USA > Nebraska > Douglas County > Omaha > Omaha: the Gate city, and Douglas County, Nebraska, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 10
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N. H. LOOMIS
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On the 23d of September, 1885, in Salina, Kansas, Mr. Loomis was married to Miss Mary Campbell, who passed away June 12, 1888, and at Salina, on the 12th of August, 1891, he wedded Christie Campbell. He has three sons: Alexander C., factory manager of the National Fur & Tanning Company of Omaha; John U., a law student in Columbia University of New York city ; and Robert H., a member of the class of 1920 at Dartmouth College. Mr. Loomis is a member of the Omaha, University, Country and Happy Hollow Clubs. He has served as president of the University Club and as a member of the public affairs committee of the Commercial Club. He is a prominent worker in the First Presbyterian church of Omaha, serving at the present time as chairman of the general com- imittee and as a member of the building and finance committees, taking most active and helpful part in the development of one of the finest church properties of the city. He has gained well earned fame and distinction in his profession and at the same time has won uniform respect and confidence by a well spent life in which recognition of duty to one's fellows and the utilization of opportunities for general betterment have constituted marked characteristics.
JUDGE JAMES P. ENGLISH.
One is apt to think of the quality of sternness as synonymous with judicial power, but all who knew Judge James P. English say that kindness was the motive spring of his life; and thus it was that when death called him on the 20th of February, 1916, the news of his passing brought a sense of personal bereavement to all who knew him. He was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, September 12, 1859, and after acquiring a common school education took up the study of law in Racine, Wisconsin. The year 1880 witnessed his arrival in Omaha and for a time he was in the office of James M. Woolworth, one of the pioneer attorneys of this city, while later he became a member of the firm of Hall, McCulloch & English. His ability as a lawyer was pronounced. He was strong in argument, clear and cogent in reasoning and logical in his deductions. His clientage constantly grew in volume and importance and he was connected with much of the important litiga- tion heard in the courts of the district while he was still in active practice at the bar. In 1903 he was elected county attorney for a two years' term and then after being out of office for two years he was reelected in 1907 and served for six years at that time or for four terms in all, resuming the private practice of law in 1913. When Judge Howard Kennedy resigned his seat on the district court bench to become a member of the state board of control Mr. English was appointed by Governor Morehead to fill out the unexpired term and at the next regular election was chosen by popular suffrage to the office, continuing upon the bench until his demise. His record as a judge was in harmony with his record as a man and lawyer, characterized by the utmost fidelity and by a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution.
On the 25th of June, 1885, at Omaha, Judge English was united in marriage to Miss Margaret A. Dalton, who was born in Bellevue, Nebraska, her people having come to this state from New York in the '50s. Her father, William Dalton, was engaged in hauling freight for the government across the plains for a number of years and was closely associated with pioneer life and conditions. In 1882 he took up his abode in Omaha and for six years prior to his death lived retired from active business, passing away in 1913 at the advanced age of seventy-three years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Maxwell and was a native of New York city, also died in 1913. Judge and Mrs. English became the parents of twelve children, of whom eleven are yet living: John E., a resident of Kansas City ; Margaret; Mary; Alice, the wife of Leo Wickham, of Council Bluffs ; Katherine ; James ; Anna ; Ruth; Florence; William, who died at the age of three years ; Frank; and Robert.
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Judge English was ever deeply interested in affairs relating to the upbuilding and progress of the city and gave active support to many measures for the general good. He was a consistent member of the Catholic church and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. One of the most impressive memorial meetings ever held in Omaha was that held by the bar of the district on the 4th of March, 1916. Many words were spoken by different lawyers and judges indicating the very high regard in which the deceased jurist was held, and perhaps no better characteriza- tion of the man can be given than by quoting from one of the speeches made on that occasion: "The mainspring in the life of James English was kindness. Every time he met a man he made a friend. He was by nature a true gentleman. He was liberal and charitable in thought, word and deed. His natural tendencies and mental make-up were such that he was particularly well fitted to discharge the important duties of a judge.
"His service on the bench was marked by fairness and justice. His court was the haven of safety for everyone who had been injured in his lands, goods, person or reputation. It was a hallowed place, where the rich and the poor met on common ground. Judge English was beyond and outside the control of any external agency. He did not hear the voice of flattery, nor pay heed to the tongue of venom and slander. He did not listen to the improper advice of powerful friends, nor did he lose sight of the defenseless. He did not heed the commenda- tion or the censure of the press, nor was he swayed in the performance of his duty by the clamor of the rabble. He did not evade an unpleasant duty or postpone its proper performance to a future day. His purpose, object and aim was to admin- ister justice without denial or delay.
"His premature death is a distinct loss to the bar and bench of this state. He was at the beginning of a long and useful judicial career. How empty this room seems when we cast our eyes upon that vacant chair. Little did I think when I talked with him less than twelve hours before his death that he was about to pass from the activities of this life. He spoke in words of kindness of his associates, regretted that he was not able to do his part of the work and expressed the hope that he would soon be better. Death came to him in the prime of his manhood. He has complied with the stern decree that man must die. His mild and gentle soul has passed to the great beyond. Revered be his memory. Peace to his ashes. There are so many of us to whom 'Jim' did some loving service that I am sure I express the sentiment of all when I quote the sweet epitaph which runs :
' Warm western sun, shine kindly here, Warm western breeze, blow softly here, Green sod above, lie light, lie light, Good night, dear heart, Good night ! Good night !'"
THOMAS J. FLYNN.
Thomas J. Flynn, of Omaha, filling the office of United States marshal, to which he was appointed on the 15th of August, 1915, was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, in 1870, his parents being Cornelius and Margaret (Scanlon) Flynn. The father was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and in early youth came to the United States. Both have now passed away, the death of Mr. Flynn occurring in 1914, while his wife survived for only six weeks, passing away in 1915.
The family home had been established in Omaha in 1876 and Thomas J. Flynn was here reared and educated, supplementing his public school training by study in Creighton College. Almost continuously since attaining his majority he has occupied public office and has been an active worker in the ranks of the
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democratic party. He was elected a member of the Omaha city council, with which he served for one term, and he was also for one term representative of his district in the state legislature, where his work was along the line of con- structive legislation. For four years he occupied the position of deputy sheriff of Douglas county and for six years was street commissioner of Omaha, after which he served for four years as city clerk. On the 15th of August, 1915, he was appointed to his present position as United States marshal, in which con- nection he discharges his duties without fear or favor.
In September, 1900, in Iowa, Mr. Flynn was married to Miss Agnes O'Connell and they have two sons, John T. and William J. The religious belief of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Flynn is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He also belongs to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Woodmen of the World. Practically his entire life has been passed in Omaha and he is known to a large percentage of its citizens, especially those who seek to have capable men in public office.
J. FRANK CARPENTER.
J. Frank Carpenter was prominent in the business life of Omaha from the time of his arrival in February, 1887, until his death. He removed to this city from Chicago and was numbered among the native sons of Illinois, his birth having occurred July 28, 1861, in Marengo. There he was reared and educated and in early manhood was there married to Miss Marion Avery, of Illinois. They became the parents of four children : Gilbert E. and Harry C., who are connected with the Carpenter Paper Company; Marion ; and Eleanor.
Following his removal to Omaha in 1887 Mr. Carpenter established business under the name of the Carpenter Paper Company. He had previously had experience and training along that line, having been connected with F. P. Elliott & Company, a paper house of Chicago. He at once embarked in the wholesale paper trade in Omaha, associated in the undertaking with his brother Isaac. They established their business on Douglas street and afterward removed to Twelfth and Howard streets. J. F. Carpenter was continuously connected with this enterprise until his demise, becoming secretary of the company. Their trade extended through Omaha and the surrounding country and they also established branch houses in other cities. Mr. Carpenter concentrated his undivided attention upon the upbuilding of the business and the enlargement of its trade connections and the thoroughly reliable and progressive methods which he followed brought most substantial results. He also had charge of the erec- tion of the present fine edifice built and owned by the Carpenter Paper Company.
Death indeed removed from our midst one whom we could ill afford to lose when J. Frank Carpenter passed away December 23, 1907. There was no phase of his life that would not bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, for at all times his career was guided by high and honorable motives. He appreciated all those social interests which add to the happiness of the individual and was a well known member of the Omaha and Happy Hollow Clubs. He belonged also to the Commercial Club and he gave his political allegiance to the republican party. At the same time he never neglected the higher, holier duties of life but fully recognized the obligations of man to his fellowmen and held to those moral teachings which find their root in Christianity. He belonged to Calvary Baptist church, in which he took a most active and helpful part, serving for a number of years as superintendent of the Sunday school and as a trustee of the church. He was particularly interested in young men and was continually extending a helping hand or speaking a word of encouragement to them that he might induce them to choose the better things of life and make the most of their opportunities not only in a material way but also along the line of moral development. Mr.
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Carpenter was but forty-six years of age when called to his final rest. It seemed that he should have been spared for many years to come, for he had not yet reached the zenith of his powers, but the summons came, and while he is still greatly missed in those circles in which he moved, among his business associates, his friends and most of all at his own fireside, his memory remains as an inspira- tion and a blessed benediction to all who knew him.
GEORGE TILDEN, M. D.
Dr. George Tilden is now living retired but for forty-six years was actively identified with the practice of medicine and surgery, in which field of labor he won distinction. In 1914, however, he withdrew from active connection with the profession to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He came to Omaha in 1868 from New York, then a young man of twenty-six years, his birth having occurred in the town of Warren, Herkimer county, in 1842. He attended the public schools and an academy there and afterward became a medical student in the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He continued his preparation for the profession, however, in the Albany Medical College, in which he won his degree in 1867, being valedictorian of his class. In 1868 he entered upon the active practice of his profession in Omaha and always remained alone, never forming any partnership relation. His a tention was given to general practice and he was ever a deep and discriminating student, keeping in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and investigation. Early in his practice he contributed articles to the State Medical Society and to medical journals. He was interested at all times in anything that tended to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life and he held membership in the County and S.ate"Medical societies and of the former was at one time president. For forty years"he filled the position of county insanity commissioner but resigned in 1914, much to the regret of the judges of the dis- trict court, and at the time they expressed themselves to that effect by a set of resolutions paying tribute to his faithful service and rare ability, as follows :
"Whereas, Upon the loss of his beloved wife, recently occurring, and after more than forty years of continuous service as a member of the board of insanity of Douglas county, being the sustained appointee of the judges of this court throughout that period, Dr. George Tilden has expressed a desire to be relieved from further service on said board, and,
"Whereas, Upon such occasion it seemed exceedingly fitting that the judges of this court should give some expression of recognition and appreciation for so long and faithful service in this exceptionally important work as an adjunct to the business of this court, therefore, be it
"Resolved, First, That we extend to Dr. Tilden our sincere condolence in liis bereavement caused by the recent death of his faithful and distinguished wife, a most remarkable woman, whose life was devoted to the establishment and support of various charitable and beneficent institutions in this community and in the promotion of every good work having for its object the physical, men- tal and especially the moral betterment of mankind. A distinguished public ben- efactor, as she was, she was none the less in her private life a most faithful and efficient helpmeet to her husband.
"Second, That regretting exceedingly the necessity of accepting the resigna- tion of Dr. Tilden as a member of the board of insanity, we congratulate him upon the honor he has conferred upon himself and this community by his long and efficient term of service upon that board; upon his exceptional wisdom and sound discretion in conducting the peculiarly delicate and exacting task attend- ant upon the duties of the physician throughout a period of more than forty years without, it may be said, a single instance of unseemly notoriety or criti-
INL NEW YORK EUDLAC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX ANE TILDENI POUNDATIONE
George Filden
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
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cism arising from his discharge of that duty. An unprecedented record in this community and one which few, indeed, if any, can ever hope to attain in the fu- ture. For this service Dr. Tilden richly deserves the lasting gratitude of the people of this community and particularly that of the friends of those unfor- tunate ones who suffered from the peculiar affliction with which he was re- quired to deal.
"Third, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this court and a copy thereof be presented to Doctor Tilden.
"JAMES P. ENGLISHI, CHARLES LESLIE, GEORGE A. DAY,
"A. C. TROUP, A. L. SUTTON, WILLIS G. SEARS.
"LEE S. ESTELLE."
It is conceded among members of the profession that Dr. Tilden excelled along the line of treatment of mental diseases. In fact he has been repeatedly pronounced the peer of any man in the state as an alienist and as one whose opinion carried the greatest weight. During his long tenure of office, which is an appointive one, he had many important cases involving intricate interests- cases in which his opinion practically constituted the decision. His opinions were not given until he had thoroughly studied every case from every possible standpoint, and when his ideas were expressed they were given as a judgment formed from a purely scientific standpoint. He was for a long period physician and surgeon to St. Joseph's Hospital, for years was acting assistant surgeon of the United States army and also pension surgeon for a time. He attended the United States prisoners in Omaha for forty-four years and he was United States jury commissioner for thirty-two years. In 1914 he practically put aside all activities, whether of a professional, a public or a semi-public character.
In 1874 Dr. Tilden was united in marriage to Miss Ida V. Clegg, and two children, Howard and Mary, were born to them but both have passed away. The life of Mrs. Tilden closed in 1914, and a sketch of the life of this noble · woman follows. Dr. Tilden is still an honored and valued resident of Omaha. He represents the scholarly, ethical man in his. profession, adhering at all times. to `the highest standards.
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MRS. GEORGE TILDEN.
Mrs. George Tilden, one of the foremost figures in the social, philanthropic and religious life of Omaha, was called to her final rest on the 25th of June, 1914, when sixty-one years of age. Her beauty of character, her lofty spirit, her high ideals, all expressed in practical and resultant effort for her fellowmen, made her life indeed a beneficent one in the community. She was a native of Virginia and came to Omaha from Iowa in the year 1867, after which she remained a resident of this city to the time of her demise. Here she completed her education, being graduated from Brownell Hall, at which time she won the prize for proficiency in higher mathematics. In early womanhood she took upon herself the duties of wifehood, giving her hand in marriage in 1874 to Dr. George Tilden, a sketch of whose life is given above. She was ever most devoted to her home and its best interests and in fact her entire life was given over to good works. She was continually assisting some organization or some individual and her work ever had for its purpose uplift and benefit. She gave freely not only of money but of time and effort. She was the first president of the Young Women's Christian Association of Omaha and she occupied the presi- dency of the Old People's Home for a longer period than anyone else who has filled that position. She also served as president of the alumnæ association of Brownell Hall and ever took the deepest interest in the affairs of that institution. For two years she was president of the Omaha Woman's Club and a number of years ago served as first president of the first suffrage society of the city, which Vol. II-5
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was the nucleus of the Omaha Suffrage Association. All these indicated the breadth of her interests and activities. Every movement or agency that tended to advance the interests of humanity found in her a champion. She was a mem- ber of the First Presbyterian church, in the work of which she took a most active part, being president of its Ladies' Aid Society for many years and also president of the Women's Missionary Society for an extended period. For a third of a century she was an earnest worker in the missionary organizations of the state, being chairman of the Home mission committee of the Synod of Ne- braska early in its existence, while from 1902 until 1908 she was president of the missionary work of the Synodical Society. In 1902 she established the Nebraska Messenger, of which she was editor, this being the first synodical paper in the country. In 1910, when this was reestablished, she became business manager, so continuing until her death. She was one of the promoters of the Woman's Building of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition, held in Omaha, and furthered every interest connected therewith.
Mrs. Tilden was equally renowned for her marvelous executive ability and wonderful capacity for detail. It has been repeatedly said that her hand on the helm of any affair assured its success, for never once did she fail in any enterprise great or small. Concerning her versatile powers, a coworker of many years said: "Whether it was ministering to the needs of the old people, bet- tering the conditions surrounding young women, working for enforcement of laws regulating the sale of alcohol, the rights of women-(her activity brought about the passage of the property rights bill for women, which is now a state law)-higher educational standards, sanitary conditions, morality, establish- ment of playgrounds and gardens for the poor, instruction of mothers in vital home questions, influencing a love for missionary zeal by bringing noted home and foreign missionary workers to the city-in all of these various avenues of reform and philanthropy she was a leader. Her clear judgment and keen grasp of detail made the path straight for others to follow."
An active worker for the cause of temperance, Mrs. Tilden served as presi- dent of the Omaha Woman's Christian Temperance Union. At her passing the Young Women's Christian Association, through one of its members, said : "Probably no personal loss could so closely affect this Association as that which came to it in the death of Mrs. Tilden. Even although after the long years of active service, she had retired from an active part in its affairs, still the habit of years was not easily overcome, and her thought and counsel were with us constantly. We still find ourselves saying instinctively, 'We must ask Mrs. Tilden,' when one or another matter is under discussion. She most wonderfully showed the largeness of her nature in that, after her retirement from active work, she refused to handicap present officers by any obtrusion of her own wishes or advice. But when consulted it was always apparent that she was following the progress of this work with intense interest, and was instantly prepared to give her own thought upon the matter. Mrs. Tilden's last resting place was in this building. By her own request the funeral services were held in our auditorium on Sunday afternoon, June 28. Since her going it has seemed that Mrs. Tilden has still been speaking her thought for us through the generous gift of five thousand dollars, to be kept always as an endowment fund for build- ing maintenance. Also her pledge for the debt fund and for the annual sup- port has been paid, and, so far as money can make it possible, her influence will be continued through the carrying on of this work for young women."
Another wrote of her: "It may be said of Mrs. Tilden as of one of old : she 'walked with God; and she was not; for God took her.' It is hard to think of Omaha without Mrs. Tilden as a vital force in the best life of the city. She has been, all her mature life, identified with each constructive work for the public welfare, and we expected many more years of service for her, but she has deserved the distinction of an early promotion. She will be missed in alinost every organization which stands for social and religious betterment.
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When some one protested against her joining so many societies, she said she wanted to belong to every good thing; and so she has been, with her means, her counsel, or active service, promoting righteousness. To write an adequate appreciation of her life would be to give the history of many institutions and enterprises, not only of Omaha, but of many lands, to which, in loving obedience to her Lord, she preached His gospel. The large attendance at the funeral services, of people from such varied walks of life and of widely differing religious faiths was an eloquent expression of appreciation of her influence and life in the city. The two institutions to which she gave the longest con- tinuous service are the Old People's Home and the Young Women's Christian Association. They perhaps will be remembered in Omaha longest as monu- ments to her memory. It was a great joy to her to know that a suitable location for the Old People's Home had been secured, and an adequate building assured, after many years of planning and waiting. The Young Women's Christian Association has long acknowledged Mrs. Tilden as mother of the institution, she having been the first president and chiefly instrumental in its organization. The direction, care and culture of the young womanhood of the community appealed to her strongly as worthy of her time and effort. She gave herself unstintedly to the demands of the early days, when all the work was done by volunteers, seeing it grow, requiring larger quarters every few years, until it was necessary to have a building suitably equipped. When the question of loca- tion and securing a site was considered, Mrs. Tilden was logically chosen chair- man of the committee, where her acquaintance with people enabled her to secure the advice of business men, and inspired confidence in the enterprise. Then came days and weeks of preparation, preparing lists for the canvass for funds, where again her knowledge of people and her standing in the community made her services invaluable. During the trying days, weeks and months of the cam- paigns for the building funds she gave her whole time and strength as few were able to do, and secured some of the largest gifts. Though many women and girls gave of time, strength and money to make the splendid building a reality, they will agree that the leadership and abundant labors of Mrs. Tilden made it possible. In the adoption of plans, and in the construction of the building, her close attention to business details insured the greatest efficiency for the ex- penditure of money. Her generous gift to the endowment fund will continue to work for her from year to year, as long as the Association lives. In a very real sense the Association and building are a monument to her consecrated service, and its uses will perpetuate her splendid life. The Summer School of Missions has largely been the result of Mrs. Tilden's desire to secure the best things for Omaha. Much of the time she was confined to her home, and even from her bed by telephone and pen, she rallied and directed the agencies that have brought results beyond expectation. She was most loyal to her church, never allowing any engagement to prevent her attendance at the Wednesday night service. That was church night for her. She was leader in all the women's societies and prominent in the larger denominational life. 'The fore-
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