THE OMAHA DAILY BEE : FBIDAY. N0\ EMBER 30. ICSa-TWELVE PAGES. 9
OMAHA.
A Few Facts Concerning the Gate
City of the West ,
DRIEF RESUME OF HER CLAIMS.
Clearing House Testimony as to Her
Financial Worth ,
SIOO.000,000 FOR THE YEAR ,
Wat the Factories are Mm for the
City ,
OVER I.EOO.OOO HOGS KILLED.
Heal I'slilo ConHnms In ( Hood Demand
Tmi NW llrliU'Ci Arrois thn Ml * * ! u.i
Thirty Miles of Slrrot Car
Lines-Cable , Motor and
Suburban Service.
The unique position assumed by
Omaha , in Uio list of grout cities hns
atlrnetcd to her the ttttuntlon of tlio
country nt large , and lior story lias be
come a twice told tale which has been
perused ut some tiino by ovcry person
to whom the the advancement of western
imiiiK'lpiiltties through the various
stages from hiunlut to city , is of inter-
nut so that this article will bo con-
lined merely to u roHimio of the
notable events of her most modern
history. It is , perhaps , just , in the
beginning to say that in u great
measure is the credit of the city's grad
uation from a frontier trading post to a
metropolis , the homo of 1'20,000 people ,
duo to her municipal government , in
which regard at all tttnus , she has been
especially blessed. The men who have
at various times had the destinies of the
city in their keeping are broad minded
progressive citizens who , while their
every not in connection with their duties
has boon characterized by a conserva
tive , business like principle , have not
deemed audacious any plan which bore
a reasonable promise to result bono-
Jiuially to Omanu. The olVect o this is
at once apparent when the visitor ob
serves the miles of finely paved streets
which stretch away to every point. It
is a fact that this city can now without
dispute lay claim to being the host paved
of any in the country , and other public
works arc not disparaged by comparison
with the thoroughfares. This fact
coupled with her natural advantageous
situation at the gateway of the great
west has made Omaha an inviting loca
tion for the wide uwako business man.
Her railroad facilities are such as to
make a vast section tributary to her
alone. The result of this is that the
commercial interests o'f this city liavo
developed to such an extent as to ren
der her a formidable rival to thoio
points which have heretofore deemed
the western trade their exclusive prop
erty. In consequence , the city bus be
come the homo of a tralllo practically
boundless in Us extent , as relates to
that rocion west of the Missouri river ,
and eastern houses have found it lirst
advisable , then imperative , to establish
representation hero. The immediate
effect has boon to build up a city in
every derivation of the term. The as
tounding rate of advancement of west
ern cities generally has been a source of
unbounded wonder to residents of the
more o'istorn states who lind that while
digesting u now idija , the cities of the
west have assimilated the same and al
ready bear the fruit of their progressive
spirit. That Omaha has never been be
hind in this march of progress , a brief
commingling with her merchants , will
amply demonstrate ; or if a visblo mani
festation is required , a , glance at , the
magnificent homes of trade which have
boon erected within the past three
years is all that is necessary.
In llnancial matters this city has al
ways retained a warm place in the
hearts of the capitalists. Her credit
has always been of the best , and her se
curities in demand. The banking in
terests of this city are in good hands
for the most part those of men who have
grown up with Omaha , from her infancy
and whoso integrity merits the conli-
denco bestowed upon them , while their
ability as linanciors cannot for a
moment be questioned. Of the seven
national banks tributary to the clearing
house , the following facts are given :
The capital invested in these is
&i,050,000 , ; the surplus # 108,0(10 ( , while
their combined deposits foot up
$ it,71-i.riti.OU : ) : ; the clearings for the cur
rent year are $1150,000,000 , while the
average increase over last year's trans
actions of this nature is about 15 per
cent , The prosperous condition of the
local banks may bo surmised , when it is
slated that in the last year , within iv
radius of one block , three magnificent
structures for banking purposes have
Veen erected at an approximate com-
lined cost of $1,000,000 exclusive , of
course , of real estate. Those clearings
do not represent the transactions of all
the banks of which there are fourteen ,
in Omaha , and two in South Omaha.
The tlattering condition of Omaha
banking institutions cannot be claimed
as a result of investment of eastern cap
italists , but is to bo attributed to the ac
cumulated earnings of the local mer
chants , which IB in itself a striking
commentary on the condition of the
homo trade. In recognition of the city's
claim to distinction in financial circles ,
Omaha him in the past year been made
11. national reserve city for lessor banks
throughout this region.
Perhaps Omaha's most original feat
ure , and the one calculated to lend her
fame throughout the world , Is her pack
ing IndiiBtry. Situated in close con-
triguity to the great ranges of the west ,
it would indeed bo strange if her enter
prising clti/.ons should permit such op
portunities a ? are thus presented to pass
unheeded. Icalizing ( this , three years
ago n number of local capitalists eon-
Hlrnelod an extensive stock yards , at
what is now South Omaha , a city of
12,000 people , , but which was at that
time merely ; ' 'a ' point of live miles from
the city. " The growth of tno business
of the stock yards was unprecedented ,
mid in the rogulnr train of improvement
attendant upon thisramo the first pack
ing house , which was followed rapidly
by others uutlltho city nowstandsthird
in the packing industry of the world ,
\vbile second place is not far distant. '
The number of mon employed in the
various packing institutions is upwards
of 8,000. whllo the aggregate kill will
approximate 1,500,000 hogs ; 100,000 , cat
tle , aud 15,000 sheep for the current
year. This , of course , does not include
the number of animals slaughtered for
homo consumption.
On October ItOth of this yearattended
by appropriate demonstration , a new
stool wiigon bridge joining the two cities
of Omaha nnd Council Bluffs , lofftVj wns
completed and the completion was
made nn occasion to1 be remembered
in the history of the two cities.
While Its results will bo of a local
nature , its advantages to the city
of Omaha , by making it the market for
the farm products for a largo section o
western Iowa are' quite appreciable
During the previous year , the Union
1'acilic railway bridge was rebuilt with
nccomodntions for pedcstrnins and
vehicles.
The population of Omaha , is over on
the increase ; real estate for residence
'purposes was never in bettor demand
than at present ; property within a
reasonable distance of the city's center ,
always commands good figures. With
the facilities presented by thirty miles
of street railway and the rapid trim sot
nlTordod by cable and motor , as well as
the suburban service rendered by the
various railways entering the city , the
resident hero finds in Omaha a most de
sirable home , while the various advan
tages in a commercial way attract to the
city the business man , speculator and
capitalist.
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.
This important mid in-owing branch
of industry furnishes a valuable adjunct
to the business activity of Omaha , ug-
grcgntingin iiivestmi-ntan amount of no
inconsiderable importance.
The proximity of the great agricul
tural state of Nebraska with her 47,077-
. ' ( > ! ) acres of the most fertile lands to bo
found in any part of tlio country tills
alone would naturally make Omaha a
point , of supply to a large extent. The
merchants of our city in this line are
wide awake to their interests and make
it a point lo carry in stock a full line of
implements of every kind , including the
specialties of all the leading manufac
turers.
The trade is not confined to Nebraska
but oxtondsiuto the fertilostates beyond
into Colorado , Wyoming , Utah , and
other states andtorri lories bordering on
the L'acille slope. The trade has boon
very active and in the past year has
shown a very healthy increase , and
with the steady development of the ag
ricultural interests of those western
states this interest is bound lo bo ma
terially increased in the future. Quito
a number of firms are engaged in this
enterprise aud wo below give a repre
sentation of the leading firm in the
Hue.
Ijlnu ! < : er t Mcto.ilf Company.
This is the largest'wholesale agricul
tural warehouse west of the Mississippi
river , and is conveniently located with
two railroads running into their .yards ,
affording them ample facilities for re
ceiving and whipping. The warehouse
and yards occupy a space of three acres ,
the buildings are four stories and are so
arranged that it gives tlio largest floor
space of any implement house in the
west , giving thorn ample show rooms
where samples of all kinds of goods
handled can lie seen to a great advan
tage. This firm dill'ors from ihuir com
petitors by not being a branch house of
one or more eastern factories , and by
being on the market for their goods
they have been able to gather into one
complete line the best specialties that
are being manufactured to-day , includ
ing the Mitchell farm and spring wag
ons , the Hock Island Plow company's
full line of goods , Barlow's corn planter ,
Brown cultivators , OHver-Casadny sulky
plows , .roliet Hiiroka power shelters ,
Victor feed mills , .rctfcoal combined
hay loader and ( stacker , with a line line
of buggies , carriages , carts , cutters ,
aud bob-sleighs , and a full line of im
plements used by the agriculturists or
farmers. Such is the demand for their
specialties that they have established
sixteen branch houses in the principal
towns of the state to supply their cus
tomers. , The.so houses are under the
direct management of the Omaha ollice.
This house is under the same manage
ment as when the business was lirst in
augurated. The business and interests
is confined to Nebraska and is what
might be termed a homo institution.
Their entire energies ure devoted to
the upbuilding of tlio state and to tlio
increasing of its agricultural possibili
ties.
AUCTION AND COMMISSION.
This is comparatively a new business
in our city , although such houses are
found in all large cities and are n great
advantage to dealers handling this Hue
of goods. Clothing , and boot and shoo
manufacturers , as well as jobbers of dry
goods , notions , etc. , having a surplus of
goods which they are unable to dispose
of to their own trade , consign their
stock to the auction and commission
houses to bo sold on commission , thus
enabling them to sell to th'j trade at
lower than regular prices and as cheap
as in eastern markets. The firm rep
resented below is the only one in this
city.
Koliu & Wells - < > H. 210 ami 1312
South Ulcvciith Slitter.
The auction and commission house of
Kohn & Wells , was established August
1 , 1887 , and is the only one of the kind
in this city. The individual members
of the firm are Bernard ICohn and Rob
ert Wells , gentlemen who have a largo
experience in their special line of busi
ness. They occupy the first floor and
basement of 208 , 210 and 21U South
Eleventh street , in the Paddock build
ing , which are well filled with their
immense stock of dry goods , clothing ,
notions , carpets , boots , shoes , etc. Tiioy
are wholesale auction and commission
merchants for the sale of goods con
signed them by eastern manufacturers
and jobbers , consisting of only now and
regular goods , which they are enabled
to'soil totho trade at lower than regular
prices. They hold auction sales U > the
trade every week , aud also do a general
jobbing business. A specially is made
of cheap lines of clothing , furnishing
goods , notions and carpets , of which
they carry a largo and wo 11 solccto'.1
stock. Their trade extends throughout
the west , embracing the states of Iowa ,
Nebraska , Kansas and Colorado , which
is visited by their traveling salesmen.
Their trade has shown a general in-
croasu since their establishment here
and with gratifying results.
ARCHITECTS.
In scientific pursuitsOmaha is abreast
of the most advanced citlesof tlio union.
In archltnouiro an art in which nonu
but a geometrician can excel , an art
which has no , standard of grace , but
which is dirffctly or indiroelly depend
ent on utility , an art of which the cre
ations derive a part , at least , of their
majesty from more bulk our city can
ouastof many very talented men. The
streotsof the city present an appearance
of bolidity and beauty. To appreciate
the professional skill and ability of
Omaha's architects one need but glance
at the many substantial business blocks ,
public buildings , handsome nhurches
and olegunt residences with which
Omaha abounds. Not only in Omaha
but also in neighboring cities may bo
seen structures planned and built by
our architects in such a manner as to ro
lled credit , on any city. A few of the
prominent mon engaged in the profess
ion of our city are :
P , M. Klllj , Room 1(1 , Fourteenth niyjl
i > 'nrnaiu Streets.
Tlio gentleman whoso name heads
this article is one of the foremost arch
itects in Omaha , and is one of that class
to whose excellent tnsto is duo the nt-
tractivo appearance of the city super
ficially. Throe years ago , or to bo more
exact , Jnnunry 1,183d. ho c.imo hero
from Chicago , having been In business
in that city , in Des Molnes , and in New
York. Since that time ho has been
prominent in architectural circles and
has carried off a large share of the
cream of the city's building , .lust now
ho is completing his eighteenth public
edifice for the state of NobrnsKu the
asylum for the insane at Norfolk. The
industrial school nt Kearney , the homo
for the friendless at Lincoln , the deaf
and dumb institute ut Omaha , Brownell
hall nnd many fine residences and mer
cantile blocks in this city are from his
Clans , to secure which work he was
rouirht into competition with architects
of wide reputation. Many of the finest
churches throughout the state wore de
signed by Mr. Ellis. At present ho Is
at work on a $ : > 00,003 court hou < > o for
Lancaster county located at Lincoln ,
and the Love opera house at Kearney ,
which exceeds in beauty of construction
us well as in all other features any
theater in the slalc , with the exception
of Bo.yd's. in this city. lie , has eroded
two school buildings'in Omaha and as
many in South Omaha this season as
well as others in various parts of the
county. Among thn residences built by
Mu. Kllis Is the residence of II. W.
Yates , beyond question the finest in the
state. Ho is Hi''architect for different
building associations , and it is a signifi
cant commenlaryon the worth of his
plans that of till the public buildings ho
has constructed nol one but cost less
than the estimate he gave.
CIVIL ENGINEERS.
Andrew Ho.scwntcrSJJO 1'axton Itti.til
ing.
This well-known civil engineer whoso
professional practice dates back nearly
twenty-live years , now exclusively con
fines himself to the designing of grade
and sewer systems and municipal public
works.
His engagement ns city engineer of
Omaha for a period of ten years , ending
in April , 18S7. embraces the most im
portant space in the history of Omaha's
public improvements. Mr. Hosownter
not only organized the present engineer
ing department of the city and super
vised nearly ovcry important feature of
Omaha's m'unicip'al public works , em
bracing the street grades , sewerage
systems , pavements and viaducts , but
look an equally active part in shaping
the needed legislations for their execu
tion and direction.
Mr. Koscwater's reputation-has secured -
cured for him continued engagements
as designing and consulting engineer
by various western cities.
Within the pa t two years he has been
engaged by numerous cities in the west
in designing and supervising grades ,
sewerage systems , and municipal public
works. To municipal corporations con
templating extended improvements and
to individuals who are about to erect
costly residences , and who want a per
fect system of sanitary sewerage , would
do well in consulting with Mr. Rose-
water.
Hunt & Way , 411O and J21 I'axluit
Both these gentlemen arc old railroad
engineers , having been connected with
various railroads in this and other states.
Although they opened their olllco here
but two years ago they have already se
cured a large and increasing practice.
They do a general engineering business ,
making specialises of estimalcs for con
tractors , railroad and topographical
surveys , landscape gardening , and the
platting of town si1e3 and additions.
They give particular attention to any
thing requiring careful and accurate
work , their reputation in this regard
being second to none in the city. Their
facilities for doing work on short notice
are excellent. They refer to a number
of loading men in the city , and to any
one by whom they have been employed.
They have had charge of the extensive
improvements made at South Omaha
during tlio past two years by the South
Omaha Land company and the Union
Slock Yards company , including the
sewer two miles long , from the stock
yards to the Missouri river , passing
through the hills 145 feet below their
summit by means of n tunnel 1,700 feet
long. They are now engaged upon the
beautiful punt being developed south
east of the city , by the South Omaha
Land company.
Mr. Way has recently accepted the
responsible position of chief engineer
of the Missouri Pacific railroad. Mr.
Rust remains in Omaha giving his per
sonal attention to the business hero.
AT TORNEYS - AT-L AW.
Young as is the bai of Omaha , com
pared to eastern points it has attained
an enviable reputation for legal ability.
Among the old attorneys , those who
were hero before the courts , may be
mentioned : A. J. Popplctnn , IT. M.
Wool worth , James Chapman , Gon'l
Kstabrook , O. P. MasonClinton Briggs ,
Judge G. B. Lake and E. S. Dundy. The
Omaha bar has furnished a U. S.
senatorGen'l Manderson ; a member of
the legislature , Hon. .T. M. Thiirston ,
a government director of the Union i'a-
citie railroad ; J. W. Savage , and several
United States district attorneys , George
E. Pritcholl..lames Neville. E.Mv Hart-
loll , Robert , Patrick , aud a TJnitod
Slates district judge , E. S. Unndy.
Tlio Omaha bar from the beginning
1ms contained nlrong mon men of
breadth and ability ami extensive , legal
knowledge. The legal practice in
Omaha has required a broader range of
legal kno\ylodgo than is requisite in
many localities , notably the east
Omaha being located in a compara
tively now and rapidly prowing terri
tory , where now enterprises are con
stantly springing up , much of the busi
ness hero relates to railroad and cor
poration law , which is in many respects
peculiar to itself. Omaha has never
boon wanting in lawyers capable of do
ing themselves credit in a.iy branch of
their profession , and to-day the bar is a
strong one , comparing favorably with
our older western cities , and has many
bright and promising young men enter
ing upon the profession.
lion , John M. TliurNton.
One of tlio representative legal lights
of our city is the Hon. John M. Thurs-
ton , who graduated at the Wayland
university in 1807 , and was admitted to
the bar In Dodge county , Wisconsin , in
May , 1809 , uhero lie practiced until Oc
tober of that year , when ho removed to
this city , whore he has achieved a com
manding position in his profession.
In 187-1 ho was appointed city attorney
and while holding that position was
chosen for the legislature in 1875 , Ho
has been prominent in political circles ;
in 1881 was chairman of the state dele
gation at the republican nationalcon
vention ut Chicago , ns well as being
delegate and temporary chairman of the
last republican convention held at Chicago
cage , which nominated Harrison us
president.
On February lost ho was appointed
general attorney for the Union Pacific
railroad , which position ho now holds.
His close application to his cases , his
readiness of resource and his acknowl
edged ability as a speaker has made
him one of the most successful trial law
yors in Ncbrnskn ns well ns ono of the
leading lt wyerfl'in < lhe west ,
Hon. A ! j 1'opplclnn
Hon. A. J. Popplolon luvs made Omaha
his homo for oycr ; > thirty-throe years ,
nnd has risento the front rank in his
chosen profession. I Mr. Popploton is a
native of Michigan and n gradualo
from Union Collegw , Sehenectndy , N.
Y. , graduating in July , 18ol. He was
admitted to practice in October. 18-5'- ,
after an examination by the supreme
court of Michigan * '
Upon the pusaupo of the Kansas-Ne
braska bill , he made arrangements to
solllo permanently' in Omaha , locating
hero in 1851. Mr.fTopplelon served as
a member of the Nebraska territorial
legislative assembly during the sessions
of 18- > lo"and 13-T7-5S , and was mayor of
Omaha during the years 18-j8-5) ) > . Ho
received , with J. Sterling Morton , the
vote of the democratic party for United
States senator upon the admission of
Neb'uska as a state in 1S07 , and wss the
nominee of that parly for congress in
1808 , but was defeated ,
Ho was appointed attorney of the
Union I'acifio by Vico-1'resldont Du-
rnnt in 1803 , and continued his general
practice until 186 ! ) . Upon thu comple
tion of the road in thai year ho was ap
pointed general attorney for this road ,
and has continued ns such over since.
The fact that ho 1ms been twenty-four
years in the service of the Union Pa
cific , and his gradual advancement to
the supervision of the entire nyslom ,
and the management and control of all
its legal affairs in the west , is the
strongest evidence of the success of his
managoniont of the company's business.
Ho has the reputation of an eloquent
orator , an accomplished scholar , a fluent
and classic writer'and occupies a load
ing position al the bar in Omaha.
Clnrk oii At Hunt , Kimnu
tO.'S -107'Rrnnitc ' liloelc.
This loading firm of attorneys the suc
cessors to the law firms of Manderson
& Congdon , ahd Ohirkson & Hunt , was
established in May , ISA' ! .
The individual firm is Isaac E. Cong-
don. Joseph R. Clcirksoii and George J.
Hunt. 1
Mr. Isaac E. Cougdon graduated in
ton college , Maryland , in 187-1 , was ad
mitted to the bar of Harford county ,
Maryland , 1870 , aiifl located here in 1878.
li.olirm practice in all the courts ,
state and fodcrulJnnd have as large a
practice as any in the city. They
make a specially of real estate and cor
poration litigutiot } , and have achieved
an enviable reputation in their profess
ion. Their elieiitiigo is gilt-edge in
every respect and they have been re
markably successful in their profession ,
ranking among thYl very foremost mem
bers of the bar in Nebraska.
i
J.i. \Vilscr ! ( , Atjjirnry-.at-iiaw , Olliee
I4O2 ltartuni Street.
J. L. Websterono of tlio leading at
torneys of the bar of Omaha , is a native
of Harrison county , , Ohio , and a grad
uate of Mount Uiiidn college. Mr. Web
ster removed to tnis-city about nineteen
years ago , and wafj admitted totho bar
lioro in 18lii ) . Mr. Webster served in
the Union army rtnd was elected some
fifteen years ago' as a member of the
slale legislature.
Jn 1870 ho was chairman of the consti
tutional convention which framed the
present constitution of the state of Ne
braska , and is to-'day the city attorney ,
which ollico ho haiyhBld since the elec
tion of Mayor Broatch. '
Mr. Webster practices in the United
States supreme and in the United'States
district and circuit coiirls , in this city
and Lincoln , and Jias been frequently
called to tlio United Slates courts at
Laramie , Denver and other point : ; . Ho
has achieved a commanding position in
bis profession , and has won a high posi
tion as a lawyer , having a very large
practice in the stale and supreme
courts , and probably larger than any
other attorney in Omaha.
During tfoo past two years , on account
of the large amount of litigation of oily
affairs , lie has paid particular attention
to this branch of the law.
M-r. Webster is confessedly one of the
leading lawyers ii | the west. Hits close
npplicalion to liis : isos , bin readiness of
resuree , and his .acknowledged ability
; IB a speaker , make him one of the most
successful trial lawyers in Nebraska.
Craiioiw -II , Itoonn n-l-
: --5 < l , liarkHiBlock. .
Among tlio leading law firms of
Omaha the firm of l-'nvnnagh Crane &
Atwell take a prominent position , f-ihe
firm was formerly Cuvanagh & Crane ,
established iii Juno , 1887 , Mr. Atwell
being admitted ii ( January , 1888.
They-occupy one of the finest ollices
in Omaha and their library is as oxten-
mvo as any in the cily , embracing a full
line of text books and the United States
supreme court reports of fifteen differ
ent stales. Mr. , T. A. Ctminngh , the
senior member of the firm , isa graduate
of St. Xavier college , Kankakeo , III. ,
and was admitted to the bar in Chicago
in October , 1877. Ho has charge of tlio
the ollico business of the firm and was
for two years attorney for the Union
Trust company of this city.
Mr. Thomtiti 1) . Crane was admitted
to the bar at Springfield , January ( i ,
187-1. and located'hero in 1887.
Mr. Crane is the court man of the
firm , and as such has boon rumnrkably
successful , especially so in the recent
case of the Kit Carter cattle company
vs. the Harlem cattle company in the
United Slates circuit court , before
Judges Dundy and Brewer , in which
some of Iho leading lawyers of the slate
were engaged , lyid which involved
property valued at upwards of half a
million dollars , lie being highly com
plimented for his innnngomonl of the
same as attorney fomtho defendant.
Air , II. C. Atwoll is u graduate of the
University of Vorniont , and was ad
mitted to the bar JiulSS" . Ho has gen
eral charge of tiio ; correspondence of
the firmand assists'in the trial of cases.
Prior lo enloring J.lio profession he oc
cupied the position ak private secretary
to the Hon. J. C. Strublo , of Washing
ton , D. c. :
The firm do a per eral law business ,
practicing in both federal and Htato
courts , and arc at prpsonl attorneys and
counsel for live different banking and
other corporatiouH , and number among
their clients a majority of the leading
mercantile and manufacturing lirms of
our city. '
Orcon , MatplA ; & Imxtcr.
This firm have built up a fine reputa
tion an loading lawyers at the bar of
Omaha. The firm consists of C. J.
Greene , C. II Murpla and Irvin'g I-\
Baxter. Mr. Greene is n native of New
York state , and graduated at Clark sem
inary , Aurora , 111.in 1808. Ho was ad
mitted to the bar In 1871 in Chicago.
Ho located nt Lincoln in 1872 and re
moved to this city in 1875. Mr. Croon
served as a private In the union army ,
nnd as distrlctattornoy of the third ju
dicial district of thin state. Ho is at
torney nnd eoun.se ! for the B. & M.
railroad , and also for the eastern de
partment of the Wt F. and American
express companies. .
Mr. Greene , has attained distinction in
his profession , aii /prominent among
the number of cases in which he haa
won prominence wns his prosecution of
the Unrko murder case , nnd also a * at
torney for the C. B. v O. . during the
great railroad strike , in which he ob
tained nn injunction from the United
States court againsttho Locomotive En
gineer Brotherhood , restrainng them
from interfering with the operations of
that rond.
C. H. Mnrplo is a graduate of Union
College , of Pennsylvania , and wns ad
mitted to the bar in 1880 al Philadel
phia.
Irving P. Baxter is n native of Syra
cuse , N. Y. , and wns admitted to the bar
in 1887.
The firm practice in all the courtsand
make a specialty of corporation litiga
tion , having a very largo share of the
business in Omaha. They have been
almost universally successful in all their
cases , and occupy a leading position
nnd are classed among the very best
firms in our city.
BANKING.
The solidity of the banks of Omaha
through the past , is but nn index of the
conservative management which has
governed their affair * , and from this
fact , as much as from any other source ,
can be attribuled the continued growth
and prosperity of our city. Prom time
to time new institutions have sprung up
to meet the growing demands of our
oily and the oxtention of business over
n more extended or developed territory ,
while Iho established national banks
hero increased their capital stock lo
moot the requirements of business , the
increase for Iho past yenr aggregating
$ ! 0,0K ( ) . Notable on the part of the
bank inslilutions of Omaha in the erec
tion of elogan't buildings and which are
not excelled oulsido of New York or
Chicago.
The combined capital of the seven
national banks tributary to the clear
ance house aggregate & ! ,0" > U.)0I ( ) ! , with a
surplus of S-1KS,000 ( , and the combined
peposits foot up over $1 : > , OI0OIIO. !
In 188' ) Ihe clearances showed n total
of $ , : ! ! ) : ! , > ! ) ; in 188(1 ( the amount was
increased to ? ! ( , ' ! , " ! : ! .700 ; in 1887 it was
the enormous amount ot $ M8.101,0.'W ! an
increase ol .Wi , 100.8 : ! ; ! , was reached.
The clearances for the twelve months
from November 1 to November 1 , show
a total of 811)0,000.000.
Tlitj Klr.U Nntion.il IVink.
This bank , now occupying its new ,
commodious , Riibslnnliulnml thoroughly
lire-proof quarters at the corner of
Thirteenth and Kurnnin streets , is ono
of the oldest and most , slaunchost , insti
tutions in the west , being Iho first bank
organized in the stati of Nebraska
under the national banking laws. It
1ms steadily irrown in t.ho esteem and
"
confidence of "the business community
until its transactions , small at first , now
extend into millions , requiring the
services of n multitude of elerlts-niid
employes to conduct the daily routine of
its affairs.
The bank commenced business in 180'i
in a small frame building nearly oppo
site its present location , succeeding to
the business of Kountze Brothers. Ed
ward Creighton was its first , president
and Herman Kountzo the cashier. The
capital of the bank nt starting was $ . " > ( ) , -
000 which has bcon increased from time
to time until it is now S-500,0'10. ' with a
surplus of $10,00 ) ( ! mid in the meantime
its deposits luivogroivn to the enormous
sum of nearly sH.000.000.
The steady growth of this institution
is gratifying a.s an index to the won
derful advance in population nnd mate
rial prosperity of the city of Omaha
and blnlu of Nebraska and the states and
territories west of us.
Its bunking oftico is one of the features
of Omaha. Its sie , finish , conveniences
and appointments being unexcelled any
where in the United States outside of
Now York and Chicago.
Its i flicers at present are Herman
Kountzo , president ; .John A. Creighton.
vice-president ; I < \ II. Davis , cashiorj
and William II. Mogquior and II. E.
Gates , assistant cashiers.
In the basement of the bank are com
modious , convenient and thoroughly
lire and burglar proof safety deposit ,
vaults.
Merchant'National Hunk , Tliiileentli
and r'arnnin Streets.
Tiie financial institutions of Omaha
are a source of gratification to patrioti
cally inclined citi/.ens , and of the
fourteen banks located here none are
more prosperous with greater reason
than the one the name of which appears
above. This bank was organized Octo
ber 1 , 18rfi : , and after six years of con
tinued prosperity 1ms developed inlo
ono of the foremost financial institu
tions of the city , occupying to-day the
most perfectly appointed edifice , archi
tecturally and otherwise , of any rival.
The business of the bank lias never
faltered , and to-day , with a capital of
if.-l,00 ( ( ) ! ! , a surplus of $100,000 , and de-
posils amounting to $1.750,000 , it pre
sents a picture of a flourishing business
indicative of the general prosperity of
the city. The ollicers of the bank arc :
Frank Murphy , president ; Samuel E.
Rogers , vice president ; Ben B. Wood ,
cashier ; Luther Drake , assistant cash
ier , and the balance of the board of
directors is made up of John 1 < \ Coad ,
Charles C. Housel and George W.
Dome. All llieso gentlemen are well
known as being possessed of hound and
conservative judgment in mailers of
finance , and under their guidance the
affairs of the bank and its patrons
will be carefully and conscientiously
guarded.
The Oniilia : National Hunk , Thirteenth
Streetliet\vien Kiiriinin and DondnH
Of this bank but few words will sulllco. .
It needs no commendation other than
Lhat trained by ils trnntvacllons in the
past , Organized with a band of linan-
tc'i'8 at its head whoso information on
milking mailers was gained by years of
practical experience , it has always been
it the front of the van. On the first of
September of this year ils capital was
increased from $ . .00,000 to $1,000,000 ,
causing it to lead in local banking
circles. It is one of the six banks which ,
jy clearing-houao reports , have lifted
Omaha inlo prominence in financial
nutters , and not the least is the fact of
.lie advances in the banking business of
, ho city duo to the Omaha National.
The surplus is now $10o,000. Its busi
ness Iras never lagged oven during Iho
ilormicst days of financial disaster , and
ts doors have boon open every business
lay since its organization. It transacts
i general banking business , and oilers
nducements not presented by other con
cerns ,
The United HtntcH Niuioniil Hank ,
SoiithwcHt Corner of Twelfth nnd
J'Vtrmun Strnclu ,
This institution is deserving of spe
cial mention not only for its creditable
ocord but for its enlorprl.se in keeping
ibreasi of the times. Tnisfeaturo gives
t to-day ono of the finest buildings in
ho city , being n nix-story edifice of slono
an architectural triumph. Concerti
ng' the bank itself but llttlo can bo said
hat is not already well known. Its
table character is best known from the
act that it is the government reserve
establishment for it larger portion of
ho lessor banks throughout this region.
Die United States National is the pi
oneer of this city , having been opened
n 1800 by Willnrd Barrows , Ezra Mil-
ard and S. S. Caldwoll. In 1805 it was
nkon under the management of Messrs.
Caldwell , Millurd and CV. . Hamilton.
In 1808 its Affairs wore taken in hand by
Messrs. Caldwcll. Hamilton nnd M. 1\
Harlow , In 18SU it was organized as n
national bank with a capital of $100,000 ,
which was increased in 188i ( to JL'AO.OOO ,
and it was also designated as a United
States depository and the capital has
since been increased to that of the pres
ent capital of100,000. .
The olllcors now are C. W. Hamilton ,
president ; M. T. Barlow , cashier , and
C. Will Hamilton , assistant cashier.
A general banking business is trans
acted , whereby customers arc afforded
every convenience anil accommodation
found in the mo.st approved institutions
of finaueo in the country ,
Tltn llnnk or Commerce , Corner of
Kllteentli null Fnrnnin Streets ; North
Hlxippiitli Street.
Of the eight private banking concerns
in the city the bank whose card appears
above is l5y no means least. Its stock
holders embrace Iho most conservative
investors of the city , and its board of
olllcors numbers mon who have grown
up in the business aud whoso ability to
manage Iho institution to the interest
of patron and stockholder alika cannot
be questioned. Besides its down town
bank this organization has a branch
house on North Sixteenth streettocaro
for the business of that scotiou of tlio
city. The otlk'ors of The Bank of Com
merce a iv George E. Barker , president ;
E. L. Bierbowcr , vice president , and P.
B. Johnson , cashier. The directors are
Charles Mel.1. . N. Cornish. E. A. Benson -
son , J. L , Miles , .1. H. McConncll ,
William Siovors. S. W. Crov. Gustavo
Anderson. S. R. Johnson , A.T. Hector.
L. B. Williams and George Peterson.
It has a paid in capital of $500,000 , and
is doing a properous business. It num
bers among its correspondontsTho Com
mercial National Bank of Chicago , as
well as the inslilution of the same name
in Now York.
BOOTS AND SHOES.
Among the many articles of the
wholesale trade IIOIIO H of more import
ance than that created by the demands
of footwear. Unquestionably Omaha is
the most important distributing point
for boots and shoes in the west , and has
been recognized as such , and as being
the best and chgaposl point by the trade
in all sections of thu country.
The growvh of the trade has been
quite astonishing , ranking only second
to the grocery trade in the jobbing interests -
terosts of Iho'city , aggregatingbelwci'ii
two and three million dollars during
Ibis year.
The great advantages possessed by
this market comes from the fact of hav
ing direct communication with the
larger eastern manufactories which
enables our jobbers to keep constantly
slocked up with all grades of goods ,
and laid down to the trade at the same
prices for which they can bo bought in
eastern markets , thus saving the trade
the difference in cost of transportation
and time , enabling them to have a clean
stock without being compelled to carry
too heavy a stock of the different lines ,
an important feature to any retail mer
chant.
The trade covers an immense terri
tory extending as far as the Pacific
slope , aud is thoroughly drummed by a
large corps of traveling salesmen.
A. T. Austin , AUIMII. American Iliind
Sewed Shoe Company.
This company is conspicuous among
the manufacturing boot and shoo trade
of Omaha and was established hero in
188o. They are wholesale dealers in
men's , boys' and youths' , ladies" , misses'
and children's boots , shoes and rubtiers.
They are also solo agents for the sale of
the 'Gpodvcor , 'I. R. Glove Company's
goods in tlio west , which are recognized
as the finest rubber goods made and are
furnished to the trade at factory prices.
The company keep constantly in their
warerooms a full assortment of the
kinds and widths such as the company
make , distributing thorn to the trade
upon the same terms and basis as if
ordered from the company's factory in
Boston , saving tlio buyer Ihe difference
in freight and lime in transit and in
suring them prompt delivery.
In consequence of Iho above advan
tages tlio growth of their trade is rap
idly and constantly increasing.
The premises occupied by tlio firm are
located at 507 , oOIt and oil Soul.h Thir
teenth street , which are completely
stocked with a full line of goods to meet
the demand of the trade and Ibis terri
tory. They do an exclusive wholesale
business , thoirtradeextending through
out western Iowa , Nebraska , Wyoming ,
and Colorado.
Klrkcmlnll , Jones At Co. Wholesale
ItootN , Hhot'H mill Itiihht ! ! * ( > ODH ,
11O12 , 1 1O1 and I KM ! llnrncy Street.
As far back as 187does ! ) the establish
ment of this stable concern date. Al
lluil lime it was organized under the
firm imino of Road , Jones & Co. , but on
the death of Mr. Read the present
name and the present firm succeeded.
The business since that time has quad
rupled in volume , and to-dny th com
pany occupies ono of the finest build
ings in the city , being the commodious
six-story edifice at the intersection of
Harnoy and Kleventh streets. The
house is headquarlors for Iho western
trade in boots , shoes and rubber goods ,
and is Iho most extensive in this line of
any establishment on the Missouri river
west of St. Louis. They are agents for
the goods of the Bo.slon and Bay Slalo
Rubber company , whoso wares need no
introduction to tlio trade , being well
known to dealers and consumers
throughout this region , and are fur
nished lo Ihe patrons of this house at
factory prices. The firm keeps con
stantly on the road twelve ene
rgetic talesmen , who traverse
twelve distinct Htatos and territories
The operation * of the commercial trav
elers for Kirl < ondall , Jones & Co. , ex
tend as far west as the coast , but not so
far as to bo beyond the pule of popular
ity of their goods. The firm manufac
tures its own goods to a largo extent ,
having a manufactory at Columbus , O. ,
us well a as jobbing hou o at the sumo
place , whereby Iheir patrons may ob
tain goods from first hands , saving mid
dle commissions , and the same arra.igo-
monls permits purchasers , by dealing
wil tlio Omaha house , to save freight
rates , and to carry , at all times , a fresh
stock , with the opportunity afforded for
replenishing tlio latlor , making it un
necessary to have co largo a line as any
olhorplan of operations would com pel.
WII < IJA.MSVAX AIOKNAM At HAUTE
Wholesale HuotN , s.'iors nnd Slippers.
The dihtiuico of Omaha from the man
ufacturing points of the east hns long
boon a Korinus drawback to her other
wise unparalleled progress , The long
delay and heavy freight tariffs have
resulted , in a measure , to thu detriment
of the consumer as well as making the
tranbuclion of business to the merchant
who adhered to the old methods unsat
isfactory. This was especially true of
articles of wearing npparoland itwas for
Lho purpose of obviating this difficulty
in their peculiar linn that the firm of
Williams , Van Aernam < fe Harte was
organized January ] , 1887. This firm ,
composed of O. B. Williams , W. J. Van
Aernam and H. G. Hnrto , does a leod-
nf ; wholesale business in boots , shoes ,
( dippers and American rubber goods , in
ill branches of which they carry a full
inc. They determined upon the ex-
loriment of acting as manufacturers'
agents and thus furiiibhijig local re
tailors with a fresh stock nt mnmifno * '
hirers' prices without the additional
freight rates which dealing with thfc
factory necessitated. Besides tills thn
firm Is cnanlcd to deliver its goods
promptly when desired , and long dolfty *
arc thus obviated. So satisfactory hnB
this method of stocking up become * with
local leather and rubber goods dealers
that Williams , Van Aernnm .fe Hart *
control an extensive part of the bushiest
of the city , and their operations extend
into Western lown , Noliraska"Colorad
nnd Utah. The ostublishmont 1 located
nt IUOO-1' OS Douglns street. "
DRBWI3R1133.
Beer has grown to bo the drink ot
the musses in America , nnd its con
sumption is daily on the increase. The
history of the bVewiug business of the
United States dates back to'tho dn.y
when the first industries wore planted
on this side of the Atlantic ,
Science nnd intelligent enterprise ) ,
together with now appliances oxponslvo
machinery and improved methods have
consequently made the brewing busi
ness a great and growing industry em
ploying n largo amount of capital anil
giving employment to a great number
of workmen ,
The brewing interests of Omnlm are
most exlonsive and cetibllluto an inn
portnnl faction of Iho olty'A commercial
prosperity. During the year just oml-
ing llioro has boon considerable tul-
vauco made in establishing the reputa
tion for Omaha as being ono of the
loading brewing cities in the country.
Wo have tluvo largo breweries in the
city which compute favorably with any
breweries in the Untied states in tlu >
quality of beer ami extent of businnM.
'
Their'buildings are all handsome nml
substantial structures and compare fav
orably with any of our prominent man
ufacturing establishments. They give
employment to upwards of 1-0 men
whoso wages will average $76 per
month. Besides giving employment lethe
the hands in their breweries , the brewing
ing interests pornientos every branch ol
industry from the fanner , who rnisoH
tlio hops and barley to the dilYoiont
trades lhat furnish Iho wairons , hariols
and machinery for the prosecution o
their business. They have nearly
$1.000,000 invested in their hiisinewi
and Iho interest is in the hands of pro
gressing and enterprising citizens whox
lake special pride in keeping up the
excellent reputation Omaha has at
tained in her manufacturing interests *
Frederick Kruj ; .
FrederickKrug is the pioneer browqr
of Omaha snd his present establishment
is one of tlo | best appointed in the
country. The business was originally
established in 185 ! ) , being then located
on Kariiain street between Tenth and
Eleventh. In 1801 ! the quarters prov-
inir inadequate for his growing business
"
ho" removed lo Iho present location ,
which covers an area of six full city
lots , and Iho buildings are from ono to
seven stories in height. The buildings
consist of the brow house , cold storage )
ice machine department , boiler rooms ,
malt houses and stables. The
entire plant > s magnificently and
llioronghly equipped throughout with
the latest and most improved modern
appliances for the conduct of their busi
ness. The ice machine department is a
model of beauty containing two thii'ty-
ftvi- ton ice machines of Iho Cujisoli-
duled Ice Machine company of Chicago.
The boiler rooms are equipped with ,
four imnienso boilers , each of eighty
horse power , making a total capacity ot
; ili ( ) here pow.er , which are utilized lo
furnish power for the establishment.
The plant has been cuasiajitly. . .im
proved from year to year , until to-day
it has no superior in the west as re
gards cleanliness , ventilation , size or
capacity.
lie brews the standard lager beer
and also cabinet brand , a special brdw
of pale beer used for export and bet
tling.
The Kales for the past year have bee a
upwards of * > 0,000 barrels and are con
stantly in cruising.
They give employment to fifty men
in the various departments , and hnvo
consumed about 1M,000 : bushels of Ne
braska , barley , which is made into malt
for brewing of their prodncls , Their
beer has a reputation for purity and ex
cellence wherever known , and thoip
trade cxlends throughout the city : IB
well as throughout Iho stale of Nebraska -
braska , the beer for outside points being -
ing shipped in refrigerator cars.
Mr. trod K'ng is the proprietor of
this model establishment , and Mr. Wil
liam King the general manager.
Story. At Her , Coliimllln Brewery.
The Stor/ & Her brewery is ono of tha
best known cblablishmcnls of the kind
in the west. Tt was originally estab
lished in 180-1 by James Bauman , tlio
present firm , composed of G. Story and
J. 1) . Her , succeeding in 1881.
The plant covers about ono ncro ot
ground , the * building * ) consisting of
brew bouses , ice cellars , malt housed
and slables.
The entire plant is thoroughly
equipped with the latest improved
machinery necessary for the transac
tion of their busines. Since Ihe present
firm have hud charge of Iho brewery
llioy have constantly been enlarging
and making extensive improvements ,
and to-day the brewery is as fully
equipped as any in the city.
They are brewers of standard lager
hour and also export beer for bottling
purposes.
During the past year a new bottling
house lias been added to their estab
lishinont filled up with the Iniost hot
lling machinery.
They have increased the capacity of
the brewery from 10,000 , when they
look charge , until now they have u
capacity of (1(1,000 ( ( barrels. They giva
employment to about fifty men and
have twoty-four horses and twelve de
livery wagons in constant use , their
sales being about thirty-five thousand
barrels during the past year.
The Storx tc , llur boor is ono of the
most popular makes in the west and'
commands a ready Hiilo both at homo ;
and abroad , being known wherever sold
for the purity and ejcclliMicoof quality.
Their motto has always been to manu
facture an excellent quality of beer nnd
their increased sulcrf demonstrate that
their efforts have boon appreciated.
Their trade extends throughout the
city and vicinity , supplying the lending
saloons , hotels and roslauru'ilB. The
past year has been a most prosperous
ono with the firm and Omaha la juilly
proud to possess such a firm us S torfa
her.
COMMISSION PRODUCE.
Generally speaking , there is no business -
ness so difficult lo .conduct , and eond , ut
Bticcessf ully , as thai of produce and ujiiu
mission , and so great are the drawbacks
and KO numerous and stupcnduous the
obstacles to be overcome , that , to make
the business a succeed , energy , ability
and capital in more than ordinary quan
tities are requisite , together with a fa
vored location. All these bcem to bo
found bore.
Omaha is peculiarly situated for thu
upbuilding and success of ( ho commis
sion business , being in uay accost to
some of the ricliobt agricultural ami
fruit growing dibtriuts in the United
States from which to draw supplies , an
well as an extensive country to supply.
This intorcbt numbers amuui ; its pro-
