History of the city of Omaha, Nebraska, Part 107

Author: Savage, James Woodruff, 1826-1890; Bell, John T. (John Thomas), b. 1842, joint author; Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Munsell & Company
Number of Pages: 1020

USA > Nebraska > Douglas County > Omaha > History of the city of Omaha, Nebraska > Part 107

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

the Summit, a mile and a quarter [north] from the stock yards, and about two miles from the [Omaha] city post office; but we have reasons for so doing. The wonderful growth of Omaha warrants us in the predic- tion that we will be in the heart of a busi- ness community in a short time. At present, however, we must admit it is a little lone- some. [This ' heart of a business commu- nity ' has not as yet materialized, as. on the first day of January, 1893, all the lots in the inimediate vicinity are still vacant, and ' the Globe offiee' has been moved away. ]"

On the first day of January, 1886, the South Omaha Globe was combined with the Omaha Live Stock Journal and the paper named the South Omaha Globe-Journal, J. B. Erion continuing as editor and proprietor.

A daily paper- the first in South Omaha -was issued by J. B. Erion, June 12, 1886, and called the South Omaha Stockman, tak- the place of the South Omaha Globe-Journal. It was first printed in the parlor of the "Union Stock Yards Hotel" formerly the " Canfield House."

Not long after the advent of the Stockman, C. H. Rich bought an interest in the paper, and it was, thereafter, until March 25, 1889, published by Erion and Rich. On the day last named, the concern passed into the hands of "The Stockman Publishing Company," who have since been proprietors. It is, as its name implies, largely a live-stock paper. It is also issued as a weekly and a semi-weekly.

The Hoof and Horn was first issued Decem- ber 20, 1887, by Jolm A. MacMurphy as edit- or and manager. On November 3, 1888, Mac- Murphy retired, his successor being L. F. Hilton. On the 17th of December following, the name was changed to the Daily Drovers Journal. On March 21, 1890, Mr. Hilton as- sociated with himself in the publication of the paper, Denna Allbery. It so continued until January 15, 1891, when Hilton turned the paper over to Perry Selden who held a mortgage on the property. Selden, on the 30th of April following, came into possession

657

658

HISTORY OF SOUTH OMAIIA.

of the paper under a mortgage sale, Mr Allbery being continued on the paper as agent. It was run by Selden until June 4th when "The Drovers Journal Company" was organized and purchased the plant, contin- uing Mr. Allbery as editor to the present time (January, 1893). The Journal is also issued as a weekly and a semi-weekly. The paper is principally a live-stock publica- tion.

The first number of the South Omaha Tribune was issued November 21, 1890, by J. F. Ritchhart, editor and proprietor. The Tribune passed into the possession of "The Tribune Printing Company "March 1, 1892. This company is organized under state laws, and the paper is still (January, 1893), run by the same company. The Tribune is dem- ocratic in politics.

Several newspapers of South Omaha have " gone the way of all the earth":

(1) The Times was first issued February 24, 1887. The successive editors were Geo. Southmayd, James II. Van Dusen, M. M. Parrish, E. O. Mayfield and Samuel P. Brig- ham. The Times was republican until the last editor changed it to independent. Its final issue was October 26, 1890.

(2) The Boomer made its bow to the public for the first time, February 15, 1889; but gave up its " individual being" April 15, 1890. It was independent in its polit- ical sentiments and was edited by A. E. Brigham.

(3) The News (independent democrat) was born June 19, 1890. W. A. Root edited the paper, which expired on the twenty- ninth of the following November.

(4) The Enterprise was first issued July 21, 1891, but "departed this life" November 27th, thereafter. It was edited by A. E. Brigham and A. II. Powers. In politics it was independent.

(5) The Bulletin made its first appearance January 18, 1892, and succumbed June 27th, following. It was a commercial sheet and was conducted by Samuel P. Brigham .*

Although not the latest attempt at the newspaper enterprise which has "failure" written across its face, yet we have reserved the Eagle for the last. Its first number was issued April 13, 1891. It was a weekly publication, in pamphlet form - established by Erion & Hart and edited by .J. B. Erion.

After a brief existence the Eagle was con- solidated with the Omaha Republican.

From a consideration of the press of South Omaha, a transition to its schools is a natu- ral one, the newspaper powerfully assisting in the promotion of education.

When the first movement was made look- ing to the founding of a town south of the city of Omaha, there was only a common school district in that part of Douglas precinct, known as District No. 3, which was united with District No. 4, in the same precinct .* The school organization extended over territory bounded on the east by the Mis- . souri river; by Sarpy County on the south; by section 8, in township 14, of range 13, on the west; and by Omaha on the north.

The first organization was in 1858 with Jolin Bagley, Philip Cassady and Patrick Corrigan as directors. The district was divided in 1864. The first school house was built in 1867, and was removed to what is now known as the fourth ward in 1888. The directors of the new district were L. A. Walker, Fred. Drexel and Thomas Ryan.

Little interest can attach to the school, from the first one taught, down to the time when a great change was impending, for the reason that its history for more than twenty- five years (1858-1885) was the usual one of that appertaining to a Nebraska common school as carried on in a country district.

When South Omaha began to put on the appearance of a village, Miss Anna M. Car- roll (now Mrs. Thomas Geary), was the teacher in the "Stock Yard's School Dis- trict"-that is, in District No. 3, of Douglas precinct. She commenced teaching on the twenty-first of September, 1885, being first employed for three months at $40 a month; the succeeding three months she was paid $50 a month.

From the South Omaha Globe of Novem- ber 6, 1885, the following is taken:

"Judging from the increase in the school attendance for the present time as compared with that of last year, the board of educa- tion [district directors] will soon have to furnish other and better accommodations for the little ones. At present there are more than fifty pupils crowded together in a small room, with not a sufficient number

* To Mr. Brigham, the author is indebted for the facts con- cerning these several papers that are no longer in existence.

* District No. 3, originally extended north to Vinton street, east to the river, south to the Sarpy county line, and west to the present Thirty-sixth street. When the village was eslab- lished it took in a portion of the east side of District No. 4. ex- tending one-half mile west of Thirty-sixth street. That atrip, although in South Omaha, still belongs to District No. 4.

659

MINOR INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS.

of seats for half the number of scholars. Day after day the pupils and their teacher are cheered on in their labors by the consoling thought that there are better days coming."

"[November 20, 1885. ] -- The public school building at South Omaha is a small, one- story frame, the worse for age and rough usage, poorly and sparely seated, and en- tirely too small to accommodate the number of pupils in attendance, much less the num- ber enrolled. We understand the teacher, Miss Carroll, who, by the way, has given ex- cellent satisfaction, has repeatedly asked the directors to at least put in some additional seats and desks, but so far in vain. It seems to ns that good economy, if nothing else, should prompt those in authority to make the needed repairs at the South Omaha school. It is throwing money away to pay a teacher $40.00 per month, furnish fuel, etc., and then destroy the efficacy of the whole thing by neglecting to furnish desk and seating capacity for the pupils. A teacher in a common school, obliged to teach all grades in one room, has a hard row to hoe, even when supplied with all necessary conveniences. Give the teacher a chance."

From the Globe-Journal: "[April 9, 1886],-The people of South Omaha took a lively interest in the annual school elec- tion which took place last Monday. If there is any one thing of which the average American citizen is justly proud, it is our public school system, and there is no one thing for which the people are as willing to spend their money as for the education of their children. The rapidly increasing population of South Omaha demanded some- thing better than a little, old, dilapidated, one-room frame pen, cold as a barn, in which to teach 'the young idea how to shoot', hence the interest above mentioned. For some time past Col. E. P. Savage has been talked of as a proper person for the position of director, especially at this time when a live business man is needed to manage the affairs of the district; and as an evidence of the unanimity of the people, we will just state that out of seventy-two votes cast, the Colonel received seventy. No. 3 in which South Omaha is located, is a large district extending to the river on the east and con- tains but one good school house [the small brick, now in Omaha, on Boulevard] and that with only one room. With the present

board the voters of the district can rest as- sured that the wants of the whole district will be regarded. Before another election day rolls around, No. 3 will have two new school houses, one at South Omaha and one in the east end of the district."

HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.

So rapid was the increase in the popu- lation of South Omaha in the next twelve months, that three teachers were necessary for the public schools. At the end of the school year 1886-'87, S. L. Caldwell was chosen principal and Miss Grace Glasgow (now Mrs. Manly Raley) assistant. Another frame building was erected adjoining the old one. The following school year (1887-'88) beginning September 1st, a course of study was adopted. There were three rooms and eight grades were represented in the schools which were taught in the two school build- ings and the Methodist church. This was the beginning of the graded school. H. E. Grimm was elected to succeed Mr. Caldwell, but he only served one month when he re- signed. A. A. Munroe was then (October 17, 1887) elected superintendent to finish the school year,. at a salary of $1,000. He was re-elected in June, 1888, for one year at a salary of $1,200; also in June, 1889, again chosen for one year, at the same salary; and in June, 1890, re-elected for three years at a salary of $1,500. Dur- ing the school year of 1887-'88, E. P. Savage, Walter J. Slate and J. B. Erion con- stituted the school board and foreseeing the rapid growth of population they purchased

660

HISTORY OF SOUTH OMANIA.

three lots on the corner of Twenty-fifth and L Streets for $5,500 and built thereon a high school building at a cost of $10,323. On the first day of January, 1888, the high school building being finished, Superin- tendent Munroe moved in.

At the end of the school year of 1891-'92, there were thirty-two teachers employed in- cluding the superintendent.

The following table shows the growth of the schools:

Year Ending July

Children Enrolled Av. daily of school during attend- year ance age

Number Teachers employ'd

1885.

204

107

1886

321

188

132

1887.

784

318

153

1888.

1,091

631

235

4-10

1889

1,468

1,172

590

1890

2,048

1,248

740

1891

2.255

1,586

788

1892

2,931

1,751

909

1892-3*

The records show a total enrollment in the public schools since September 1, 1892, of 1,765 pupils. The average daily atten- dance during November, 1892, was 1,260.

In 1887, Savage, Slate and Erion con- stituted the board under the district laws. In April, 1888, a board of six were elected as follows: F. J. Persons, C. T. VanAkin, W. J. Slate, David Iloban, and J. D. Robinson. The following year, 1889, the board con- sisted of Persons, J. C. Carroll, Van Akin, Slate, Hoban and Robinson. In April 1890, the new board consisted of Persons, Swift, Funston, Slate, Robinson, VanAkin.

The board for 1891 was: C. T. VanAkin, president; J. D. Robinson, vice-president; Robert Funston, secretary; W. J. Slate, .J. D. Jones and James Bulla. For 1892: W. B. Cheek, president; J. D. Jones, vice- president; Robert Funston, secretary; Jas. II. Bulla, F. E. Pearl, Ivor Thomas.

In 1888, at the urgent request of Supt. Munroe the free text book system was adopted with many misgivings on the part of the board. The scheme proved to be a long stride in advance and has since been embodied in the state law and adopted in all districts.

From one school house, one teacher and a handful of scholars, in September, 1885, to eight school houses (some of them fine brick

structures), thirty-eight teachers and 1,765 pupils, eight years thereafter, is the progress made in the South Omaha schools.

There are a number of other institutions in South Omaha, some public, others pri- vate, demanding attention because of their importance. There may now be mentioned the Postoffice, the South Omaha Board of Trade, the Street Railways, the Express Companies, the Telephone Exchange, the American District Telegraph Company, the Banks, and the South Omaha Electric Light, Heat and Power Company.

The first postmaster in South Omaha was W. G. Sloane, whose commission was dated October 3, 1884. Before the establishing of the postoffice, the few citizens of the settle- ment were obliged to have their papers and letters sent them to Omaha.

Mr. Sloane was finally compelled on ac- connt of ill health to resign his office.

The successor of Mr. Sloane was Peter Cockrell, in whose favor the former resigned. IIe received his appointment November 3, 1887, and took charge of the office on the 16th of the same month. Mr. Cockrell was re-appointed as a postmaster of the second- class, January 16, 1888, assuming his duties as such on the fourteenth of the ensuing month. During his term of office the busi- ness continued to increase rapidly. The free delivery system, after a good deal of effort, was established by him. on the first day of July, 1889. Mr. Cockrell went out of office in the fall of 1890, a change in the adminis- tration having made his resignation desir- able.

Dr. J. M. Glasgow was Mr. Cockrell's successor and he still (Jannary, 1893,) holds the office. He was appointed August 13th, receiving his commission September 1st, and assuming the duties of office October 4th, 1890.

The South Omaha Board of Trade was organized in the winter of 1887-8. The first officers were David Anderson, president; John Doe, vice-president; J. B. Erion. sec- retary; and J. C. Farral, treasurer. By its united and timely efforts, this organization has accomplished much toward aiding the building up of South Omaha.

The Omaha Street Railway Company's track enters the City of South Omaha from the north at the beginning of Twenty-fourth street, and continues south along that street to and across N street. Their cars are pro-

*The number of pupils enrolled during the year 1892-3 up to March 1st was 1765. The average daily attendance for the month of February, 1893, was 1228.

661

MINOR INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS.

pelled by electricity, and they have an eight minute service. This track was opened to the public in December, 1890.

The Metropolitan Street Railway Com- pany lately opened a short road from Q street to the lower part of Albright's addi- tion. The cars are propelled by horse power. Recently the track has been extended.

There are in South Omaha four Express Companies, the Adams, the Pacific, the American and the United States. The Adams Express Company was opened Jan- uary 22, 1890 ; the American, September 17th of the same year ; the Pacific about six years ago; while the United States has been in operation about two years.

The South Omaha Telephone Exchange was established October 31, 1888, with about twent-five telephones and now num- bers ninety. Besides these there are several private telephones not connected with the central office. On account of the large amount of business done with Omaha parties, about twenty-five firms have tele- phones connected direct with the Omaha exchange. Sonth Omaha is connected with all towns having a telephone exchange in this territory.

The American District Telegraph Company opened in South Omaha in September, 1886, with twenty-two night watch and fire alarm boxes. There was a night man in charge the first eight months. H. P. Ryner was appointed manager September, 1887. The system has steadily grown until it has reached nearly three hundred (July, 1892). Their business is to protect stock yards and packing house interests, from which they recieve two signals each minute all night. They have charge of thirty watchmen. Their central office is connected with electric wires running throughout the packing houses and stock yards. They handle all fire alarms in South Omaha.

Nothing more unquestionably evinces the solid foundation of South Omaha than the banks of the city -affording, as they do, every facility for commercial and monetary transactions and giving an insight of the thrift and prosperity of its citizens. The national banking institutions are the Packers National Bank, the South Omaha National Bank and the Union Stock Yards National Bank.

The business of these banks is in a highly

prosperous condition. The Savings Banks of South Omaha are the Packers Savings Bank and the South Omaha Savings Bank. According to the statements of these two banks, $108,422.69 are on deposit. The undivided profits and surplus is $15,981.06.

The annual business of the three National Banks represents the handling of $561,000,- 000. These banks are, of course, independent of those in Omaha, and, as a result, do not figure in the clearing house reports of that city.

The South Omaha Electric Light, Heat and Power Company was organized in June, 1888, consisting of a number of persons, mostly residents of the city. A board of directors of nine members was elected, from whom were chosen John Boyd, president; C. M. Hunt, vice-president; John Doe, sec- retary; J. L. Miles, treasurer; and J. T. Smith, general manager. The capital stock was fixed at 825,000.

The religious organizations and secret societies of South Omaha are not the least among the important and influential institu- tions of the Magic City. And these, too, now demand attention.

The St. Agnes Parish Church was organ- ized in 1888, by the Rev. D. W. Moriarty, the first resident priest in South Omaha. During the two preceding years, services were held in a frame building (now known as St. Bridget's); but, in November, 1889, a large brick structure was completed and services have since been held therein. There is a parochial school connected with the church.

The First Methodist Church was organized in 1886, Rev. T. B. Hilton being the first pastor. A church building and parsonage were erected the same year; but the former soon becoming too small for the increasing attendance, a larger structure in 1886 took its place. This was nearly all burned down January 18, 1893.

. The South Omaha Presbyterian Mission was organized May 29, 1887, by the Rev. Geo. W. Dodge. A new church building was organized in August, 1891, and dedi- cated in February, 1892. The Fourth Ward Mission was organized October 20, 1889; the Missouri Avenue Mission, in May, 1890.

The organization of the Baptist Church by Rev. F. W. Foster, took place September 11, 1887, and was recognized as a regular

662

HISTORY OF SOUTH OMAHA.

organization on the twenty-eight of October, 1888. A church edifice now completed was commenced early in the spring of 1892.

The German Evangelical Lutheran Zion Congregation started over six years ago, under the direction of the Rev. E. J. Frese, of Omaha. Later, Rev. John Iler took charge. In the fall of 1891, Rev. N. Adam was called to this field.

In 1889, the Episcopal Church Society was organized in South Omaha-Rev. R. L. Knox, priest in charge. The congregation have a church building on Twenty-third Street.

Besides the Roman Catholic parochial school already mentioned, there is one under direction of the Lutheran Church. This was organized by II. S. Rullmann.

The other religous organizations in South Omaha are: The First Christian Church on 23rd and K Streets; the Albright M. E. Church, 17th and D Streets; the German M. E. Church, on North 28th Street; the First Presbyterian Church, on 25th and J Streets.

The secret societies of South Omaha are numerous and in general prosperous.

The Bee Hive Lodge, No. 184, of Free and Accepted Masons was created January 22, 1889, and chartered June 30, thereafter. The first officers were: Jas. Gilbert, master; W. M. Wood, secretary; G. II. Brewer, S.W; C. C. Stanley, S. D .; A. V. Miller, J. W .; F. M. Smith, J. D .; D. S. Holmes, T .; J. Emerick, T.

The organization of Lodge No. 148, I. O. O. F., took place with Grand Master Adam Ferguson in the chair, the following being the charter members: J. H. Jolinson, W. S. Anderson, J. B. Erion, L. Carpenter, Peter Cockrell, D. Loesher, James Carlin, James Sattizan, C. C. Van Kuran, A. H. Miller, Geo. Clark.

Enterprise Lodge, No, 79, K. of P., was organized June 22, 1887. The first officers were: C. C., Adam Kellner; V. C., William Baumann; P. C., A. J. Baldwin; M. of E., Harry Miller; M. of F., J. II. Johnson; K. of R. & S., J. F. Ritchhart; P., Frank Lake; M. of A., John D. Robinson; O. G., A. D. Slater; I. G., A. J. Stoll; trustees, J. II. Johnson, A. J. Baldwin, Frank Lake.

The Uniform Rank of this lodge was organized February 12, 1891, with the fol- lowing as first officers: Captain, A. L. Lott; first lieutenant, W. B. Cheek; second lieu-

tenant, T. B. Hatcher; right guide, .J. D. Robinson; left guide, Geo. Ilatcher.

The Robert R. Livingston Post, No. 282, G. A. R., was organized February 18, 1889, with the following charter members: Jacob W. Cress. S. W. Dennis, E. K. Wells, W. A. Root, J. O. Eastman, Chas. R. Burgess, J. M. Lambert, Amos Thurlaw. Chas. Howe, N. Gooden, J. S. Oviatt, John E. Hart.

The Women's Relief Corps of the Robert R. Livingston Post, No. 143, was instituted October 5, 1891, with members as follows: Mrs. May M. Cress, Coe E. Cress, Emma A. Bayless, Mary A. MeDaugal, Maria S. Raworth, Elizabeth Candon, Flavilla Etter, Edith Smith, Mary Hill, Ethel Eddy, Jennie Tylee.

The E. K. Wells Camp, No. 72, Sons of Veterans, was organized August 2, 1889, with: Captain, John P. Harris; first lieu- tenant, F. E. Hart; second lieutenant, Ilarry Dennis.

The Ancient Order of United Workmen (Lodge 66) was organized May 23, 1888, with the following elected officers: Past master workman, Jacob Jaskalek; master workman, James A. Kelly; foreman, C. W. Miller; overseer, J. L. Anderson; recorder, W. II. Slabaugh; financier, Dan Sullivan; receiver, S. G. Wright; guide, Chas. Lear; inside watchman, Frank Walweber; outside watchman, P. E. Sullivan. Nebraska Lodge 227 was organized on the 22d of January and instituted by Jacob .Jaskalek. of South Omaha. This lodge had a charter list of thirty members and the following were elected as its officers: Past master workman, P. E. Sullivan; master workman, A. M. Gallagher; foreman, John J. Sexton; Overscer, James Carmody; recorder, James Gallagher; finan- eier, Joseph Duffy; receiver, Richard Swift; guide, Patrick Buntz; inside watchman, P. McMahon; outside watchman, J. J. O'Brien.

Division No. 3, A. O. H., was organized June 24, 1888, with the following officers: James P. Maloney, president; Thomas IIoc- tor, vice - president ; Patrick Rowley,

treasurer; Henry MeKendry, financial

secretary ; Thomas Dowling, recording secretary ; Martin Hannigan, sergeant-at- arms; board of trustees, Lawrence Connors, Frank Boyle and Jno. MeNetty.

Rad Hvezda Svobody, (Star of Liberty), C. 145, C. S. P. S. Lodge, was organized January 15, 1888, with charter members as follows: Mark Boukal, Alois Novak, John

663

MINOR INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS.

Dudicha, Anton Pivonka, Joseph Sinkule, Anton Sekyra, Joseph Capek, Frank Vlcek, John Svejda, Anton Dragoun, Vaclav Riha, Vaclav Pivonka, Joseph Kadavy, A. W. Os- wald, John Hudec, Frank Rypka, Joseph Markytan.

Besides the above named there are three Courts of Foresters, viz .: Magic City, No. 168, Prokop Volky, No. 200, and Teutonia, No. 195; Magic City Lodge No. 100 of Good Templars; Crusader Encampment No. 37 of Odd Fellows; South Omaha Lodge No. 55, of Treu Bund; Olivova Ratolest, J. C. D., No. 35; South Omaha Assembly K. of L .; Lilian Temple No. 1 Pythian Sisters; South Omaha Camp No. 1,075 Mod- ern Woodmen of America; South Omaha Union W. C. T. U .; Bohemian Turner Sokol; South Omaha Carmens Union;

South Omaha Plattdeutscher Verein; United Bo- hemian Lodges; Vlastmil Bohemian Singing Association; Young People's Social Club.

NOTE I .-- Less than eight years ago. M. A. Up- ton, assistant secretary and manager of the South Omaha Land Syndicate, wrote the following let- ter, which clearly shows he had that faith in the future of South Omaha that time has fully jus- tified. Mr. Upton had, it may be safe to assume, never dreamed of the magnitude of the packing houses then in the prospective, when he wrote the lines-" the slaughtering of beef commences tomorrow;" indeed, the imagination cannot even now scarcely take in the immensity of the great interests involved in the four establishments of South Omaha. As to any paper not paying ex- penses the first year - that was a safe prediction, which, probably (as Mr. Erion may have a full realization of), subsequent facts fully attested.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of the city of Omaha, Nebraska, Part 107

Author: Savage, James Woodruff, 1826-1890; Bell, John T. (John Thomas), b. 1842, joint author; Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899 Publication date: 1894 Publisher: New York, Chicago, Munsell & Company Number of Pages: 1020

Author: Savage, James Woodruff, 1826-1890; Bell, John T. (John Thomas), b. 1842, joint author; Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Munsell & Company
Number of Pages: 1020