on the 17th of May, 1842. His early youth only was passed in that city, his parents removing to St. Louis when he was only five years of age. Here his youth and early manhood were passed and here he married. The early education of Mr. Graham was obtained at the public schools of St. Louis, where he was in almost constant attendance until he was fifteen years of age. In 1859, when in his seventeenth year, the young man entered the Baptist College at Burlington, Ia., and pursued his studies there uninterrupted (192) for two years. But at that time the same circumstances that spoiled the college life of so many young men of the land, that changed the whole course of life for so many hundreds of the loyal men of the North, intervened to cut short his college years; for although under age, he enlisted in the sixty-seventh Illinois infantry at the beginning of the war and was soon sent to the front. His army experience only lasted for eighteen months, he being discharged at the end of that time on account of disability. After his discharge he returned to St. Louis, where he lay sick for some time. When he recovered sufficiently to be able to work, he entered the steam cracker factory of Thomas Miller; as bookkeeper, and after a year was admitted to partnership, the firm then being Thomas Miller & Co. The firm then took a government contract for furnishing hard tack, but in 1863 the factory burned out, and was never rebuilt. From that time until 1867 Mr. Graham was engaged with the firm of Tossig, Livingston & Co., traveling through the South and Southwest buying wool, etc.

On the 12th of March, 1868, Mr. Graham was married to Miss Mary E. Hilton, of St. Louis, soon after which he moved to Glenwood, la., where he engaged in the milling business, buying an interest in a steam flouring mill at that place. At the end of a year he sold his interest in this mill and turned his face again westward, locating in the spring of 1869 in Lancaster county, in the northwestern part, in what is now Mill precinct. Mr. Graham's coming to Lancaster comity was upon the suggestion of George Harris, the original B. & M. land commissioner, well known to many of the pioneers of the early days. From the spring of 1869 Mr. Graham has been a continuous resident of the county, and has, during that time, been connected closely with its growth and development. In 1870 Mr. Graham and his brother built a flouring mill in Mill precinct, the third mill built in the county, which he operated for a number of years.

In 1880 the people of the county concluded that Mr. Graham's sphere of usefulness could be profitably enlarged, and hence he was elected a member of the House of Representatives of the State Legislature, that being the sixteenth session. The result was very satisfactory to his constituents, as he displayed much ability in dealing with questions of legislation. As a legislator he was careful, watchful, and prudent, taking broad and conservative views of all questions requiring (193) his attention and decision. In 1881 Mr. Graham was elected County Treasurer, being reelected in 1883. As county treasurer his duties required his presence in Lincoln, and hence his residence here dates from his first election to that office. Mr. Graham showed great financial ability in dealing with the money matters of the county, and is entitled to great credit for his work during his two terms. By bringing to his duties as treasurer the same care, prudence and thorough business methods that had made his private business a success, he succeeded in so improving the finances of the county that all warrants or other evidences of indebtedness, except bridge warrants, were paid in cash, something before unknown. This result he accomplished by a close and careful collection of taxes, and a carefully arranged system of accounts. The system inaugurated by Mr. Graham has been followed by Mr. Roche, the present Treasurer, so well that all warrants, including bridge, are now paid on presentation.

In 1886 Mr. Graham was elected a member of the City Council from the Fourth Ward, and was re-elected in 1888. The duties of this office he discharged most satisfactorily to the people until he resigned, in the spring of 1889, to take the office of Mayor, to which he had been elected on April 13, 1889. No man, as member of the City Council, has done more hard work for the good of the city -- work that was always well and honestly done. And his three years' experience in that body has enabled him so far to avoid many of the mistakes of his predecessors. As chief executive of the city, he is energetic, yet conservative, mindful of all interests and classes. He is particularly safe and able in guarding the reciprocal relations and welfare of the business and working people, to the end that everything shall work together for the general present prosperity and the continued development of the city. Mr. Graham and family belong to the most respected social circles of the city.

Hon. Elmer B. Stephenson, Treasurer for the City of Lincoln, holds one of the most responsible offices in the city government. As a representative young man, citizen, and official, a short biographical sketch of his life has a very appropriate place in this volume.

His father, John M. Stephenson sr., was born in Kentucky, on a plantation, his father being the owner of slaves. While yet a voting man the father emigrated to Southern Illinois, and became a pioneer (194) farmer near Mount Vernon. When the war came on he enlisted in the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, though a positive Democrat in politics. His son, John Stephenson jr., joined the same company, though a mere stripling, and both served during the great conflict with honor to themselves. John Stephenson jr. was daring to the point of audacity, and on one occasion while on a foraging expedition, he captured three rebel soldiers single handed, although his gun was so out of repair as to be useless. Later on he was himself seized while out foraging, and.

lay in Libby prison until reduced to a mere skeleton from disease and starvation. He finally escaped through a tunnel, and reached the Union lines, almost dead with sickness and exhaustion. The father of the Treasurer was a friend and admirer of John A. Logan, and was acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, who practiced law before the war in Mr. Stephenson's county.

Before marriage the mother of the Treasurer was a Miss Esther Melcher. She was born in Maine, and her mother was a cousin of S. F. B. Morse, the great electrician. When young she removed with her (195) parents to Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and there grew up from childhood with John M. Stephenson sr. In her young womanhood she was a successful school teacher, and her characteristics are those of persistent industry, courage, and love of learning and progress. In political sentiment she was always a Republican. Her brother, Josiah Melcher, is a prominent minister in Bloomington, Illinois, who has written several works on theology.

Elmer B. Stephenson, the Treasurer, was the third son and child, and was born at Troy Grove, La Salle county, Illinois, on December 7, 1858. When a child his father's family removed to a farm near Troy Grove, where he spent his boyhood life. His occupation was that of attending the district school in winter, as soon as old enough, and working on the firm in the summer season. And while a farmer he performed many a month of hard work, doing the labor of a full hand in harvest field, corn gathering, or elsewhere, from the age of fifteen to eighteen.

When eighteen years of age he entered the office of Dr. W. G. Houtz, with the intention of studying medicine, and while there gave the subject some investigation, and also devoted some time to the improvement of his education. When twenty-one years of age he made a year's tour of the Southern States, exploring as far south as Texas. Upon returning he found that his old friend Dr. Houtz had removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, and upon the doctor's urgent invitation, Mr. Stephenson followed him to Lincoln, in 1880.

Not having the means with which to pursue a professional career, and finding it difficult to secure remunerative employment, his first three years were spent in incongenial labor at low wages. To add to his discouragement, if his natural unflagging resolution had allowed him to get discouraged, the end of the first and second year each found him prostrated with severe illness. Having succeeded in saving a little money during the third year, he was enabled to unite with Mr. D. W. Moseley in the real estate business in 1883, under the firm style of Moseley & Stephenson.

But wealth did not rush in to overwhelm the firm immediately, and the first year was a hard contest to make expenses. But 1885 was a year of high-tide prosperity to Lincoln, and Moseley & Stephenson, having laid a careful foundation, were rewarded with a successful business. This continued during 1886, and they were able to close up (196) the year's work with the balance sheet decidedly in their favor. While together Messrs. Moseley & Stephenson placed upon the market, for a syndicate, the lots of both Belmont and Riverside additions to the city of Lincoln.

The following year, in 1887, Mr. Stephenson severed his business connection with Mr. Moseley and entered into a partnership with Mr. Whitney J. Marshall for the transaction of the real estate business. This association was continued with profit to both members until Mr. Stephenson was elected to the office of City Treasurer in April last, having been nominated to that over several strong competitors. He was elected by a majority of about 1,300. Mr. Marshall, his partner, was fortunate also, having been appointed a member of the Board of Public Works by Mayor Graham, who was elected on the same ticket with Mr. Stephenson.
The success of Mr. Stephenson has not been due to favoritism nor the influence of powerful friends, nor to accident. It has been accomplished in the face of many discouragements, and a man of less persistent determination would have failed. Hard work, courage, and good management, have won for Mr. Stephenson a comfortable fortune and an honorable position, which he now occupies with prudence and efficiency.

Hon. G. M. Lambertson, City Attorney for the city of Lincoln, is a leading attorney of this city, and a gentleman of State-wide reputation.

His father was Samuel Lambertson, who was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1815. Though not an educated man, he is a lover of books, learning, and progress, and has never neglected any opportunity to secure additional knowledge or advance the education of his family. Early in life he was apprenticed to the tailor's trade, and having learned the art thoroughly, he opened a merchant-tailoring house at Franklin, Indiana. He followed this occupation most of the time for fifty years, and accumulated a little fortune at it. He never held any political office, but was at one time a Knight Templar in the Masonic fraternity, and has for many years been a member and officer in the Baptist church. He was naturally a patriot. In politics he was first a Whig, when the Whigs were the best party. Then he became an Abolitionist; then went into the ranks of the Republican (197) party. When the war began he was early in the field as a staunch defender of the Union. He promptly organized Company F of the Seventh Indiana Infantry, with the opening of hostilities, and became its captain. During the first two years of service, he participated in eighteen important battles, including those of Antietam and the second Bull Run. At the close of his second year he returned to his home county to encourage enlistments, and succeeded in raising a regiment of thirteen companies, which were called the "Home Guards." These

he equipped, and then was elected Colonel of the regiment. The "Home Guards" were immediately called into service by Governor Morton to repel the invasion of Indiana by John Morgan, which the guards aided to thoroughly accomplish.

He now resides with his daughter, Mrs. G. H. Elgin, at Southport, Indiana, and is enjoying the well-earned profits of a busy early life.

The mother of Mr. G. M. Lambertson was born in Kentucky, in 1818, and was the daughter of a Baptist minister, who preached in Kentucky and Indiana, named Lewis Morgan. She was a woman of energy, courage, and positive thought, and had power to influence those (198) with whom she came in contact. She was devoted to works of charity, religion, and the elevation of her fellow man. Her death occurred in 1877, at the age of sixty years. Her children were G. M. Lambertson, Mrs. G. H. Elgin, now of Logansport, Indiana, now aged thirty-seven; Mrs. U. M. Chaille, living at Indianapolis, aged thirty-five; Mrs. I. B. Lavelle, of Louisville, Ky., aged thirty-three; and Dr. O. F. Lambertson, of Lincoln.

Genio Madison Lambertson was born at Frankfort, Indiana, May 19, 1850. He began his education in the public schools of his State, and later became a student in the Baptist college at Franklin, Indiana. He then attended Wabash University, at Crawfordsville, Ind., for six months, and then entered Chicago University, from whence he graduated, in 1872.

He then studied law with Messrs. Overstreet & Hunter, leading attorneys of Franklin, Indiana, and having carefully fitted himself for a legal career, he selected Lincoln for his future home, and located here June 1, 1874.

He began his life work as a clerk in the law office of Lamb & Billingsley, and later became a member of that firm. In December, 1878, Mr. Lambertson was appointed United States District Attorney for the District of Nebraska, by President Rutherford B. Hayes, and continued in that position for eight years, with high credit to himself. In this position he made a State-wide reputation. At the close of his second term he was tendered a temporary reappointment by President Cleveland, but this he declined.

From the expiration of his second term, in February, 1889, he has been steadily engaged in the practice of his profession in this city. He now ranks among the most able and successful attorneys of Lincoln. Among his most recent important achievements was the procurement of a writ of habeas corpus from the Supreme Court of the United State for the liberation of the Councilmen from the jail at Omaha, wherein they were incarcerated by order of Judge Brewer, of the United States Circuit Court, for alleged contempt. Mr. Lambertson also represented the city before the Inter-State Commerce Commission, in its suit to require the Union Pacific railroad to deliver shipments from San Francisco at Lincoln as cheaply as at Omaha, when the merchandise passed through Lincoln in reaching Omaha, and pro rata when shipped otherwise. The Commission sustained the proposition (199) advanced by Mr. Lambertson and the city secured the relief demanded. He was appointed City Attorney in 1888, and Mayor Graham reappointed him to the same office in the spring of 1889. In this position the business men of the city consider him a prudent and safe adviser.

Mr. Lambertson was married on June 10, 1880, to Miss Jane Gundry, daughter of Mr. Joseph Gundry, a prominent capitalist of Mineral Point, Wis. She was born at Mineral Point, Wis., August 29, 1855 and was educated at Kemper Hall, Kenosha, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Lambertson rank ,justly among the most respected people in the best social circles of the city. Their children are Margery Elizabeth, born August 23,1881, and Nancy Perry, born August 26,1883.

Mr. Lambertson is a prominent and respected member of the Baptist Church in this city, and he is ever ready to contribute to the progress of the city and welfare of mankind by both voice and deed.

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