USA > Nebraska > Douglas County > Omaha > Omaha: the Gate city, and Douglas County, Nebraska, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 50
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Merchants Bank of Benson, became the cashier and has since continued, taking active part in the management of the business and the direction of the bank's policy. This institution was organized in August, 1907, with a capital stock of fifteen thousand dollars, which has since been increased to twenty-five thousand dollars. When Mr. Ranz became connected therewith, the bank deposits amounted to fifty thousand dollars, but within three years' time this amount had greatly increased and in November, 1916, the deposits amounted to more than three hun- dred thousand dollars. The growth of the bank has been continuous and substan- tial and its business shows a greater percentage of growth than that of any bank in the state for the same period. The present bank building was completed Septem- ber 1, 1913. It is a two story brick structure with stone facing, tile floors, oak trimmings and fittings, and in fact is strictly modern in every particular. It has the latest improved burglar and fireproof vaults and safety deposit boxes and the bank has every reason to be proud of its fine home.
On the 23d of October, 1907, Mr. Ranz was united in marriage to Miss May Elizabeth Barnum, of Omaha, Nebraska, her father being Horace W. Barnun, who is a well known pioneer residing at No. 1124 North Eighteenth street. Mr. and Mrs. Ranz have two children, Marjory and Dorothy. Mr. Ranz belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the lodge and the Scottish Rite, and he is also connected with the Mystic Shrine at Omaha. He is a man of genial manner and pleasing address, thoroughly trained in his chosen life work, and his laudable ambition and indefatigable energy have carried him into important relations.
FRANK A. MANLEY.
Frank A. Manley, vice president and general manager of the Union Pacific Coal Company at Omaha, was born at Larue, Ohio, March 13, 1867, a son of Robert C. and Celinda (Austin) Manley, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Vermont. The father was descended from an old West Virginia family that has been represented on American soil for seven generations, the first settle- ment being made near Harper's Ferry. Mrs. Manley was a representative of an old New York family and they became the parents of four children, of whom Frank A. was the eldest. The father was a druggist in early life. His wife died in Ohio in 1872, and the following year he removed to Nebraska, engaging in the commission business at Lincoln. He became prominent in connection with the public life of that city, giving earnest and active support to the republican party, and in an early day he served as city clerk. His loyalty to his country was mani- fest by his service as a soldier of the Civil war. Joining the cavalry forces, he became a first lieutenant of Company E of the First Ohio Cavalry, with which he remained for three years. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He had reached the age of sixty-seven years when death called him in 1902.
Frank A. Manley was the eldest of the children. He was educated in the public schools of Lincoln and in the University of Nebraska, from which he was graduated in 1889 with the Bachelor of Science degree. After leaving college he took up the work of engineering with the Burlington Railroad, with which he continued for a year. He next became connected with the Union Pacific in the coal department in the state of Wyoming, with headquarters at Rock Springs. He began work there as a surveyor, since which time he has advanced through the various departments to his present position as vice president and general manager, with headquarters in the Union Pacific building at Omaha. He has filled this position since July, 1911, in which connection he controls important and extensive business interests. His advancement has come as a just and merited
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recognition of his ability and fidelity and has gradually brought him to a place of prominence in business circles.
In 1899, at Evanston, Wyoming, Mr. Manley was united in marriage to Miss Wood Hocker, a native of that state and a daughter of Dr. W. A. and Alice Hocker, the former being an early settler of Wyoming. The latter is now de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Manley have three children, Florence, Frances and Betty.
Mr. Manley votes with the republican party where national issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. Fraternally he is a Mason and an Elk and he has membership in the Commercial, Omaha and University Clubs, which indi- cates his appreciation of the social amenities of life, while his personal qualities are such as render him popular with his fellow members of those organizations.
JOHN HOLST, M. D.
The tendency toward specialization which characterizes the present age in all departments of business or labor results in high efficiency to a degree that would be unattainable if one endeavored to master every phase of the business in which he engages. Recognizing this fact, Dr. Holst has in his practice confined his attention to the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat and has attained much more than ordinary skill. He was born in Norway, Illinois, in 1885. His father, John Holst, a native of Denmark, married Amelia Jensen, in Denmark. They have lived in Omaha since 1889.
Dr. Holst, a lad of four summers at the time of their arrival in this city, obtained his preliminary education in the public schools. His father is a druggist and naturally his attention was directed to that line. In 1903 he graduated from the Omaha College of Pharmacy, now Creighton College of Pharmacy, and in 1906 finished a course in optometry at the Northern Illinois School of Ophthal- mology and Otology, taking special work with Dr. Earl J. Brown, of Chicago. Subsequently he took up the study of medicine and in 1913 he was graduated from the Creighton College of Medicine, after which he opened an office and has since followed his profession. For a year he was a teacher in Creighton College on the anatomy of the eye, ear, nose and throat, and specializing in his practice in that field, he has steadily promoted his skill and efficiency until his practice is one of the largest in the city.
Dr. Holst is a member of the Masonic fraternity and he belongs also to the Elks and the Athletic Club of Omaha. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is well known in this city, where practically his entire life has been passed, and his life record commends him to the confidence, goodwill and friendly regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
MICHAEL L. ENDRES.
Michael L. Endres, treasurer of Omaha and Douglas county, has long been known as an advocate of clean politics and municipal ownership, and has taken an active part in upholding those interests and public measures which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. In business circles he has also been well known as a dealer in wall paper, paints and glass, and as a contractor in work of that character. He was born on the 28th of July, 1875, in Bavaria, Germany, his parents being Michael and Mary (Ruttel) Endres, who were also natives of that country, where the ancestral line is traced back to 1700.
Michael L. Endres partly acquired his education in Germany and continued his studies in Chicago, Illinois, after coming to the new world, spending four years as a public school student there. He was for a year a pupil in the high
DR. JOHN HOLST
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school and also spent two night terms in a business college in Chicago. Entering the field of commerce he became connected with the trade in wall paper and paints, and later began contracting in retail wall paper, paints and glass. He early learned to practice economy and careful management and wise judgment have been salient features in the attainment of the success which has crowned his efforts.
On the 10th of August, 1900, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Michael L. Endres was married to Miss Charlotte Rydell, a daughter of Peter Rydell of Rochelle, Illinois, and they have three sons, Ludwig. Gregor and Carlton.
Mr. Endres is the president of the Druid Hall Company, a corporation, and he holds membership with the Woodmen of the World, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Red Men and other fraternal organizations. He is likewise a member of the Carter Lake Club, the German Club, and other social organiza- tions, and is appreciative of the social amenities of life but never allows matters of pleasure to interfere with the capable conduct of his business or the faithful discharge of his duties. He served by appointment as a member of the city council from 1909 until 1910, and on the democratic ticket was elected in 1916, treasurer of Omaha and Douglas county. He gives thoughtful consideration to those questions which are to the statesman and man of affairs of deepest import. He believes in municipal ownership of public utilities and he has consistently fought corruption in politics, believing that political conditions should be the expression of an unbiased public opinion. His own record is an expression of his political belief and integrity.
MYRON LESLIE LEARNED.
It is not difficult to write the history of Myron Leslie Learned, for his is a record of honest accomplishment, of results achieved. Throughout his entire life he has been actuated by high and honorable purposes and laudable ambition. purposes which have gained him distinction as a lawyer and made his career at all times one that closely conforms to the highest ethical standards of the profession. He was born in South Vernon, Vermont, February 19, 1866, a son of John Barr and Lucy Louisa (Davis) Learned. In the paternal line the ancestry is traced back to William Learned, who came to this country from England in the year 1632. On the distaff side he is descended from Dolor Davis, who sailed from England to America in 1634.
Myron L. Learned acquired his general education through study at home and in the public schools of Northampton, Massachusetts, and he also privately took up the study of law and for a time was in the office of the Hon. Daniel W. Bond, an able attorney of Northampton, Massachusetts. Later he matriculated in the law school of the University of Boston, from which he was graduated in 1887 with the degree of LL. B. He recognized the necessity of thoroughness in prep- aration and when he came to Omaha in 1888 he was well qualified to take up the duties of the profession. He entered into partnership with John L. Kennedy, a relation which continued until 1907. In this connection the Omaha World- Herald said: "This combination of talent formed the logical agency for the transaction of big business. When Mr. Learned began practicing by himself, following the dissolution of his partnership with Mr. Kennedy, he carried with him the prestige gained by years of experience. This experience is now called into play in handling the business of an ever increasing clientele. When growing Omaha requires substantial assistance, when the republican party is in need of active aid and when the progressive business man seeks advice that means dollars -Myron L. Learned is the man consulted."
On the 18th of April, 1893, Mr. Learned was united in marriage to Miss Mary D. Poppleton, a daughter of Andrew J. and Caroline L. (Sears) Poppleton.
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Her father became a resident of Omaha in 1854 and was the first general solicitor of the Union Pacific Railroad.
In politics Mr. Learned has been a lifelong republican and a close student of the political situation and questions of the day. He was a member of the Nebraska delegation to the republican convention in 1908 which nominated William H. Taft and he has twice served as chairman of the Douglas county republican county central committee, while for several years past he has been a member of the republican state central committee. In 1910-II he was endorsed by the Douglas County and Nebraska State Bar Associations as a candidate for United States circuit judge to fill a vacancy caused by the promotion of Judge Vandeventer to the supreme bench. Mr. Learned belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Omaha Commercial Club, the Omaha Country Club and the Omaha Club, of which he was president for several years, and to the Nebraska Chapter of the Society of Colonial Wars, of which he is governor. His activities have constituted an integral chapter in the history of his adopted city. He never falls short of successful accomplishment in anything that he undertakes, while in professional circles he has gained that distinction which is the recognition of individual merit and superior ability. His success in a pro- fessional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in that line. His is a natural discrimination as to legal ethics and he is so thoroughly well read in the minutiae of the law that he is able to base his arguments upon a thorough knowl- edge of and familiarity with precedents and to present a case upon its merits, never failing to recognize the main point at issue and never neglecting to give a thorough preparation. His pleas have been characterized by a terse and decisive logic and a lucid presentation rather than by flights of oratory, and his power is the greater before court or jury from the fact that it is recognized that his aim is ever to secure justice and not to enshroud the cause in a sentimental garb or illusion which will thwart the principles of right and equity involved.
JOHN H. SHARY.
John H. Shary, of Omaha, sole owner of the International Land and Invest- ment Company, which has already colonized a quarter million acres of land in the southwest and is still engaged in extensive development projects along the Rio Grande, has earned the right to rank with the comparatively few men of great constructive business ability. He began his career in the land business with only a small capital, but he has had the foresight, the daring and the sound business sense which combined, produce an empire builder. Another quality that has been indispensable to his success is his strict integrity, for he has rec- ognized that enduring prosperity must be founded upon close adherence to a high standard of business ethics.
Mr. Shary was born in Saline county, Nebraska, March 2, 1872. His boy- hood days were spent on his father's farm near Wilbur, Nebraska. He attended the district schools of Saline county and completed his education in Doane Col- lege at Crete, Nebraska, where he won distinction as an athlete. While a student he became interested in the study of pharmacy and after leaving college started a drug store at Crete, which he conducted for several years. He then sold out his drug business and accepted a position as traveling salesman, part of his ter- ritory being the state of Texas, and during his extensive travels in that state he became convinced that large tracts of undeveloped, fertile land in certain parts of the Gulf coast country afforded an unrivalled opportunity for successful colonization. In 1903 he resigned his position as traveling salesman and opened offices in Omaha, organizing the International Land and Investment Company, which he has since conducted. At that time his capital was two thousand five hundred dollars and some idea of his business genius and his indomitable deter-
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OMAHA AND DOUGLAS COUNTY
mination may be gained from consideration of the fact that his company has, in the fourteen years intervening, colonized a quarter million acres of raw timber land, converting same into prosperous farming communities. Not only has the business returned handsome profits to its owner but has also directed the atten- tion of the middle west to the undeveloped resources of south central Texas and has been one of the leading factors in the progress of that section.
In the vicinity of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mr. Shary has developed several large tracts of land and the rapid growth of that city is directly due to his con- version of thousands of acres of grazing land adjacent to it into thriving farms. At present Mr. Shary is devoting his entire time to the colonization of Sharyland, which he considers far surpasses any of his previous projects. Three years ago Mr. Shary commenced his operations on this tract of land which comprises approximately twenty thousand acres, with a frontage on the Rio Grande river of about two and a half miles.
Located as it is in a region which is part of the delta of the Rio Grande, its rich alluvial soil makes possible the raising of abundant crops without the use of commercial fertilizer. The climate is dry, or semi arid, necessitating the use of irrigation, and for this purpose Mr. Shary has provided as modern and com- plete an irrigation system as can be found anywhere in the country. The delightful climatic conditions in this section have inspired Mr. Shary to build one of the most beautiful and convenient winter resorts to be found anywhere. On one part of Sharyland his engineers found a natural depression covering an area of about one hundred acres and this prompted the idea of a lake, which was immediately carried out and a more beautiful lake cannot be found. A imagnificent club house is now being erected and when completed Mr. Shary may well be proud of his achievement. A golf course, base ball diamonds, tennis courts, bathing and boating are other features of the club.
Mr. Shary's thorough knowledge of agriculture, enabled him to grasp the wonderful opportunity offered citrus fruit growers in the Rio Grande valley, and he has set aside several hundred acres on Sharyland which he has had sub- divided into small tracts, of one, two, three and five acres each. This subdivi- sion is known as "Sharyland Orchards." Each tract is planted with trees, grapefruit, oranges, lemons and other varieties of citrus fruit. No dwelling can be built thereon at a cost less than one thousand dollars and already many homes have been built costing much more. Palm boulevards and ornamental shrubs of all kinds add to the beauty of this subdivision.
The remainder of Sharyland is laid out in forty acre tracts. Spacious boule- vards intersect the entire tract at every mile. Thousands of acres have already been sold to investors who have been quick to grasp the Shary spirit of progres- siveness and the many beautiful farms on Sharyland are a source of pride and satisfaction to all interested. The semi-tropical climate and excellent irrigation facilities give the farmer assurance of an endless variety of good crops. Many crops mature much quicker than in any other place in the United States and thus reach the market weeks and often months ahead of similar crops from other sections and consequently Sharyland truck farmers and fruit growers receive tip-top prices. Another important advantage over competing districts is its geographical location, as it is closer to the great northern markets than either California or Florida and also closer to the Panama Canal. This of course means a marked saving in freight rates and additional profits. Cheap labor is provided by the Mexicans and their work has been found very satisfactory.
There are two wide-awake and thriving towns, Mission and McAllen, within two miles of Sharyland, and the country is well provided with banks, stores, churches and schools. There are none of the hardships to be endured that the pioneers of another day had to face, rather the settler finds himself surrounded by all the conveniences of modern life.
Taking all of these facts into consideration and bearing in mind the rela- tively small amount of undeveloped land left in the United States, it is evident
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Her father became a resident of Omaha in 1854 and was the first general solicitor of the Union Pacific Railroad.
In politics Mr. Learned has been a lifelong republican and a close student of the political situation and questions of the day. He was a member of the Nebraska delegation to the republican convention in 1908 which nominated William H. Taft and he has twice served as chairman of the Douglas county republican county central committee, while for several years past he has been a member of the republican state central committee. In 1910-11 he was endorsed by the Douglas County and Nebraska State Bar Associations as a candidate for United States circuit judge to fill a vacancy caused by the promotion of Judge Vandeventer to the supreme bench. Mr. Learned belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Omaha Commercial Club, the Omaha Country Club and the Omaha Club, of which he was president for several years, and to the Nebraska Chapter of the Society of Colonial Wars, of which he is governor. His activities have constituted an integral chapter in the history of his adopted city. He never falls short of successful accomplishment in anything that he undertakes, while in professional circles he has gained that distinction which is the recognition of individual merit and superior ability. His success in a pro- fessional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in that line. His is a natural discrimination as to legal ethics and he is so thoroughly well read in the minutiae of the law that he is able to base his arguments upon a thorough knowl- edge of and familiarity with precedents and to present a case upon its merits, never failing to recognize the main point at issue and never neglecting to give a thorough preparation. His pleas have been characterized by a terse and decisive logic and a lucid presentation rather than by flights of oratory, and his power is the greater before court or jury from the fact that it is recognized that his aim is ever to secure justice and not to enshroud the cause in a sentimental garb or illusion which will thwart the principles of right and equity involved.
JOHN H. SHARY.
John H. Shary, of Omaha, sole owner of the International Land and Invest- ment Company, which has already colonized a quarter million acres of land in the southwest and is still engaged in extensive development projects along the Rio Grande, has earned the right to rank with the comparatively few men of great constructive business ability. He began his career in the land business with only a small capital, but he has had the foresight, the daring and the sound business sense which combined, produce an empire builder. Another quality that has been indispensable to his success is his strict integrity, for he has rec- ognized that enduring prosperity must be founded upon close adherence to a high standard of business ethics.
Mr. Shary was born in Saline county, Nebraska, March 2, 1872. His boy- hood days were spent on his father's farm near Wilbur, Nebraska. He attended the district schools of Saline county and completed his education in Doane Col- lege at Crete, Nebraska, where he won distinction as an athlete. While a student he became interested in the study of pharmacy and after leaving college started a drug store at Crete, which he conducted for several years. He then sold out his drug business and accepted a position as traveling salesman, part of his ter- ritory being the state of Texas, and during his extensive travels in that state he became convinced that large tracts of undeveloped, fertile land in certain parts of the Gulf coast country afforded an unrivalled opportunity for successful colonization. In 1903 he resigned his position as traveling salesman and opened offices in Omaha, organizing the International Land and Investment Company, which he has since conducted. At that time his capital was two thousand five hundred dollars and some idea of his business genius and his indomitable deter-
531
OMAHA AND DOUGLAS COUNTY
mination may be gained from consideration of the fact that his company has, in the fourteen years intervening, colonized a quarter million acres of raw timber land, converting same into prosperous farming communities. Not only has the business returned handsome profits to its owner but has also directed the atten- tion of the middle west to the undeveloped resources of south central Texas and has been one of the leading factors in the progress of that section.
In the vicinity of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mr. Shary has developed several large tracts of land and the rapid growth of that city is directly due to his con- version of thousands of acres of grazing land adjacent to it into thriving farms. At present Mr. Shary is devoting his entire time to the colonization of Sharyland, which he considers far surpasses any of his previous projects. Three years ago Mr. Shary commenced his operations on this tract of land which comprises approximately twenty thousand acres, with a frontage on the Rio Grande river of about two and a half miles.
Located as it is in a region which is part of the delta of the Rio Grande, its rich alluvial soil makes possible the raising of abundant crops without the use of commercial fertilizer. The climate is dry, or semi arid, necessitating the use of irrigation, and for this purpose Mr. Shary has provided as modern and com- plete an irrigation system as can be found anywhere in the country. The delightful climatic conditions in this section have inspired Mr. Shary to build one of the most beautiful and convenient winter resorts to be found anywhere. On one part of Sharyland his engineers found a natural depression covering an area of about one hundred acres and this prompted the idea of a lake, which was immediately carried out and a more beautiful lake cannot be found. A magnificent club house is now being erected and when completed Mr. Shary may well be proud of his achievement. A golf course, base ball diamonds, tennis courts, bathing and boating are other features of the club.
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