In accordance with the call and the constitution of the Society, the Nebraska State Historical Society was called to order at 8:15 P.M. of this date by the Hon. R. W. Furnas, First Vice-President of the Society. After some expressions of sympathy for President Morton, his life-long friend, on the death of his son, Mr. Carl Morton, he declared the Society ready to transact business.
   Mr. C. S. Lobingier then offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted by a-rising vote:

   "WHEREAS, The President of this Society has suffered grievous and irreparable loss in the death of his youngest son, be it
   "Resolved, That the Nebraska State Historical Society hereby tenders to its President and his bereaved family its profound and sincere sympathy in their hour of sorrow and affliction.
   "Resolved, That this Society recognizes in the late Carl Morton a man of sterling character, and a worthy son of an honored father and one whose death is a serious loss to this commonwealth of which he was a native and with which he had been honorably identified during practically his entire life.
   "Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Society and that a copy thereof be forwarded to the bereaved family."
   In the absence of President Morton, his annual address was read by Mrs. A. J. Sawyer. The following resolutions were

then introduced by Dr. F. Renner of Nebraska City, and adopted without a dissenting vote: "Moved that the thanks of the Historical Society be tendered to Mr. Morton for his able address on the 'Beginnings of a State,' and also to Mrs. Sawyer for her delightful, effective, and impressive reading of the same."
   Mr. R. A. Hawley made a few remarks in the form of objecting to the position taken in the paper of President Morton on the subjects of monetary science, and the principles of heredity.
   On account of the condition of Mr. Annin's voice, his paper on the "Life and Services of Senator A. S. Paddock" was read by Mr. C. S. Lobingier. Mr. G. M. Hitchcock was absent, so his paper on "Senator P. W. Hitchcock" had to be omitted. The subject of the "Beginnings of the Grange" was treated by Mr. R. A. Hawley in an informal manner, and on his request he was granted more time to gather the needed information and to formulate his paper. Remarks on the "Grange and Farmers' Alliance" were made by Mr. J. H. Dundas. He was inclined to take the view that the Grange accomplished very little good, but tended to cause jealousy and suspicion between classes, and especially to narrow the farmers' horizon. Mr. A. S. Godfrey, of Lincoln, objected to the position taken, holding that much good accrued to the people in the way of social development and mutual aid.
   Mr. J. M. Thompson then read a scholarly historical paper on the Farmers' Alliance, treating the matter in a scientific manner.
   As there were no other historical papers a business session was held. The Treasurer submitted his report, which was referred to an auditing committee, consisting of Mr. A. E. Sheldon and Mr. C. S. Lobingier.
   As the hour was late the Society adjourned to 8:00 o'clock of the evening of January 9, 1901. R. W. FURNAS, Vice-President.

H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.

Lincoln, Nebraska, January 9, 1901.

   The meeting of the Society was called to order by Hon. R. W. Furnas at 8:10 P.M.
   The first paper, entitled "Reminiscences," was read by H. W. Hardy. Some criticism was made concerning some of Mr. Hardy's statements by various members of the Society. Mr. Charles H. Gould and Mr. A. S. Godfrey, as well as the President, held that the account of the meeting at the penitentiary was not accurate in its details. On suggestion Mr. Gould was requested by the Society to prepare a full account of the meeting at the penitentiary to be read at the next annual meeting. Mr. Oldham was necessarily detained, so his paper on Congressman W. L. Greene had to be deferred to some future time. Mr. C. E. Persinger then presented a series of maps to show the early roads and routes in Nebraska. His analysis and presentation were especially appreciated by the audience. The last paper of the evening was a very carefully prepared account of "Freighting in Early Nebraska Days" by Hon. H. T. Clarke.
   The Society then proceeded to the work of its annual business. Mr. David Anderson presented the following resolutions, which were adopted unanimously:
   "WHEREAS, Shortly after the last annual meeting of this Society one of the interested and active participants at that meeting, Dr. L. J. Abbott, was suddenly stricken with disease and taken from us; therefore
   "Resolved, That this Association sincerely mourns his death, deeply regrets the loss of our fellow member, profoundly expresses our high regard for him, and expresses our condolence to his family; and, be it further
   "Resolved, That this Society and the state of Nebraska have lost an efficient worker, a valued. citizen, and a promoter of the interests of mankind."
   Mr. J. A. Barrett brought up the subject of enlarged quarters for the Society, and after some remarks moved the appointment of a committee of three to consider the matter.

The resolution as modified took the following form and was adopted: "Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, by the chairman, to consider and devise plans for housing the Historical Society." The chairman appointed as such committee, Mr. H. W. Hardy, Mr. H. T. Clarke, and Mr. C. H. Gere.
   Mr. A. E. Sheldon moved the following: "First, that a committee of three be appointed to consider the constitutions of the State Historical Societies of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Kansas, and other states and recommend to the Nebraska State Historical Society any needed changes in its constitution." As such committee the chairman appointed A. E. Sheldon, C. S. Lobingier, and H. W. Caldwell.
   The report of the Secretary was accepted without reading. The librarian read a brief report on the work of the year. The Secretary then read the action taken by the executive committee in a meeting of January 25, 1900.
   Under the order of election of members the following names were voted on and elected:

   On the motion of Mr. Ball, Mr. H. T. Clarke was authorized to cast the unanimous vote of the Society in favor of the reelection of the present officers. The vote was cast and resulted in the reelection of

On motion the Society adjourned.

H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.     

Hon. J. Sterling Morton, President Nebraska State Historical Society:
   SIR - I have the honor to present the following report of receipts and expenditures of the Nebraska State Historical Society for the past year.

Mr. President:
   Your auditing committee report that they have examined the books, bank book, and accounts of your Treasurer, Mr. C. H. Gere, and find the same correct.

   Governor Morton called the meeting to order at 2:00 P. M.
   Moved by Governor Furnas that the Librarian continue to prepare a bibliography of Nebraska with reference to printing the same by the state when completed.
   Carried.
   The Secretary was instructed to procure an autograph picture of Senator Tipton to insert in his volume, and also to prepare an autobiography to insert as an appendix.
   Carried.
   Moved by Governor Furnas that Mr. Barrett's salary be fixed at $1,400 per annum.
   Carried unanimously.

   Mr. Gere moved that the Secretary be authorized to employ such help as may be needed as collector and in charge of the bureau of exchanges at a salary of $900.
   Carried.
   Moved by, Mr. Gere that the Secretary be authorized to employ Miss Palin at $25 per month.
   Carried.
   The following communications were read to the executive board at its meeting, May 8, 1901:

"To the Honorable Board of Managers of the State Historical Society:
   "SIRS - This is to formally make application for a position which shall enable me to thoroughly investigate the archeology of this state under the auspices of the State Historical Society and to make collections of relics of value to the Society in this and other lines.
   "Also to respectfully request your honorable body to permanently establish a department of archeology and set apart sufficient funds to economically maintain it.

"Mille Lac, Minnesota, April 29, 1901."

"Professor Caldwell, Lincoln.
   "MY DEAR SIR - Archeologic examinations for definite sources of information are being extended from the Arkansas river northward to Lake of the Woods, and up the Missouri river to and into Montana. I do not desire to assume the responsibility of determining the archeology of your state, but if your Society will take favorable action, intended to enhance collecting for museum purposes, so that Nebraska can maintain its own proofs of ancient and more recent occupancy, it will be a pleasure to go to Nebraska, entirely at my own cost, to assist in the work. I very much desire the information to be gained, but I do not propose to interfere with the arrangements of the Historical Society and the explorations of Mr. Blackman. It so happens that studies initiated in Missouri and Kansas necessarily extend across Nebraska

to Mandan where the Arikaras have been traced. Please advise me at box 2360, St. Paul, Minnesota. "Very truly,            
"J. V. BROWER."     

   Moved by Governor Furnas that Mr. Blackman be employed for making archeological surveys and collections of Nebraska, and that $300 be set aside for carrying on this work. Also that all collections found by him belong to the Society.
   Carried.
   Mr. Brower to be thanked for his advice and assistance in the work of the Society.
   Carried.
   The Secretary was authorized to buy such books on Nebraska as may seem necessary.
   Carried.
   The Secretary was authorized to hire such day labor or hour labor as may be necessary.
   Carried.
   The meeting now adjourned.

   President Morton in the chair.
   Meeting was called to order at 8:00 P.M. by President Morton. The program was proceeded with, and President Morton stated that ill health had prevented the preparation of a paper by him, so without further preliminaries he would introduce Mr. J. R. Buchanan, who presented his paper on the "Great Railroad Migration into Northern Nebraska."
   In the absence of Mr. E. L. Lomax, his paper was read by Mr. A. E. Sheldon. The Secretary read a paper by Gen. G. M. Dodge, and a letter from Mr. James J. Hill.

   Round Table. - A discussion by President Morton of the conditions of coming to Nebraska in 1854. He remarked that it was 300 miles to the nearest railroad whistle. Mr. C. H. Gere spoke of the early movement to get railroads to enter Lincoln and the disposition of the 500,000 acres of land. Mr. J. E. North spoke on early days along the Union Pacific railroad. In 1867 the Indians wrecked a train, the only train ever wrecked by the Indians. Mr. Sargent, an engineer on the Union Pacific, addressed the Society in regard to his early experiences in the West.
   The meeting adjourned. H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.

January 15,1902. 

   The meeting was called to order by the Hon. J. Sterling Morton at 8:16 P.M. in accordance with adjournment on January 14, 1902.
   As the first speaker was not in the room, in accordance with a motion by Mr. C. H. Gere, the meeting was opened by reading the Secretary's minutes. After reading they were approved as read. Mr. Blackman was then presented and gave an address on the archeology of Nebraska. In the absence of Mr. G. L. Laws, Mr. J. H. Ager presented his paper on "Nebraska Politics and Railroads." Mr. Ager's paper preseated the reasons for and the extent of the part railroads have taken in Nebraska politics. Mr. Sayer then discussed the development of the counties of Nebraska, presenting to the Society a most valuable series of maps showing the growth of the territory of Nebraska and of its subdivisions.

   President Morton: The next is the election of members. I would like to propose the names of Dr. H. Link, Douglas county, Millard; J. R. Buchanan, Douglas county, Omaha; J. H. Ager, Lancaster county, Lincoln; P. J. O'Gara, Lan-

caster county, Lincoln; C. W. Allen, Merriman; W. H. Keeling, Falls City.
   Elected.
   Captain Chittenden, Sioux City, Iowa, elected an honorary member.
   Mr. Sheldon reports for the committee on revision of the constitution and explains the principal changes.
   Report received.
   Mr. Sheldon: By permission of the President I will read a resolution I have as follows:

   "This Society, with deep regret, records the death, January 9, 1902, at Florence, of Mr. W. F. Parker, a member of this Society, well and widely known as a lover of art, letters, and nature, as well as a man of high public spirit and moral purposes. Ordered that this testimonial to his worth be placed on the records of this Society, and that a copy thereof be transmitted by the Secretary to his family."

   Carried.
   Recognizing the importance of preserving the scanty remains of prehistoric civilization on this continent and of providing for the study of such under proper regulations, the Nebraska State Historical Society commends to the favorable consideration of Congress the bill (house roll 6270) creating the Colorado Cliff Dwellers National Park.
   The Secretary of this Society is hereby ordered to transmit a copy of this resolution to the senators and representatives of the state of Nebraska now in Congress and to the chairman of the committee on public lands and buildings.
   Carried.
   Mr. Gere presents the Treasurer's report.
   President Morton: I will appoint Mr. A. Watkins, Mr. N. C. Brock, and Mr. Isaac Pollard to examine the report of the Treasurer just made. In the meantime the report is received and will be adopted after the examination.
    Mr. Sawyer moved that the present officers be declared elected for the ensuing year. Seconded and carried.

   The present officers were declared elected for the ensuing year:

   Mr. Watkins: the committee has examined the account kept by the Treasurer and find it correct.
   Adjourned.

Hon. R. W. Furnas, President Nebraska State Historical Society:

   SIR - I have the honor to report the receipts and expenditures of the Society since the last annual meeting as follows:

Very respectfully,          
C. H. GERE, Treasurer.   

15

April, 1902.        

   Present, President Morton, Mr. Furnas, Mr. Gere, and H. W. Caldwell.
   Reading of minutes of last meeting approved.
   Presentation of estimates for coming year. Available for work in archeology, $1,000 for Mr. Blackman for remainder of the biennium.
   The Secretary sends Mr. Sayer thanks of the Society for his maps of Nebraska.
   The Secretary to get information from other historical societies in regard to buildings and prepare article for newspapers.
   Carried.
   Secretary authorized to continue to employ the help authorized at the last meeting.
   Adjourned, subject to call by chairman.

H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.   

Lincoln, Nebraska, January 13, 1903.   
University Chapel.     

The Historical Society was called to order by Vice-President R. W. Furnas at 8:00 o'clock P.M.
   The first paper was presented by Ron. R. W. Furnas, a tribute to Ron. J. Sterling Morton. This was followed by an extempore estimate of the life and work of Ron. J. Sterling Morton by Hon. George L. Miller, of Omaha.
   In harmony with the program the next paper was given by Hon. Edward Rosewater on the topic, "Railroads in Nebraska Politics."

   Mr. Caldwell moved that the remaining papers be deferred till the evening of January 14 in order that the members of the Society might visit the Society's collections and museum. Before a vote was cast on the motion the question of placing a memorial tablet on a tree in the California redwood forests in commemoration of Hon. J. Sterling Morton was discussed. A letter from Governor-elect Pardee of California to W. W. Cox was read favoring the plan:

"OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, DECEMBER 22, 1902.   

"Mr. W. W. COX,
   "Cortland, Nebraska:
   "DEAR SIR - Your suggestion that a tree in one of the redwood groves of California should be named for the late Ron. J. Sterling Morton, of Nebraska, who originated the 'Arbor Day' celebrations, appears to me to be very appropriate; and I have no doubt that it can be carried out. If the Historical Society of Nebraska is willing to assume the expense of placing a bronze or marble tablet upon the tree, the people of California would be highly pleased by this exchange of interstate courtesies.
   "You suggest that the tree should be chosen in the redwood forest near Santa Cruz; but I think the place might be a matter for further consideration. in the Mariposa grove of Big Trees there are many noble forest monarchs which have been named for distinguished persons, and as this grove is state property, it might be well to choose a tree there, to be named in honor of Mr. Morton.
   "However, as I said before, this is a question which could very well be left for decision at a later day. All that I can say now is that the naming of a tree for the late Secretary of Agriculture would be very fit and pleasing, and I have no doubt that the arrangement could be carried out with satisfaction to all.

   After explanations by Mr. Cox and some discussion a motion was made to appoint a committee of three with power to secure an appropriate tablet of bronze or other metal, and

have the same placed on some tree in the California forest to dedicate said tree to the memory of the founder of Arbor Day. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sheldon and carried. The chair appointed as such committee Mr. W. W. Cox, Dr. George L. Miller, and C. S. Harrison.
   The Society then adjourned to 8:00 o'clock P.M. January 14, 1903.
   Approved. H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.  
R. W. FURNAS, Vice-President.  

Lincoln, January 14, 1903.
University Chapel.  

   Meeting was called to order by acting President Furnas at 8:00 P.M.
   In the absence of the author of the first paper of the evening, Mr. D. Y. Mears, of Chadron, his paper on the "Campaign against Crazy Horse and the Mule Reserves" was read in part by Mr. A. E. Sheldon, who also gave a brief history of Mr. Mears himself. Mr. Phil E. Chappel's article on "The Rise and Fall of Steamboating on the Missouri River" was, in the absence of the author, presented by Mr. Jay A. Barrett. At the last moment Col. H. M. Chittenden was ordered to the Yellowstone Park. His paper was, in his absence, read by Secretary Caldwell. His paper, "The Passing of a Romantic Business," was full of interesting matter.
   Captain A. Overton, of Council Bluffs, gave a most interesting account of his "Recollections of the Missouri River, 1852-1902." Mr. Barrett then read a paper prepared by D. L. Keiser of Boonville, Missouri, on the "All-Water Route to the Rockies."
   Other papers were presented by title and ordered filed with the Society to be printed in the future volumes. These papers were by Wm. J. Kennedy, of Omaha; Capt. James Kennedy, Kansas City, Missouri; Capt. S. T. Leaming, Decatur, Nebraska; Capt. W. H. Gould, Yankton, South Dakota. Mr.

Gere moved that the Society go into business session; seconded by A. E. Sheldon.
   Motion carried.
   Calling of the roll dispensed with on motion of the Secretary.
   Reports of standing committees were then called for. Mr. A. E. Sheldon reported for the committee on revision of the constitution, appointed two years previously. The amendments to the constitution as were proposed by the committee were then explained by Mr. Sheldon. After explaining the first amendment, relating to membership in the Society, Mr. Clarke moved that it be adopted. On vote the amendment was carried. The second important change was to enlarge the executive committee by adding certain state and public officials. After some discussion the amendment was adopted. The third amendment providing for quarterly meetings of the executive board was also adopted. The constitution as a whole as amended was then adopted on motion of Hon. H. T. Clarke.
   An amendment was proposed to be laid on the table in regard to giving a permanent position to the Secretary in harmony with the general tendency to make such official positions more permanent. After some discussion the notice was laid over for further action.
   The special committee on obituaries had no formal report to make. It was stated by Mr. Sheldon that the death of the President, Hon. J. Sterling Morton, and Mr. Longsdorf were the only ones during the year in our membership.
   The names of the following persons were presented for membership, and under suspension of the rules were declared unanimously elected:

Dr. E. E. Aukes, Cortland          L. D. Stilson, York. 
J. R. Wallingford, Cortland.       Judge W. W. Slabaugh, 
Thomas Graham, Seward.                 Omaha. 
Rev. Geo. Scott, Cortland.         Mrs. W. W. Slabaugh,
Mrs. Belle Shick, Seward.              Omaha.

           

© 2000, 2001 Pam Rietsch, T&C Miller