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II--PROCEEDINGS

 SECRETARY'S RECORD AND REPORTS OF OFFICERS.

ANNUAL SESSION, JAN. 11-12, 1887.

JANUARY 11, AFTERNOON MEETING.          

   Met pursuant to call of the Secretary at 4 p. m., in the chapel; of University, President Furnas in the chair. Minutes of the preceding meeting read and approved.
   The Treasurer, Col. W. W. Wilson, submitted a report, which was received and referred to an auditing committee. consisting of Judge Crounse, C. H. Gere and Edson P. Rich.
   A. report was also made by the Secretary and Librarian which was approved and placed on file. On motion the offices of corresponding and recording secretary were united in the hands of one officer to be known as secretary.
   The following named persons were elected members of the Society:
F. W. Lewis, S. L. Geisthardt, Albert Watkins, C. R. Chaney, L. B. Treeman, J. T. Mallalieu, and J. M. Hoffman. A. G. Warner, of Baltimore, was also elected corresponding member.
   On motion of C. H. Gere, the Society then proceeded to ballot for officers for the ensuing year. The vote resulted as follows:
   President - R. W. Furnas.
   First Vice President - Lorenzo Crounse.
   Second Vice President - J. M. Woolworth.
   Treasurer - Chas. H. Gere.
   Secretary - Geo. E. Howard.
   Board of Managers - J. Sterling Morton, Irving J. Manatt, J. A, MacMurpby, Clara B. Colby, H. T. Clarke.
   The committee appointed to audit the Treasurer's report, reported that the same was found correct.
   A manuscript meteorological record kept in Plattsmouth, 1866-82, presented to the society by Dr. A. L. Child, of Kansas City, was .accepted, and Hon. C. H. Gere appointed to return the thanks of the Society therefor.

   .On motion of C. H. Gere, Mr. Warner was allowed forty dollars for expenses in collecting material for his paper.
   Adjourned till 8 p. m.

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   JANUARY 11, EVENING MEETING.:          

   The Society listened to a valuable paper by the Hon. Hadley D. Johnson, of Salt Lake, on the "Establishment of the Kansas--Nebraska Line." On motion a vote of thanks was tendered Mr. Johnson for the paper and a copy requested for publication. By unanimous vote, Mr. Johnson was made an honorary member of the Society.
   Hon. J. A. MacMurphy, then read interesting extracts from diary kept by a lady, while crossing Nebraska in early days. J. W. Paddock was elected an active member.
   Adjourned.

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   JANUARY 12, EVENING MEETING.          

   Met pursuant to adjournment at 8:00 P. M., in Representative Hall.
   An interesting and scholarly paper on the "Relation of Law to the Study of History," was read by H. H. Wilson. Mr. Wilson was followed by Lieut. E. S. Dudley in an excellent paper, drawn from original documents on the "Early Military History of Nebraska."
   A vote of thanks was tendered both gentlemen and copies of their papers requested for publication.
   .At the close of the addresses Chancellor Manatt offered the following, which was adopted by the Society.
   "The Nebraska State Historical Society in annual session, assembled, in grateful recognition of the debt of the New Northwest the statesmen of 1787 and the pioneers of 1788, sends greeting to the Washington County Pioneers' Association and the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society and pledges its hearty assistance in promoting the success of the Centennial Commemoration of the settlement of the Northwest territory.
   This Society further requests the senators and representatives in Congress from this state to support any proper measure for making this centennial observance commensurate with the enduring national importance of the event to be commemorated."
   Messrs C. A. Holmes, of Tecumseh, N. K. Griggs, of Beatrice, E. P. Child, of Lincoln, were elected to active membership.
   The Society then adjourned to meet on the call of the secretary.

   ANNUAL SESSION JAN. 10, 1888.

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   AFTERNOON MEETING.          

   Met pursuant to call of the Secretary. The President being detained on account of illness, on motion of C. H. Gere, Chancellor Manatt took the chair.
   Minutes of the last annual meeting were read, and approved.
   Treasurer Gere submitted his report, which was received and, referred to a committee consisting of S. D. Cox, S. L. Geisthardt, and, E. S. Dudley.
   A report was also read by the Secretary which was received and placed on file. A communication from Mrs. E. G. Platt, promising a paper the next volume of the Transactions, was read and placed on file. Also a communication from Lieutenant E. S. Dudley, relative to his present work in classifying the records of the adjutant General's office was read by the Secretary.
   A committee consisting of the Secretary, C. H. Gere, and F. Lewis was appointed to consider the practicability of publishing portions of the documents referred to in Lieut. Dudley's paper. On motion the committee was given power to take action in the matter.
   The following named persons were elected to active membership: Principal Geo. L. Farnham, Peru; Prof. A. B. Show, Crete; Jos. E. Lamaster, Lincoln; Byron Reed, Omaha; W. D. Bowers, Seward; W. W. Cox, Seward; Rev. T. B. Lemon, Lincoln;, Judge T. L. Norval, Seward; Lieut. E. S. Dudley; H. M. Bushnell; Miss S. W. Moore, Lincoln; E. M. McIntyre, Seward.
   Mrs. E. G. Platt, Tabor, Iowa, was elected an honorary member.
   A committee consisting of I. J. Manatt, W. W. Wilson, and C. H. Gere was appointed to consult the authorities of the State University and the State Board of Public Lands and Buildings with a view to securing a suite of rooms for the permanent use of the Society.
   A committee composed of Gov. R. W. Furnas, Prof. A. B. Show, U. W. Caldwell, F. W. Lewis, and the Secretary was appointed. to mature a plan for securing the co-operation of local historical bodies in the work of the State Historical Society, and devise other means of extending the usefulness of the latter.
   A design for an official seal was presented to the Society by Miss

S. W. Moore. On motion of C. H. Gere it was approved and a vote of thanks extended to Miss Moore for the same.
   On motion the Secretary was instructed to cast the ballot of the Society for the following officers to serve the ensuing year:
   President - R. W. Furnas.
   First Vice President - Lorenzo Crounse.
   Second Vice President - J. M. Woolworth.
   Treasurer - C. H. Gere.
   Secretary - Geo. E. Howard.
   Board of Managers - J. Sterling Morton, Irving J. Manatt, J. A. MacMurphy, Clara B. Colby, H. T. Clarke.

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   JANUARY 10, EVENING SESSION.          

   On motion Judge and Mrs. S. B. Pound, were elected active members of the Society.
   The principal object of the meeting was to listen to the reading of various papers, more particularly the entertaining and exceedingly valuable address of Hon. W. W. Cox, of Seward, on the "Settlement and Early History of Lincoln and Lancaster Comity."
   The address of Mr. Cox was followed by a paper on "History and Art" by Miss S. W. Moore of the art department of the State University.
   The session closed with an entertaining address by Hon. J. A. MacMurphy, of Omaha. A vote of thanks was tendered for each paper and copies of the latter requested for publication.
   Adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary.

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   ANNUAL MEETING, JAN. 8-9,1889.

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   JANUARY 8, AFTERNOON SESSION.          

   The Society met in the Chapel of the University building, pursuant to the call of the Secretary, President Furnas in the chair.
   Minutes of the preceding annual meeting read and approved.
   The Secretary and Librarian then read a report showing the business of the Society during the year, and the present condition of the library. The report was accepted and placed on file.

   The report of the Treasurer was then read and submitted to a committee of audit, consisting of S. L. Geisthardt and J. A. MacMurphy; the, report was approved.
   The question of securing better rooms for the accommodation of the Society, was discussed at some length. On motion, C. H. Gere and J. A. MacMurpby were appointed as a committee to consult with a committee of the State Agricultural Society with reference to securing rooms for their joint accommodation.
   A vote of thanks was tendered to all persons named in the Secretary's report, as having made contributions to the collections of the Society.
   The thanks of the Society were also tendered to Miss S. W. Moore for her courtesy in procuring the electrotype and engraving of the official seal.
   A. G. Warner, J. S. Phoebus, T. H. Leavitt and Chas. E. Bennett were elected active members.
   The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
   President - R. W. Furnas.
   First Vice President - Lorenzo Crounse.
   Second Vice President - J. M. Woolworth.
   Treasurer - C. H. Gere.
   Secretary - Geo. E. Howard.
   Board of Managers - J. Sterling Morton, Mrs. Clara B. Colby, H. T. Clarke, 1. J. Manatt, J. A. MacMurphy.
   Adjourned.

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   JANUARY 8, EVENING SESSION.          

   The meeting was opened with the reading, by Secretary Howard, of extracts from the valuable manuscript of Mrs. Elvira Gaston Platt, now of Tabor, Iowa, who with her husband, L. W. Platt, was sent to Nebraska in 1843, as teacher among the Pawnees.
   The principal paper of the evening was then read by Prof. H. W. Caldwell. The subject of the paper was "Higher Education in Nebraska; the State University." It consisted of a most interesting and scientific discussion of the early educational period of the state and particularly of the evolution of the University, the matter being drawn from original sources. The value of the paper was greatly

increased by a series of tables and line diagrams, which. the Professor had placed upon the blackboard for the benefit of the audience.
   A vote of thanks was tendered Professor Caldwell and a copy of, his paper requested for publication in the transactions of the Society.
   Adjourned.

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JANUARY 9, EVENING SESSION.          

   The first paper of the evening was a "History of the State Home of the Friendless," by Mrs. R. C. Manley. This was followed by an elaborate address by Dr. A. G. Warner on "Political Science in American State Universities." Both papers were greatly appreciated by the Society and copies solicited for publication.
   After the audience retired, a business meeting was held. On motion a sum not to exceed $250, was apportioned for the purpose of procuring portraits of the governors of Nebraska. The money was placed at the disposal of a committee, consisting of W. W. Wilson, C. H. Gore and Geo. E. Howard.
   Adjourned.

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ANNUAL MEETING, JAN. 14-15, 1890.

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JANUARY 14, EVENING SESSION.          

   The Society met in the University Chapel, pursuant to call of the Secretary, President Furnas in the chair; meeting called to order at 8 P. M.
   The Secretary, Geo. E. Howard, being absent on account of illness, on motion of C. H. Gere, S. L. Geisthardt was elected secretary pro tempore.
   President Furnas introduced Judge James W. Savage, of Omaha, who delivered an address entitled, "The Christening of the Platte."
   At the close of this address, the President introduced Mrs. M. B. Newton, of Omaha, who read an address entitled, "The Educational History of Omaha."
   Hon. W. H. Eller, of Blair, next read an address on "The Development of the Free Soil Doctrine."
   On motion of Prof. L. E. Hicks, the thanks of the Society and audience were tendered to those who had read papers and copies requested for publication.

   The report of Treasurer C. H. Gere, was read, ordered adopted, and placed on file.
   The names of Rev. John Gallagher, of Tecumseh, Andrew J. Sawyer, of Lincoln, and Mrs. M. B. Newton, of Omaha, were proposed as active members of the Society.
   On motion, carried unanimously, the Secretary was ordered to cast the ballot of the Society for the admission of each of the applicants, as members. The ballot was so cast and the above named persons, declared elected as active members of the Society.
   The meeting adjourned to meet at 8 P. M., Wednesday, Jan. 15th; in the same place.

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JANUARY 15, EVENING SESSION.          

   The Society met at 8:00 P. M., in the University Chapel pursuant to adjournment, President Furnas in the chair, S. L. Geisthardt acting as Secretary pro tempore.
   The first exercise was the reading of a paper by Hon. Albert Watkins, of Lincoln, entitled "American State Legislatures and Legislation."
   At the conclusion of this address, Prof. J. S. Kingsley, of the State University read an address on "Salem Witchcraft."
   On motion of Prof. L. E. Hicks, which prevailed unanimously, the thanks of the Society and audience were extended to the speakers and copies of their addresses requested for publication.
   Mr. William Henry Smith, of Lincoln, was proposed as an active member of the Society. On motion of Chas. H. Gere, which prevailed unanimously the Secretary was ordered to cast the ballot of the Society for the admission of the applicant. The ballot was so cast and Mr. Smith was declared elected an active member of the Society.
   An informal discussion followed on the advisability of holding the annual or intermediate meetings in the city of Omaha.
   On motion of C. H. Gere, it was voted unanimously "That a committee of five, with the President as Chairman, be appointed to consider the question of more complete organization for the Society, of obtaining assistance from the state and elsewhere to procure grounds and a building, the committee to report at a regular meeting

 to be held in the city of Lincoln in April, 1890, to be called, as provided by the constitution and by-laws."
   The President named as the four remaining member of the committee, C. H. Gere, J. Sterling Morton, Lorenzo Crounse, and Albert Watkins.
   Rev. Lewis Gregory and Rev. E. H. Chapin, both of Lincoln, were proposed, as active members of the Society. On motion of C., R. Gere, the Secretary was ordered, by a unanimous vote, to cast the ballot of the Society for the admission of the applicants. The ballot was so cast and Messrs. Gregory and Chapin were declared elected active members of the Society.
   The Secretary was ordered by unanimous vote to cast the ballot of the Society for the following persons, as officers for the ensuing year:
   President - R. W. Furnas.
   First Vice President - Lorenzo Crounse.
   Second Vice President - J. M. Woolworth.
   Treasurer - C. H. Gere.
   Secretary - George E. Howard.
   Board of Directors - J. Sterling Morton, Chas. E. Bessey, Mrs, Clara B. Colby, J. A. MacMurphy, H. T. Clarke.
   The ballot was so cast and the above named persons were declared elected as officers for the ensuing year.
   On motion of J. Sterling Morton, it was voted "That the Secretary be instructed to correspond with Mr. Joseph H. Millard, of Omaha, and ascertain, if possible, the present location of the papers and documents of the Nebraska Relief and Aid Society, concerning the called grasshopper years, and procure the papers, if possible, for this Society."
   The meeting adjourned.

   S. L. GEISTHARDT,          
   Secretary pro tempore.          

TREASURERS REPORT FOR 1886.

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JANUARY 11, 1887.          

   I have the honor herewith to submit my annual report as your treasurer, to-wit:

1866--Jan'y 12. To balance as per last report	$ 1,223 54
1866--Jan'y 13. To amounts received, membership fees and dues	33 00
1866--June 9. To state appropriation	500,00
1866--Dec. 27. Interest on deposits to Dec. 31, 1886	64 00
Total	$ 1,820 62
1886--Jan'y, 15. By salary of Prof. Howard for year 1885	$ 100 00
1886--Jan'y, 15. By salary of W. W. Wilson, treasurer, 1885	25 06
1886--Jan'y, 15. By am't returned to members under amended laws	14 00
1886--Feb. 20. By am't Mass. Hist. Collections.	50 00
1886--March 1. Bill expense, R. W. Furnas	9 50
1886--March 5. Books per Prof. Howard	30 00
1886--March 7. Books and postage	27 10
1886--Sept 4. L. H. Fuller, carpet for office	47 96
1886--Sept 4. J. N. Townley, papering office	25,50
1886--Dec. 27. Incidental expenses	17 65
1886--Dec. 27. Salary of Prof. Howard, 1886	100 00
1886--Dec. 27. Salary of W. W. Wilson, 1886	25 00
Total	474 75
Balance on hand	$ 1,345 87

Respectfully submitted,

W. W. WILSON, Treasurer.         

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TREASURER'S REPORT FOR 1887.

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JANUARY 10, 1888.         

   The following is the statement of the treasurer of the Nebraska Historical Society, of the receipts and disbursements for the year ending January 10, 1887.

RECEIPTS.

Amount on hand deposited in the First National Bank of Lincoln,
and turned over by Treasurer W. W. Wilson, January 4,1887	$ 1345 87
Legislative appropriation received from state treasurer May 15	500 00
Membership fees	18 00
Total	$ 1,868 87

TREASURER'S REPORT FOR 1887.--Continued.

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 DISBURSEMENTS.

Salary of Librarian	$ 100 00
Salary of Treasurer	25 00
Incidental expenses of President.	8 25
A. G. Warner, expenses of publication	40 00
Hardy & Pitcher, furniture and sundries	48 50
Secretary, for books, expressage, postage, etc.	739 33
Total	$ 961 08
Balance	902 00
Interest on deposits from January 1, 1887, to January 1, 1888	53 03
Total amount in treasury	$ 955 82

Respectfully,

C. H. GERE, Treasurer.                  

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TREASURER'S REPORT FOR 1888

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JANUARY 8,1889.         

   I have the honor to transmit the following annual report of receipts and expenditures of the Nebraska Historical Society for the year ending Jan. 1, '89.

RECEIPTS.

Amount on hand January 1, 1888	$ 255 82
Initiation fees of six new members	12 00
Warrant for state appropriation	500 00
Interest on deposits, First National Bank	42 73
Total	$ 1,510 55

EXPENDITURES.

W. W. Cox, expenses of attendance to read paper	$ 10 00
R. W. Furnas, incidental expenses during meeting	7 25
J. A. MacMurphy, expenses of attendance to read paper	10 00
George E. Howard, salary as secretary one year	100 00
George E. Howard, incidental expenses as per vouchers	15 70
W. W. Cox, twenty-five copies of History of Seward County	28 75
George E. Howard, books and incidental expenses as per vouchers	58 52
George E. Howard, sundries as per vouchers	8 35

TREASURER'S REPORT FOR 1888.--Continued.

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Sarah W. Moore, seal, electrotype and expressage	28 00
State Journal Co., printing as per vouchers	30 00
C. H. Gere, salary as treasurer one year	25 00
Total	$ 322 17
Balance on hand	$ 1,188 38

Very Respectfully,

C. H. GERE, Treasurer.         

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TREASURER'S REPORT FOR 1889.

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   I have the honor of making the following report of the receipts and expenses, and the balance on hand, for the year ending January 14, 1890, accompanied by the books and vouchers in my possession.

RECEIPTS.

Balance in treasury January 8, 1889	$ 1,188 38
Initiation fees	16 00
State warrant (by check of Prest. of State Horticultural Society)	500 00
Interest on bank deposits	45 55
Total	$ 1,749 93

EXPENDITURES.

Expenses of R. W. Furnas, President	$ 10 15
Salary of Secretary	100 00
Salary of Treasurer	25 00
Books, stationery, freight, and incidental expenses	210 55
Total	336 70
Bal. on deposit in First National Bank of Lincoln, Jan. 6, '90	1,413 25

Very Respectfully,

C. H. GERE, Treasurer.