USA > Nebraska > Douglas County > Omaha > History of the city of Omaha, Nebraska > Part 76
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Brooms
20,000
Buttons.
17,000
Canning aud preserving
10,000
Carriage tops ..
6,000
Carriages and wagons
225.000
Chairs and furniture
200 000
Cigar manufacturers
50,000
Coffee, baking powder, etc.
95,000
Collars and cuffs
3.000
Confectionery.
155,000
Cooperage
14.600
Cornice
46.000
Crackers
200,000
Distillery
400.000
Fence works
10.000
Flags. awnings, tents, etc
10.000
Flour and corn mills
90,000
Founderies and machine shops.
250,000
Hominy
10.000
Horse and cattle food
49,500
Laundries
198,000
Linseed oil
450.000
Malt house
32 000
Manufacturing chemists
new
Mattresses
20.000
Overalls
130,000
Planing mills
190,000
Plating works
2,500
Printing, blank books, etc.
500,000
Saddlery
77,000
Safe and iron works.
30,000
Sash, doors and blinds
275,000
Shirt factories
14.000
Shot and lead pipe.
200,000
Show cases.
4,000
Smelting works.
3,600.000
Soaps
80,000
Soda water
40,000
Syrup refiners
40,000
Tinware
65.000
Trunks
16.500
Union Pacific shops
2,620 000
Vinegar and pickles
60,000
Wall plaster
24 000
White lead-
500.000
Wire works
9,500
Yeast
15.000
Total
$12,740,600
THE MANUFACTURERS' AND CONSUMERS' ASSO- CIATION OF NEBRASKA.
The Manufacturers' and Consumers' Asso- ciation of Nebraska was organized September 26, 1891. Its object is to promote ho. e industry by encouraging the purchase of Nebraska products and manufactures. The members of the association take the ground that factories will increase both in size and in number when they are given a good market for their products, and that if tlie people of Nebraska wish to see manufactur- ing industries of the state developed they must patronize the factories that are already located in their midst. By keeping this truth before the people a strong sentiment has already been worked up in favor of Ne- braska goods, and it is the object and aim of the association to strengthen this senti- ment. The officers of the association are: W. A. Page, president; L. L. E. Stewart, vice-president; O. C. Holmes, secretary; A. J. Vierling, treasurer; and thirty-three directors. The only paid officer is the secre- tary who devotes his entire attention to the work of the association, spending half of his time in Omaha and the balance of his time in visiting the retail merchants throughout the State in the interest of Nebraska manufac- turers. The association numbers about 150 active members who are all engaged in man- ufacturing, and about 80,000 general or hon- orary members who have pledged themselves to give preference to Nebraska made goods. The great exposition of Nebraska manufac- tured goods, held in June, 1892, in Omaha, was so marked a success that it has been determined to hold one every year. A mon- ster building suitable for exposition and convention purposes is projected and will probably be erected during the coming year. It is safe to say that the Manufacturers' and Consumers' Association is to-day the most active and aggressive commercial organi- zation in Nebraska, and is destined to play a most important part in the development of the State.
CHAPTER LV.
SOME EVENTS OF 1892 -THE NATIONAL DRILL -GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE M. E. CHURCH - NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE PEOPLE'S PARTY - IMPERIAL COUNCIL MYSTIC SHRINERS - PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND STATISTICS.
As one of the youngest cities of the United States in the class to which she belongs, Omaha was, during 1892, recog- nized by the remainder of the country as a place of importance, far beyond what she had ever been. Her citizens had attempted to secure the holding of the National Re- publican Convention here, and although not successful, they felt very well satisfied to think that the West had been strong enough in the councils of that party to bring the convention to Minneapolis. There were, however, three gatherings of national im- portance held here during the year-the National Competitive Drill, the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the National Convention of the People's Party; each of them bringing to this city visitors and delegates from almost every part of the United States.
THE NATIONAL DRILL.
The National Competitive Drill of the militia companies of the United States took place in June, opening Monday, the 13th, and continuing eleven days. The following companies were present, in camp, which was located on the fair grounds, in the northern part of the city : Branch Guards, St. Louis, Mo .; Sealey Rifles, Galveston, Texas ; National Fencibles, Washington, D. C .; Belknap Rifles, San Antonio, Texas ; Indian- apolis Light Artillery, Indianapolis, Ind .; Zollinger Battery, Fort Wayne, Ind .; Cin- cinnati Light Artillery, Cincinnati, Ohio ; Omaha Guards, Omaha, Neb .; Dallas Light
Artillery, Dallas, Texas ; McCarthy Light Guards, Little Rock, Ark .; Chicago Zouaves, Chicago ; lIale Zouaves, Kansas City, Mo .; Devlin Cadets, Jackson, Mich .; Lima City Guards, Lima, Ohio ; University Cadets, Lincoln, Neb .; Fletcher Rifles, Little Rock, Ark .; Governor's Guards, Denver, Colo.
On Tuesday, June 14, 1892, the companies were drawn up on the parade ground, and Governor Boyd and Mayor Bemis delivered addresses of welcome. A large crowd was present, including many ladies. Tuesday evening a grand parade was made down Sixteenth and Farnam streets, which was a beautiful sight, and which was reviewed from the balcony of the Paxton House, by Gen- eral Brooke and staff, Governor Boyd and staff and Colonel Waldron, commander of the militia of Arkansas.
On Wednesday, June 15th, a sham battle was fought at the camp, which drew as spectators what was said to have been the largest crowd ever on the grounds. Every day there were competitive drills between the companies.
The camp was named Camp Brooke, in honor of Brig. Gen. John R. Brooke, U. S. A., commanding department of the Platte. Capt. Wmn. V. Richards, 16th U. S. infantry, was commandant of the camp. The follow- ing prizes were awarded:
NATIONAL INFANTRY DRILLS.
National Fencibles, Washington, D. C ... .. $5,000 Sealey Rifles, Galveston, Texas 2,000 McCarthy Light Guards, Little Rock, Ark. 1,000
513
33
514
HISTORY OF THE CITY OF OMAHA.
MAIDEN INFANTRY DRILL.
Co. A. Neb. Cadets, Lincoln $1,500
Lima Guards, Lima, Ohio .. 750
Governors Guards, Denver, Colo. 500
ZOUAVE DRILL.
Hale Zouaves, Kansas City, Mo. $1,500
Chicago Zouaves, Chicago, Il1. 750
ARTILLERY DRILL.
Indianapolis $1 000
Dallas. 500
Zollinger, Ft. Wayne, Ind. 250
GATLING GUN DRILL.
Cincinnati. $500
Omaha Guards. 250
Individual prizes were awarded as follows: Captain making best score in National Drill, Captain Downs, sword; same, Maiden Drill, Capt. W. F. Bell, sword; best drilled soldier, Durand Whipple, McCarthy Light Guards, medal; company ranking highest in camp discipline, Governor's Guards, Den- ver, flag; most popular company in camp, Chaffee Light Artillery, cup.
The prizes were all raised by subscription by the citizens of Omaha.
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE M. E. CHURCH.
Probably there never was so truly an ex- tended recognition of that great section of our country, known somewhat indefinitely, as the West, as was that made by the Methodist Episcopal Church, when it decided to hold in Omaha its Twenty-first General Con- ference. Never before had this body met so far west, and but once had it met so far west as Chicago, and that was in 1866. The conference was composed of delegates from the district conferences of this great denomi- nation from all parts of the civilized world, the number of persons in attendance being about five hundred, and although the con- ference assembled on Monday, May 2, 1892, and held sessions every week-day until Thursday, the 26th of May, the entire body was entertained by the people of Omaha -the sum of $50,000 having been raised for that purpose. There were present in Omaha, at some time during the session
of this body, nearly every man who has attained prominence in that denomination. The proceedings of the conference were printed daily, the church authorities issuing a 56 column paper every week-day for that purpose. On the evening of May 3, 1892, the mayor and city council tendered a reception to the bishops, delegates and friends of the general conference, at the Exposition Hall. The reception was largely attended, many of the prominent citizens and families being present to welcome the visitors. Ad- dresses were made by Mayor George P. Bemis, Mr. E. P. Davis, president of the city council, Mr. Henry D. Estabrook, Judge Jacob Fawcett, Bishop Thomas Bow- man and Bishop Newman, after which re- freshments were served, and the citizens and visitors presented to each other. The conference passed by unanimous rising vote a resolution of thanks to the municipal authorities for this reception. Before ad- journing the conference expressed its hearty appreciation of the many courtesies re- ceived by its members. To many of the visitors, especially those from the far East, Omaha was a revelation. While some of the members of the general committee had expressed doubts before the assembling of the conference in regard to the ability of Omaha to entertain the delegates and visitors, there was no question about it when the adjournment came. The con- ference held its sessions in the Exposition Hall, which was fitted up and decorated for the occasion. One unpleasant feature was the weather, as it rained nearly every day during the session of the conference.
THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE PEOPLE'S PARTY.
Following closely upon the General Con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, came the National Convention of the Peo- ple's Party, which was the first National convention of any political party ever held west of the Missouri River.
At the Coliseum building, at 10 o'clock
515
PEOPLE'S PARTY NATIONAL CONVENTION.
on the morning of Saturday, July 2, 1892, at the Paxton Hotel, and a banquet at the Chairman Tanheneck, of the national com- Millard. Refreshments were also served at the rooms of the local temple. mittee, rapped with his gavel upon the speaker's desk, and called to order the first THE OMANIA AND PLATTE RIVER CANAL. National Convention of the People's Party. In the year 1887, Mr. S. L. Wiley, while manager of the American Water Works Company, of Omaha, was examining the sources available for water supply for the city, and found that a phenomenal head of about two hundred feet existed between the waters of the Platte River south of Fremont, and the City of Omaha, and after making one survey, coneluded to get an act through the legislature that would authorize and facilitate the construction of the canal now about to be built. With the help of Mr. Henry St. Reyner, of Sidney, the act was passed. Prayer was offered by Rev. Benjamin F. Diffenbacher, chaplain of the Nebraska legis- ture of 1891. Hon. Geo. P. Bemis, mayor of Omaha, delivered an address of welcome to the convention, which was responded to by the Hon. Ben Terrill, of Texas. The national committee selected as temporary officers, C. H. Ellington, of Georgia, as chairman, and J. B. Hayes, of New York, as secretary, which selection the convention ratified by acclamation. The usual commit- tees were appointed, and the convention adjourned over Sunday, to meet again Mon- day morning. On the morning of the 4th, H. L. Loucks, of South Dakota, was elected permanent chairman and J. B. Hayes, secretary.
On the morning of July 5th, at 3 A. M., the convention nominated as its standard bearer, James B. Weaver, of Iowa, for presi- dent of the United States, and James G. Field, of Virginia, for vice-president. This convention brought to Omaha many men who have been prominent in the politics of the country for years.
THE MYSTIC SHRINERS.
The Imperial Council of the Noble Order of the Mystic Shrine met in Omaha on the 15th and 16th of August, 1892, and were entertained by the local body. For two days the city was given up to the illustrious nobles of this mystic organization, and they made the most of the freedom of the city, which had been presented to them. There were coaching parties and excursions to South Omaha, to Florence, to the Smelting Works and to Council Bluffs; an evening parade by the Shriners, in their full dress suits and fez caps, with many noteworthy features, including some live camels; a re- ception by Governor Boyd and Mayor Bemis
Mr. Wiley then began the surveys in earnest, and after four years of planning and personally spending over four thousand dol- lars in the work, he succeeded in interesting some of the leading citizens of Omaha in the enterprise, which culminated in the organi- zation of a company called the " Omaha Canal and Power Company," with an author- ized capital of three million dollars. The following gentlemen were recently elected officers of the company for the first year: Herman Kountze, president; II. T. Clarke, first vice-president; Dr. George L. Miller, second vice-president; Frank Murphy, treas- urer; S. L. Wiley, secretary.
The final surveysand location of the canal are now being made under the management of Mr. Wiley, assisted by R. B. Howell, C. E., and Andrew Rosewater, consulting engi- neers.
This project contemplates the bringing of the Platte River to within six miles of Omaha, by a canal thirty-five miles long, which will have a capacity sufficient to fur- nish a volume of water capable of producing over twenty-five thousand horse-power-the largest water power in the United States except Niagara Falls-and which it is antici-
516
HISTORY OF THE CITY OF OMAHA.
pated, will make Omaha the great milling center of the West, as well as the greatest manufacturing town west of Chicago.
The power proposed will be developed in the Papillion Valley, under about 145 feet head, and, under the favorable condi- tions existing, shows a maximum two-thirds greater than St. Anthony's Falls at Minne- apolis. This development under such high heads presents new phases in engineering, and a most careful examination for the works to be constructed is now being made by engineers of national reputation.
The canal will be nearly all in Douglas County, which it will traverse from the northwestern to the southeastern portion. The works will necessarily be of a most substantial character, built of masonry backed by earth. The waters of the Platte will be taken from the river by the building of a low dam. It is proposed to carry the power by electricity under high voltage into the center of the city, where a large build- ing will be located from which the power will be distributed to every portion of the city to supply light, power and heat. It is expected the company will reduce the price to the users of power to the lowest possible rate.
THE HANGING OF DIXON.
On the evening of September 30, 1891, at Fort Niobrara, Nebraska, Clinton E. Dixon, a trumpeter of the Sixth Cavalry, shot and killed Corporal John R. Carter, of troop F, of the same regiment. The history of the case was this: Corporal Carter had been instructed by the commanding officer of the fort to drive away from the post two notorious negro women. The corporal was obliged to use force in bis efforts to rid the garrison of the objectionable women, and thus aroused the bitter animosity of Dixon, who went to the quarters of the troops and asked Carter to step outside, as he wished to speak to him. An instant after, the soldiers within the barracks were startled by the report of a revolver just outside the door.
Rushing out they found Carter on his knees with his arms around Dixon's waist, and Dixon trying to free himself from Carter's hold. "For God's sake, don't let him get away," called Carter, "he has shot me." Dixon, who still held the smoking revolver in his hand, threw it away when the other soldiers rushed upon him. He was over- powered and placed in chains. Carter died about midnight, but before dying left an ante mortem statement, as follows: "I was foully murdered by Clinton E. Dixon and after he shot me, I bit his thumb."
Dixon was tried at Omaha in the United States district court; found guilty of murder in the first degree, and sentenced by Judge Dundy to be hanged on April 22, 1892 ; but on the failure of the commis- sioners of Douglas County to assent to the execution within the precincts of the court house and jail of the county, the President of the United States, " in consideration of premises and divers other good and sufficient reasons thereunto moving," respited the ex- ecution until May 20, 1892. On account of the sessions of the Methodist Conference sitting at the date of May 20, 1892, the execution was again postponed until June 17, 1892. June 17th was the day for the assembling of the Grand Lodge of Master Masons of Nebraska, and as United States Marshal B. D. Slaughter was grand master of that body, the president again granted a respite until June 24, 1892. Persistent efforts were made to have the seutence commuted, but without success, and Clarence E. Dixon paid the penalty of the law at Douglas County jail. He left a confession, claiming, however, that the killing was done in self defense.
POLITICAL NOTES.
In November, 1892, occurred the general election in Nebraska, for presidential elec- tors, governor and other state officers, for members of congress. for members of the legislature, and in this county and city for county attorney, for three county commis-
517
POLITICAL NOTES.
sioners, and for nine ward councilmen for the several wards of Omaha. There were four parties in the field; the Republican, the Democratic, the Independent or People's and the Prohibition. While the Democratic party had held its convention and nomi- nated a full ticket, many of the leaders openly advocated and advised the voting for the Independent electors, with a view of throwing the State of Nebraska to Gen- eral Weaver, and prevent its electoral votes being cast for General Harrison. It was hoped by the Democratic leaders that in the event of a very close election, every western state could be carried for the Independent candidate, General Weaver, by the help of Democratic votes; to prevent the Republi- can candidate, General Harrison receiving a majority of the electoral votes-and thus throw the election of president into the Na- tional house of representatives at Washing- ton, which was largely Democratic and would insure the election of Grover Cleve- land. The movement in Nebraska was not a success, as there were 25.344 persons who voted for the Democratic electors, and the Republican electors carried the presidential ticket by 4,823 plurality. The general result throughout the nation was such a triumph for the Democratic ticket, however, that the action in Nebraska made little difference.
On the state, county and city tickets each party made an independent fight, there be- ing no coalition between the Democratic, Independent or Republicans.
Another element, entering largely into the contest for the local offices, was the Ameri- can Protective Association, a recent political organization, made up of those who were opposed to Catholics holding offices. This association made no nominations outside of the regular political parties, but endorsed such candidates on the other tickets as were in sympathy with the objects of their organ- ization. In this way they were able to elect nearly every candidate whom they endorsed.
David HI. Mercer, one of the young men of the city, Republican nominee, endorsed by the American Protective Association, was elected to Congress from this district; his opponents being Judge George W. Doane, Democrat, of Omaha; Rev. Robert L. Wheeler, Independent, of South Omaha, and R. W. Richardson, Prohibitionist.
The following senators and representatives to the state legislature were elected: Sen- ators-C. O. Lobeck, W. N. Babcock, Charles L. Clarke. Representatives-Thomas D. Crane, W. N. Nason, Charles H. With- nell, M. O. Ricketts, Charles A. Goss, George W. Ames, J. II. Kyner, August Lockner and A. L. Sutton. Contest proceedings were commenced by the defeated Democrats for the seats given to the two Republican sena- tors, and seven Republican representatives, but they were not successful.
In Omaha the nine members elected to the city council to serve for two years, one from each ward, were as follows: I. S. Hascall, first ward; Peter Elsasser, second ward; A. B. McAndrews, third ward; D. II. Wheeler, fourth ward; W. A. Saunders, fifth ward: Christ Specht, sixth ward; C. L. Thomas, seventh ward; Charles E. Bruner, eighth ward; and Churchill Parker, ninth ward. There were also elected by the city at large, five members of the board of edu- cation, to serve for three years, as follows: Henry C. Akin, J. F. Burgess, B. F. Thomas, Henry Knodell and Rev. J. T. Duryea. Three new members of the board of county commissioners: Henry Livesey, J. W. Pad- dock and G. R. Williams were also elected. Jacob L. Kaley, the Republican nominee, was elected county attorney.
In connection with the election of county commissioners, a question has arisen under the Australian ballot law, which was adopted by the legislature in 1890. It appeared that in the official ballots provided for under this law, an error was made in those which were sent to Valley precinct, in this county.
518
HISTORY OF THE CITY OF OMAHA.
After the name of William Olmstead, the Democratic nominee, the word "prohibition- ist" had been printed. Mr. Olmstead was defeated by five votes, and he claims that this error in the ticket deprived lim of some votes to which he was clearly entitled, and has begun contest proceedings for the seat.
SOME STATISTICS.
The deposits in the nine National banks of Omaha were on December 2, 1891, $14,288,206, and on December 9, 1892, $16,582,656, showing an increase of $2,300,- 000. These deposits were much greater at the close of the year than ever before in the history of the city.
The savings banks' deposits also showed a very large increase; at the ciose of 1891, the deposits in all the savings banks amounted to $2,978,651, and at the close of 1892 to $3,883,260, showing a gain of about $900,000 during the year.
The State bank deposits also increased during the year from $137,300 at the close of 1891, to $149,858 at the close of 1892.
The total deposits in the banks of Omaha at the close of 1892, as compared with 1891, is shown in the following :
1891.
1892
Nine National banks. $14,288,206
$16.582.656
Eight Savings banks
3,001.651
3.883,260
Two State banks. 137,300
149 858
$17,427,157 $20,615,774
This shows an increase for the year of over $3,000,000.
The reports of the clearing house also show a very heavy gain for the year, the total clearings for 1891 were $215,103,314;
for 1892 they were 8295,026,585, or an in- crease of nearly $80,000,000.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
Notwithstanding there was great delay in starting on the public work in the spring of the year, $675,000 were expended for public improvements during 1892. Asphaltum, stone, and brick were the materials used for paving, and the following shows the amount of paving done with each material and the cost of the same :
Material. Sq. yds.
Cost.
Asphaltum.
34,692
$ 91,000
Stone
64,827
118.857
Brick
56,257 112 513
Tota $322,370
155,776
During 1892, sixteen miles of wooden sidewalk were laid at a cost of $27,316. Permanent sidewalks costing $19,461 were also laid, making the total expended for sidewalks during the year $46,777.84.
Eleven miles of curbing, costing $36,520, were also put down in 1892, making the total curbing in the city 130 miles which has cost $670,452.
As a means of comparing the relative progress of four of the great western cities for 1892, the amount expended for new buildings for the year is here given: Omaha, $3,718,000; St. Paul, 82,200,000; Kansas City, $1,269,934; Minneapolis, $4,815,220.
The real estate transfers for the year amounted to $13,465,308, while in 1891 they were $15,969,674.
In 1892 there were 1,226 couples married in Omaha, an increase of fifty-seven couples over 1891.
OMAHA
CITY HALL.
CHAPTER LV1.
SOME OF OMAHA'S REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
GEORGE W. AMBROSE .- The bar and the courts of Nebraska know and honor the legal record of Geo. W. Ambrose, of Omaha. Personal hard work and fair dealing through twenty-five years, have written his name very large and legible in the annals of State litigation, and with frequent final hearing at Washington.
Several issues, as the Slocum law, the tax- ation of railways, damages for original street grades, etc.,-issues of great social and economic importance in the State-through his clear view of the principles of law and clear statement of the same, have been made precedents of national value.
And yet but few friends, even at the bar, who know the lawyer well, know anything of the upcome, the biography of the man. He is the second son of Ruel and Rebekah Ambrose, who were pioneers in Michigan, his father being a merchant in Detroit, where Mr. Ambrose was born October 5, 1836.
He is of Puritan stock, his father's mother, Sallie Eaton, being a great-granddaughter of Francis Eaton, a passenger in the Mayflower. Soon after the boy's birth, his father pushed sixty miles into the woods of Michigan, opening a general store and bank in Sharon, Washtenaw County; and in 1842 journeyed into Illinois with the lad, who wore out the six following years with losing his shoes in the mud streets of Chicago, helping his father build a flouring mill at Elgin, and beginning school days.
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