USA > Nebraska > Douglas County > Omaha > Omaha: the Gate city, and Douglas County, Nebraska, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 89
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95
Dr. Walter O. Henry acquired his public school education at Camp Point, Illinois, and prepared for the practice of medicine as a student in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city, being numbered among its alumni of 1879. He then returned to Camp Point, Illinois, where he remained in prac- tice for a year but at the end of that time removed to Pawnee, Nebraska, where he opened an office and continued in practice for ten years. Seeking a broader field of labor and one which would give him wider scope to specialize in surgery, he came to Omaha and has since given his undivided attention to surgical work.
932
OMAHA AND DOUGLAS COUNTY
Thoroughly familiar with anatomy and the component parts of the human body, possessing a cool and steady nerve combined with quick decision in emergencies, he has done most excellent work in his chosen field and his ability is widely acknowledged by members of the profession as well as by the general public. On August 1, 1916, he removed to Los Angeles, California, where he is rapidly building up an independent practice in his profession.
On the 5th of October, 1882, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, Dr. Henry was mar- ried to Miss Fannie Lynn Potts. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and his political belief that of the progressive party. In 1912 he took a very active part in progressive politics and has continued therein since that time, having been nominated in 1916 for United States senator. His political position is but indicative of his spirit at all times, for he is ever ready to take a forward step leading to better conditions and higher results.
Besides many articles for medical journals and a textbook on gynecology, which subject he taught for many years as professor in the medical department of the Creighton University, he has written two books of great interest and impor- tance on other subjects. His first book, Equitania, deals in a very practical way with the every day questions of human life, and as its name implies aims to give the laws and conditions which should prevail in a "Land of Equity," where every one should have a fair chance and a "Square Deal." His last book, recently off the press, is a series of essays on the need for fewer laws, but a more prac- tical interpretation of the ten commandments, and the causes of the great European war, and the principles upon which peace must rest to be permanent.
NICHOLAS L. GUCKERT.
Nicholas L. Guckert, member of the firm of Guckert & McDonald, tailors, located in the Woodmen of the World building, has been a resident of Omaha since 1882. Early in life he was apprenticed to the tailor's trade in Newark, New Jersey. In 1881 he came west to Council Bluffs, remaining one year, and came to Omaha in 1882. In 1887 he established himself in the tailoring business and has so continued successfully for thirty-seven years.
JUDGE BENJAMIN S. BAKER.
Judge Benjamin S. Baker, who for three years served as justice of the supreme court of New Mexico and has been judge of the fourth judicial dis- trict of Nebraska, is a man of forceful character and notable ability. Upon the history of the state he has left his impress, his efforts being a potent force in upholding its legal status. A rare combination of talent, learning, tact, patience and industry has gained him the commendable place which he occupies as lawyer and jurist. Born in Sabula, Iowa, in 1855, he is a son of Samuel and Eliza (Lewis) Baker, who were married in Ohio and in 1854 became residents of the Hawkeye state. The father. a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1817 and passed away in Iowa in 1906 at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, having long survived his wife, who died in 1874. Samuel Baker always followed the occupation of farming as a life work. His political allegiance was given to the whig party and after its dissolution to the republican party.
Judge Baker was reared upon a farm in Johnson county, Iowa, from the age of five years and attended the district schools, but at the age of fourteen years he left home and began teaching a country school. In 1865 he became a student in the preparatory department of the University of Iowa, and in 1871 was graduated from the university with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Resum-
93:
OMAHA AND DOUGLAS COUNTY
ing the profession of teaching, in which he had so early made his initial step, he served as principal of the schools of Mason City and later of Webster City, but resigned his position at the latter place in order to become a law student in the State University, from which he was graduated in 1874 with the LL. B. degree. He then located for practice in Webster City, where he remained for three years, after which he removed to Fairbury, Nebraska, in 1878 and entered upon the practice of law in this state. There he remained for twelve years, or until February, 1890, since which time he has been a member of the Omaha bar. He had just been appointed United States district attorney for Nebraska, which position he occupied for four years.
He was first called to public office when in Iowa, being elected county super- intendent of schools of Hamilton county, in which capacity he served for one term. In 1888 he was elected to represent his district, comprising Jefferson and Fair counties, in the Nebraska state legislature, and at the close of that term he received appointment to the position of United States attorney in 1890. While a member of the house he was largely instrumental in promoting the Nebraska registration law and was also the author of a law allowing foreign corporations to become domestic by filing articles with the secretary of state. These laws have created nation-wide comment. Then came his appointment from President Harrison to the position of United States district attorney and after four years of creditable service in that office he was elected in 1895 district judge of the fourth Nebraska judicial district. He took his place upon the bench and his decisions indicated strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judgment. He possesses those qualities that enabled him to lose his individuality, his personal feelings and his prejudices in the dignity, impartiality and equity of the office to which life, property, right and liberty must look for protection. At the close of the four years' term he was reelected and remained upon the bench until 1902, when he resigned and was appointed judge of the supreme court of New Mexico, remaining in office in that territory for three years, when he resigned and resumed the practice of law in Omaha. While upon the district bench he heard the noteworthy state embezzlement case against Bartley and Bohln, the latter city treasurer of Omaha. Judge Baker was again called to office in 1912, when he was appointed corporation counsel, but on the Ist of January, 1913, he resigned to resume the private practice of law. His clientage is large and of a distinctively representative character. He was nominated by the republicans for congressman from the Second Congressional District in April, 1916, but was defeated by the liquor interests. The World-Herald, writing of him, said :
"To Omaha students of every-day affairs of city and state the name of Ben- jamin S. Baker is synonymous with action and results. Every metropolis has many men and institutions that have a prior claim on public patronage and esteem. The individual or the institution that, while profiting from patronage, gives back to the public benefits in the form of cooperative activity, substantial legal assist- ance, development and investment, occupies a position of prominence and sets a splendid example deserving of emulation. That's the reason B. S. Baker holds a position of honor at the top of his profession and among his fellowmen. As corporation counsel for Omaha, Mr. Baker has steered the civic ship out of many threatening storms. His record shows a list of victories and achievements for the good of the city, government and all of the people of Omaha."
On the 7th of April, 1897, in Omaha, Judge Baker was married to Miss Myrtle Carroll, a daughter of William Carroll, a Civil war veteran of Iowa. Judge Baker is identified with both the York and Scottish Rite bodies of Masonry and with the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the. Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and along strictly social lines his connection is with the Field Club and the Happy Hollow Club. He is equally loyal in his support and advocacy of the Commercial Club and its purposes. He has always given his political allegiance to the repub- lican party and he has ever been a close student of those questions and issues
934
OMAHA AND DOUGLAS COUNTY
of the day which are to the statesman and man of affairs of deep import. He brings to bear in the solution of public problems the same analytical power and keen discrimination which characterize his work at the bar. He possesses a keen, rapid, logical mind, plus the business sense, and a ready capacity for hard work. An earnest, dignified manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to correctly apply its principles have been factors in his effectiveness as an advocate and counselor.
WALTER SCOTT JARDINE.
Walter Scott Jardine, one of Omaha's pioneer business men and president of the Omaha Merchants Express & Transfer Company and also president of the Van Nostrand Plow Company, was born on a farm in Bucks county, Pennsyl- vania, on the 21st of December, 1857. His father, James B. Jardine, was a native of Scotland, born in 1821, and on coming to the United States in 1851 he located in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He was a slater by trade and opened the first slate quarry in that state. In later years he removed to Omaha and retired from active business. In New York city he married Mary A. Flinton, who was born in Leeds, England. In 1868 they became residents of Omaha, where their remaining days were passed, the father departing this life in 1897, while the mother's death occurred in 1903.
Walter S. Jardine pursued his education in the public schools of Omaha and when a youth of eleven years entered the employ of Tony Murray for "nothing a day." as he expresses it. He made good, however, and at the end of three years was receiving a salary of three dollars and a half per day. On the 17th of February, 1869, he launched the scows which constituted the initial step in the building of the Union Pacific bridge over the Missouri river and in early life he also aided in the construction of the Burlington & Missouri Railroad from Omaha to Plattsmouth and the Northwestern from Omaha to Blair. He afterward left his position and purchased a team, after which he engaged in teaming in the early morning and in the evening, while the daytime was devoted to attending school, for he had come to realize how hampered he was by the lack of early educational opportunities. When his textbooks were finally put aside he concentrated his entire attention upon the teaming business, in which he has continuously engaged, since 1876. The business today, however, bears little resemblance to the original enterprise, for, starting with one team, he now has over one hundred teams used in the business, which is conducted under the name of the Omaha Merchants Express & Transfer Company, of which he is the president. He is likewise the president of the Van Nostrand Plow Com- pany. In 1894 he purchased seven hundred acres of swamp land in Harrison county. lowa, and by diverting a stream through this land the overflow left the silt on the surface and raised it from four inches to eighteen feet. This is today one of the most productive farms in Iowa. Mr. Jardine was also among the first men to introduce land drainage in Iowa and he aided in passing some of the present drainage laws of that state.
On the 19th of February, 1894, in Omaha, Mr. Jardine was united in mar- riage to Miss Lorinda Rhoda Gotham, by whom he has three children, Josephine, Ruth and Walter S. Mr. Jardine is a life member of Scottish Rite Masonry and of the Mystic Shrine and was formerly identified with the Knights of Pythias, with the Elks and with the Eagles. In politics he is a republican and in May, 1915, accepted his first office, that of city commissioner, having pre- viously preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He brings to the duties of his position sound business judgment and public spirit and is making good, just as he did when he started out to earn his living at "noth- ing a day." He is one of the founders and an active member of the Knights of
WALTER S. JARDINE
937
OMAHA AND DOUGLAS COUNTY
Ak-Sar-Ben, an organization that has done much to promote and exploit the interests of Omaha, and he was also one of the promoters of the Trans-Mis- sissippi International Exposition held in 1898. In 1903 he succeeded in organ- izing the Omaha Business Men's Association, which has up to the present kept Omaha free from strikes or internal industrial trouble. In a word, his efforts have been far-reaching and important. He has been a close student of condi- tions in every business relation and his studies and activities have brought results that have not only promoted his own fortunes but have been of great worth to the public, and best of all, he is continuing an active factor in the world's work and the same habits of thoroughness, close application and study are still making him a forceful factor in promoting public progress.
W. FARNAM SMITH.
W. Farnam Smith, well known in real estate circles in Omaha for thirty years, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and is descended from a family of English origin. His father, Henry Farnam Smith, was born in Quincy, Massa- chusetts, and became a member of the bar, practicing law in Boston. He was married in New Hampshire to Miss Esther Straw and passed away in his native city, while his widow afterward became a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, where she spent her last days.
In the public schools of Quincy, Massachusetts, W. Farnam Smith pursued his early education, while later he attended the Thayer Academy of that state. He made his way westward to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1883, becoming connected with the Burlington Railroad, and in 1887 he removed to Omaha, where he embarked in the real estate business, in which he has since continued. Thirty years' connection with this line indicates clearly that he has won a substantial measure of success. He thoroughly understands the real estate market in every phase and detail, making a specialty of handling large estates and is regarded as a most accurate valuator of property and in the course of his long connections with the business has negotiated many important realty transfers. His opera- tions have continually broadened in scope and importance and he is now president of several real estate companies and director in other well known companies.
In politics Mr. Smith is a republican and his religious faith is that of the Episcopal church. He is identified with various oragnizations, including the Ak-Sar-Ben, the Omaha Club, the Omaha Country Club, the Commercial Club and the Athletic Club of Omaha. He is one of the most prominent and best known citizens of Douglas county, having those qualities which make for leader- ship in both business and social circles.
JOHN WILLIAM WELCH.
To the people of Omaha the name Welch at once suggests pure food, care- fully and appetizingly prepared and quickly served, for John William Welch is the founder and promoter of a chain of lunch rooms which are to Omaha what Child's restaurants are to New York and Thompson's dairy lunches are to Chicago. He was born in Tipton, Iowa, June 14, 1874, and is a son of Dennis and Mary A. (Gilmore) Welch, the former born in Massachusetts in 1847 and the latter a native of Vermont. They were married, however, in Tipton, Iowa, and at length became residents of Mechanicsville, Iowa, where Mrs. Welch is still living. Mr. Welch died in 1912. He was by occupation a steam engineer.
John William Welch attended the public schools of Tipton and completed his education in the State University of Iowa, where he took a pharmaceutical Vol. II-37
938
OMAHA AND DOUGLAS COUNTY
course. He became a registered pharmacist and went into the drug business in Mechanicsville, where he remained from 1893 10 1898. He then became a traveling salesman for the Chamberlain Medicine Company of Des Moines, which he represented on the road for six years, or until 1904. He traveled over a large part of the United States and during that time also took a trip around the world, visiting the Hawaiian islands, Samoa, New Zealand, China, Japan, India and the principal cities of Europe. On severing his connection with the Chamberlain Medicine Company he opened a large cafeteria in Des Moines, Iowa. While on the road he had abundant opportunity for discovering in what respects the ordinary restaurant or lunch room falls short of the needs of the men and women whom it serves and as the result of his careful and extended observation he had a definite plan of operation in mind when he went into the restaurant business. He still owns the cafeteria in Des Moines, Iowa, and has since established another eating place there. However, since 1911 he has made his home in Omaha, where in that year he established a lunch room. The variety and wholesomeness of the food served, the courteous, painstaking ser- vice and the meticulous regard for cleanliness evidenced in this lunch room soon attracted a large patronage and from time to time other places have been added until there are now five lunch rooms in Omaha operated under the name of Welch's, two on south Tenth street, one on Farnam street and one on Douglas street, and in addition there is The Quickserv, a large cafeteria in the City National Bank building. The vegetables and fruit served to Mr. Welch's patrons are grown upon his eighteen acre farm, known as Cherrycroft and sit- uated near Benson. He also keeps poultry there, thus providing fowl and eggs for use in his lunch rooms, and he buys the entire output of one of the two dairies furnishing certified milk in Omaha. His pharmaceutical knowledge has been of great value to him as it enables him to conduct a laboratory in connection with his bakery and commissary department, in which he analyzes all milk and cream and spices and compounds his own flavorings. He knows exactly what is in every ounce of Welch's food and pays a premium to get the best on the
market. His insistence upon the highest standards extends to the preparation of the food and all equipment that has been devised to ensure cleanliness and add to efficiency has been installed. The floors and walls are of white tile, the tables are procelain topped and the food is safeguarded from dust by great plate glass cases. The policy of the patrons serving themselves is very popular with the business and professional men and women in Omaha as it has resulted in a great saving of time. Approximately six thousand people eat daily in the Welch lunch rooms and this gives some idea of the vast quantities of supplies which must be purchased. In a town of six thousand population there would probably be two to four bakeries, four or five butchers, several milkmen and a dozen groceries, and a dozen truck farmers in the vicinity would also be required to furnish the food for the people. All the supplies that would in such a case be handled by these many businesses are bought and distributed through Welch's central office and the systematic and efficient way in which every detail of this large business is handled is high testimony to the ability and executive force of the proprietor, John W. Welch.
Mr. Welch was married August 13, 1898, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Gertrude Fall Meshon, a daughter of John J. Meshon, a native of Kentucky. To this union have been born two children: John Meshon, who was born in Mechanics- ville, Iowa, May 16, 1904, and is a public school student; and Gertrude Irene, . who was born in Des Moines, Iowa, February 8, 1909.
Mr. Welch is an adherent of the democratic party, in religious faith is a Roman Catholic and fraternally belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is also grand chief of the Marquett Club, a social organization of St. Bernard's parish. He holds membership in the Carter Lake Club, the Athletic Club of Omaha, the Omaha Automobile Club, the Rotary Club, the Ak-Sar-Ben and the Commercial Club and his aggressiveness and seemingly tireless energy have
939
OMAHA AND DOUGLAS COUNTY
been important factors in the success of many projects for the commercial and civic advancement of Omaha. The vitality of his personality and his indomitable will impress all those who come in contact with him and his position of leadership in his field of business is indisputable.
RICHARD CHANNING MOORE, M. D.
Dr. Richard Channing Moore, the founder of the Medical College of the University of Nebraska, was the last survivor of the charter members of the Omaha-Douglas County Medical Society and for a half century he remained in the active practice of medicine in this city. He was born in Quincy, Illinois, in 1841 and was named in honor of his uncle, Bishop Channing Moore, the second colonial bishop of Virginia.
He pursued his early education at New Haven, Connecticut, and afterward attended St. Paul's College at Palmyra, Missouri, subsequent to which time he began preparation for a professional career as a student in the Chicago Medical College. He had only one year more to complete his course when he put aside all business and personal considerations to enter the army, in which he enlisted in 1863, becoming a surgeon on hospital steamers on the Mississippi and also serving in a similar capacity in Memphis hospitals. He continued at the front until the close of the war and then returned to Chicago, where he completed his medical studies.
Not long afterward Dr. Moore removed to Omaha, where he continued in active practice throughout his remaining days. At the close of fifty years' professional service he was the most beloved and honored representative of his calling in the city. He was treated by his professional colleagues both young and old with the greatest respect and the warm regard entertained for him by physicians and surgeons of Omaha was indicated when at the end of a half century's practice he was invited to become the guest of honor at a dinner given by the Omaha-Douglas County Medical Society, on which memorable occasion he was presented with a loving cup.
In 1868 Dr. Moore was united in marriage at his old home in Quincy to Miss Eliza Bushnell, a niece of Hon. Nehemiah Bushnell, who was the builder of the railroad from Galesburg, Illinois, to Quincy, now a part of the Burlington System. The town of Bushnell was named in his honor. To Dr. and Mrs. Moore were born three children who survive, Mrs. Victor White, Mrs. Harry Jordan and Mrs. E. S. Westbrook.
Dr. Moore passed away January 27, 1916, at the age of seventy-five years. Throughout his entire life he possessed the "saving sense of humor." He saw the bright side of everything and his cheery presence in the sick room was like sunshine or a tonic to the patient. He belonged to the Ak-Sar-Ben, in the work of which he took an active part for a considerable period, and he was long a devoted member of Trinity Cathedral. At the time of his death the following editorial was written of him: "If we enumerate the honors in his profession to which Dr. Moore attained we must record everything possible, including the presidency of the local and state medical societies, the Missouri Valley, and the - vice presidency of the American Medical Association. As a citizen he was a model. His support was given to every enterprise that tended to promote
the welfare of the community. His profession he loved and its members were the companions of his choice. He cherished its highest ideals and was very jealous for the good name of its representatives. Nothing so quickly or deeply aroused his indigation as evidence of dishonorable conduct on the part of a physician. He possessed a judicial mind, was a deep student and a man of wide knowledge, professionally and otherwise. His wisdom and sound judgment caused his counsel to be sought by younger physicians, to whom it was freely
940
OMAHA AND DOUGLAS COUNTY
given. He never allowed himself to become obsolete. His interest never flagged in the children of his brain and hand-the local and state and Missouri Valley Medical Societies and the College of Medicine of the University of Nebraska, formerly Omaha Medical College, for he was active in organizing all of these. His patients reposed in him the utmost confidence. To them he was not only physician but also confidant and friend. A man of social disposition, kindly, cheerful, optimistic, genuine, tenderhearted, sympathetic, just and honorable, yet with charity for all-a Christian gentleman."
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.