Historic and Descriptive Review of Nebraska

     KEARNEY REAL ESTATE EXCHANGE.--Prominent among the corporations which have been instrumental in promoting the interests of Kearney is the Kearney Real Estate Exchange, organized in 1891. They have several thousand acres of the finest land, in and around Kearney for sale, as well as residence and business lots. Liberal arrangements and terms will be made with parties who intend locating industries here. All those who come to Kearney will receive liberal encouragement. This concern put over 40,000 people into the State last year by means of "Harvest Excursions." The exchange is the recognized business body before whom all propositions for new industries first come. If found by them to be of public benefit it is placed before the public for action. The exchange is ready to furnish information in relation to any matter pertaining to Kearney's welfare and to send printed matter relating to Kearney's progress to all who apply.

     W. J. GOW & BRO., Farm and City Loans, 2201 Central Avenue.--Kearney is the "banner city" in the present wonderful era of growth in the West. Her citizens are the most progressive and their enterprise the most ably directed. Among such are in the van W. J. Gow & Bro. Their specialty is farm and city loans, and they represent eastern capitalists, having been engaged in this line of business for eleven. years. They moved in 1879 from Cambridge, Washington County, New York, to Gage County, Nebraska, where they removed to Kearney in 1889. They are universally popular and have developed a field of usefulness throughout this section.

     THE RUST PHARMACY, 2103 Central Avenue.--One of the most enterprising men in Kearney is the proprietor of the Rust Pharmacy, established in 1891. The well-appointed premises are 24 x 80 feet, and are admirably arranged for a fine display of the stock. Mr. E. G. Rust is a native of Iowa, and is a K, P. He has been in the business ten years, and came here from his native State. He is known in the mercantile circles of the city as one thoroughly conversant with the details of the enterprise engaged in, and is deserving of success and patronage.

     F. M. WALKER & SON, Pianos, Organs, Sewing Machines, Musical Merchandise, Sheet Music. Books, Etc., 2303 Central Avenue.--An extensive and prosperous business enterprise in the city of Kearney is that carried on by the well-known firm of P. M. Walker & Son, founded two years. The premises occupied are 25 x 60 feet in extent, and two hands are employed. They are extensive dealers in musical merchandise, sheet music, books, etc.; also pianos, organs (Story & Clark organ), and sewing machines of the most celebrated makes. Their goods are of the best quality and sold at prices consistent with fair dealing. F. M. Walker & Son are natives of Indiana, the latter being an I. O. O. F.

     B. L. BALDWIN, Insurance. Opera House Block.--Mr. Baldwin established business here three years ago and has developed a wide and influential connection. He transacts insurance exclusively and is an underwriter and agent of the widest range of experience. He places risks in the following strong and honorably conducted corporations: American Fire, of Philadelphia; American Fire, of New York; Caledonian, of Scotland: Fire Association, of Philadelphia; Fireman's Fund, of San Francisco; Fidelity and Casualty, of New York; Germania, of New York; German-American, of New York; Home, of New York; Hartford, of Connecticut; London & Lancashire, of England; Lloyd's Plate Glass, of New York; Niagara Fire, of New York; North British & Mercantile, of England; Norwich Union, of England: Orient, of Hartford; Phoenix, of Hartford; Pennsylvania Mutual Life, of Philadelphia; Royal, of England; Springfield, of Massachusetts. His policies are clearly worded contracts, devoid of technicalities and all losses are promptly and justly paid. He is a native of Pennsylvania, where, for several years, he was engaged in the business. To those also seeking protection to their families from the hand of death. there is no one so well qualified to offer inducements and issue

policies of the most equitable and profitable character as Mr. Baldwin.

     H. H. STODDARD, Loan and Note Broker, Office Over First National Bank.--Mr. Stoddard does an extensive loan and note business and is always ready to make loans at a reasonable rate of interest and in other respects to suit the customer. He is a native of Connecticut and is the owner of two fine stock ranches in Dawson County, where he pastures upwards of 1,000 cattle. Mr. Stoddard is a prominent member of the A. P. A. and is a well-known authority on all matters pertaining to various species of live stock, especially poultry. He is editor and publisher of the Poultry World and of the Poultry Yard of Hartford, Connecticut.

     THE KEARNEY NATIONAL BANK.--The Kearney National Bank dates its inception to 1872 when it was started as Moore's Bank, being re-organized as a national institution in 1884. Capital, $150,000; surplus, $50,000. The bank building is a very ornate structure and the general appointment of the premises embraces all the modern adjuncts of convenience, safety and elegance. W. A. Downing, president, is from Vermont, and F. M. Hallowell, vice president is from Maine; W. C. Tillson, cashier is a native of Michigan and having had a life-long experience of banking, is eminently qualified for his responsible position. He has lived in Kearney since 1877. C. A. Wiley, assistant cashier, is from Vermont. The officers are gentlemen prominent in commercial circles, where their names are synonymous with financial integrity, enterprise and executive ability.

     JOHN E. DECKER, Attorney, Rooms Six and Seven, First National Hank Building.-- Among the names which have acquired prominence on the wings of Kearney's prosperity is John E. Decker, whose nicely appointed offices are eligibly located at rooms six and seven, First National Bank Building. He is a native of New York State and has been practicing here for three years. Mr. Decker was admitted to the bar in Illinois in 1868, where he practiced for twenty years with success. He is a gentleman who is most diligent in working up his cases, and has a first-class knowledge of law.

     DR. W. W. VANCE, Surgeon Dentist, Opera House Block. --Dr. Vance is a native of Illinois and has been established here twelve years, having practiced his profession fifteen years in all. He is practically experienced in every detail of the work and brings to his aid every modern appliance. His reception, surgery and operating rooms are handsomely equipped. Dr. Vance is a K. P., and a member of the American Dental Society and Nebraska State Dental Society. Of the latter he has filled every office except treasurer.

     WILLIS L. HAND. Attorney at Law.--Willis L. Hand is a native of Wisconsin and has been practicing here two years. He graduated in 1874 from the Madison University, Wisconsin. when he was also admitted. In 1889 he was admitted at the supreme court of the U. S., Washington, D. C. Mr. Hand's specialties are real estate and corporation law. He prosecutes his cases with vigor but not without respect to the opposite side.

     GREENE & HOSTETLER, Lawyers.--These gentlemen are among the most vigorous of the Kearney bar, and during their career in the city, have conducted several large cases to a successful issue. W. L. Greene is a native of Indiana, where he practiced seven years. He was admitted to the bar here in November, 1883, when he left Indiana. B. O. Hostetler is a native of Iowa. He is a graduate from the State University of Iowa and also graduate of the law department of same. He was admitted in 1887 at the supreme court of Iowa.

     C. D. AYRES, Hard and Soft Coal and Farm Machinery.--Conspicuous among the best known and most popular concerns in Kearney is that of C. D. Ayres, founded eight years. He employs four assistants. The stock of supplies carried is always complete, of best quality and moderate in cost price. Mr. Ayres is a native of Ohio, is an I. O. O. F. and K. P. He enjoys an extensive and liberal city and county patronage and all orders are promptly and satisfactorily filled.

     HOOLEY BROS., Bakers and Confectioners, 2016 Central Avenue.--This business was started in 1886 by L. G. Hooley, and from the start its career has been prosperous. The premises are 25 x 100 feet, besides basement, and five assistants are required. They are experienced bakers and confectioners and are dealers in fresh bread, cakes, pies, choice confectionery, fresh fruits, etc., oysters and ice cream in season. Purity is the main essential to be observed in the manufacture of confections and by scrupulous observance of this feature they have enjoyed a liberal and substantial patronage. They are natives of Pennsylvania, and

are thoroughly conversant with every detail of the business.

     CHARLES B. FINCH, Dry Goods.--Mr. Finch has been founded thirteen years. and occupies spacious premises, 22x120. which are specially adapted by their admirable arrangements for the particular line of business. Here may be found in endless profusion, foreign and domestic dry goods, notions. novelties--in short, everything usually found in a strictly first-class dry goods establishment. Six courteous assistants are employed. Mr. Finch is a native of Illinois, whence he came here. He is one of the most prominent Knight Templars in Kearney. He is a man who merits fully what he is receiving--the fullest measure of success.

     BRADY & BRADY, Real Estate. Loans.--A representative city enterprise in its important branch of commercial activity is that of Brady & Brady, the popular real estate and loan agents. They make a specialty of selling farms. Notes are bought and sold. Brady & Brady are natives of Wisconsin, the senior brother being mayor of Kearney, and are highly respected and esteemed in trade circles.

     H. A. SMALL & CO., Palace Drug Store.--Our pen sketches of Kearney would be incomplete without the mention of H. A. Small & Co., established in the fall of 1891. The premises are 25x70 feet, and are well adapted for the conduct of a retail drug business. Mr. Small came here from Iowa, and has been six years in the drug business. He is one possessed of fine character and business capacity, and has become identified with the most prominent and respected business men.

     R. E. JONES & CO., Dry Goods, Corner Central Avenue and Twenty-Third Street.--Established in October. 1889, and occupy nice premises, which are 20x120 feet. From five to eight hands are employed. They sell for cash only. consequently can and do make the lowest prices possible. Their stock is extensive and of the choicest kind. They are always pleasant to their patrons when they only come to look as well as when they come to buy. They make but one price--judge of goods or no judge of goods, prices are the same to all. With them a child can buy as cheap as an adult. Their uprightness is the golden key to their success. Mail orders promptly attended to. Mr. Jones is a native of Wales and has had thirty-four years' experience in the dry goods business.

     H. H. SEELEY, County Clerk--Mr. H. H. Seeley. the popular county clerk, has, in every respect. proved to be faithful and competent. He is a native of Pennsylvania. and is serving his first term. When a boy he spent his time in Kansas (fifteen years), whence he removed for seven years to Missouri, after which he moved to Central City, Nebraska, whence he came here and was formerly in the Kearney Lumber Company. He is identified with the G. A. R. and served in the 6th Kansas Cavalry, also belongs to the M. W. A. and A. O. U. W.

     W. W. PATTERSON. Real Estate.--Colonel Patterson is the oldest real estate man in Kearney. He selected the site for and started this city. He has been established twenty-one years. He is a native of Warsaw, New York. He belongs to the G. A. R. and served as an officer of the 12th U. S. Regulars. He is the one who originated and developed the underflow theory of the Platte River, from which the water is obtained for the Kearney water power. He also organized the company for the larger canal, which will shortly be built by English capitalists.

     LYMAN CARY. Treasurer,--Is a native of Maine and is serving his first term. He has lived in our county six years, where he formerly farmed. He came to Nebraska from Iowa and is identified with the K. P.'s and Farmers' Alliance. He is one of the most reliable and trustworthy men that ever handled county finances.

     L. C. GREGG, Dry Goods, C. H. Gregg Manager, Downing Block.--Among the large mercantile houses of the city is that of L. C. Gregg, the dry goods man, founded in 1891. The commodious premises occupied are 30x90 feet. The store enjoys a liberal patronage, and is arranged and finished with the most decided taste and a special view to accommodate large trade. The stock of dry goods. foreign and domestic, trimmings and notions, is such as is only found in a first-class dry goods house. Five hands are employed. C. H. Gregg, manager, is a native of Kentucky. He is an energetic and enterprising gentleman, and his success is but the natural result of his legitmate (sic) deserts.

     THE MIDWAY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, Clarence A. Murch, President--Gives thorough training in the following branches: Bookkeeping; penmanship; commercial arithmetic; commercial law; business correspondence; business ethics; rapid methods; business practice; shorthand and typewriting (including care of machines and office amanuensis work); telegraphy, including English branches and railroad bookkeeping; English review course; painting: oil, pastel, water colors and China: crayon drawing, including potrait (sic) work; music: vocal and instrumental. Our method of teaching is almost entirely personal, being practically the equivalent of private lessons. but at far less expense. All departments of our work are in charge of competent and experienced teachers, and the liberal patronage already received as well as the success of our graduates indicates that our work is successful and thorough. We aim to build on the merits of our work, and ask you to investigate the facilities offered by our school before deciding where to go for instruction in the branches of a business education. We make a specialty of review work for teachers during the summer months. Remember the things we teach are just what you must know to make a successor life. Write for catalogue and information concerning our work, the success of our graduates and rates of tuition. Address plainly. Clarence A. Murch, Kearney, Nebraska. There were

enrolled some 100 pupils last year. Mr. Murch is a native of Wisconsin and came here from Illinois. He received a liberal education, at the Lawrence University of Wisconsin and has been teaching twelve years.

     J. S. McKEAN, Grocer, 2011 Central Avenue. --A leading and representative house of Kearney is that of J. S. McKean, 2011 Central Avenue. He has been founded over n year and occupies commodious premises 25x100 feet, while two assistants are constantly required to meet the demands of the ever-increasing custom. Mr. McKean carries a comprehensive and complete stock of staple and fancy groceries and the business is widely extended and voluminous. He is a native of Pennsylvania, whence he came here. He was postmaster in Mercer County, Pennsylvania for four years, previous to which he was engaged in the grocery and queensware business.

     V. C. CHASE, One Price Clothier, 2117 Central Avenue.--A well-conducted store is that of Mr. V. C. Chase, 2117 Central Avenue, established six years. The premises are 25x90 feet. Two hands are employed. Mr. Chase sells everything coming under the head of gents' furnishing goods, hats, caps etc. Mr. Chase is a native of Illinois. He labors earnestly in promoting the best interests of his customers and has worthily achieved a bright mercantile record.

     CENTRAL DRUG STORE, Wholesale and Retail.--Prominent among the enterprising drug houses of Kearney is the Central Drug Store, founded nine years. The premises occupied are 20x60 feet in extent. The stock embraces drugs and chemicals, reputable proprietary medicines, soaps, sponges. brushes, toilet and fancy articles, etc. Mr. William Schram has lived here twenty years and is popularly numbered among the representative city merchants.

     CLARK & MILLER. "The Fair" Department Stores, new Opera House Block--These stores have been founded three years. They are eligibly located in the new Opera House Block, and comprise large premises, 50x80 feet, admirably arranged for the transaction of business, employment being given to from ten to twenty-five hands. The stock carried is a very comprehensive one, and everything is handled here which is usually to be found in a "Fair." Throughout the entire establishment there pervades a system of order which facilitates the transaction of business, and makes the firm a pleasant one to deal with. Messrs. Clark & Miller are natives of Illinois and Wisconsin, and are held in high esteem for their integrity and personal worth.

     S. A. D. HENLINE, People's Drug Store.--No member of the pharmaceutical profession in Kearney is more justly esteemed than S. A. D. Henline. He has been founded four years, and occupies nicely appointed premises on Central Avenue, 22x40 feet. Mr. Henline is a native of Illinois and has had six years' experience in the business. He formerly taught school in Illinois.

     THE BECKETT HOUSE, G. W. Bryant, Proprietor--For the moderate price of $1 per day, and the excellent accommodations, the Beckett House certainly deserves the success it has had. There are fourteen rooms and the dining-room will seat twenty-four persons. Three to four hands are constantly required in the house. Mr. Bryant is a native of England.

     KEARNEY HUB PRINTING COMPANY--Was organized four years ago. The daily has a 900 circulation and the semi-weekly 1200. Its politics are Republican. M. A. Brown, the efficient manager, has been in the newspaper and printing business all his life, and has lived in Nebraska twenty-one years.

BRABROOK & BROWN, Civil Engineers, Architects and Surveyors; Patent Agents Rooms 17 and 18, City National Bank Building. --Kearney is the "banner city" in the present wonderful era of growth of the West. Prominently in the van we notice Messrs. Brabrook & Brown, who have been established three years. They rank among the best-educated civil engineers, architects and surveyors of this country, having gained a wide range of practical experience, and an accurate knowledge of the wants of the public. In civil engineering they are prepared to furnish plans, specifications. estimates and reports, and supervise the construction of any civil engineering work, including waterworks, sewerage, railroad and canal construction, bridges, drainage and irrigation. Great attention is now being given to the subject of irrigation within the State of Nebraska, and it is generally conceded that, by the adoption of judicious irrigation, this will become the most prolific agricultural State in the Union. They are ready to report on the feasibility of any proposed system, and locate ditches so as to give the best service consistent with the lay of the country. Plans and estimates furnished, and entire supervision of construction of any system undertaken. They have facilities for placing a fully equipped surveying party in the field at very short notice, and guarantee accurate work. Town sites and additions laid out and platted. They call special attention to their facilities for making plats and maps. Their work in this branch is of the highest quality, the elegant finish that they put on their work being unsurpassed by that of any other firm. They have exceptional facilities for the carrying out of machine design and iron work construction. In addition to his office experience, E. G. Brabook has served his time in the machine shop and foundry, and is a thoroughly practical man in this line. One of the extensive branches of their business is the soliciting.

of United States and foreign patents, for the furtherance of which they have representatives in Washington, D. C., and at London, England, where the foreign business is taken care of. All their work of this kind is treated by them in strictest confidence in the interests of their clients. In their architectural department. plans and specifications are prepared for factories and mill buildings, business blocks, schools, churches and residences. They make fine perspective drawings in India ink or water color. Architects in small towns will find it to their advantage to place their orders for perspective work with this firm in preference to sending further east. They also shade and finish work already in outline, and take blue prints any size and in any quantity. Messrs. Brabrook & Brown are natives of England. the former being a graduate from the Crystal Palace Engineering College. Ernest G. Brabrook, C. E., M. E., late member Civil and Mechanical Engineer's Society, London, Eng., and Architectural Association, England. H. Lane Brown, C. E., late engineer to Crook Sewerage Works, ex-assistant engineer River Tees Conservancy Commission. They are very accurate and careful, ensuring estimates that are close to accuracy, and do not exceed prospective amounts, as is too often the case.

WEST KEARNEY IMPROVEMENT COMPANY.--There are few corporations in the State which have wielded so much influence in the community in which they are located as The West Kearney Improvement Company, capital stock $1,000,000. They have spent $50,000 in improvements and have built up West Kearney, commonly known by the people of Kearney as the "west end," and to whom the electric motor cars, bound for " west end," are so familiar. The prosperous suburb was organized by leading citizens of Kearney (among them the presidents of the principal banks, and other prominent citizens), with the idea of making it the manufacturing centre of this location. At this point they have one of the prettiest depots in the State, at which all trains on the U. P. main line regularly stop. Also there is here a large park of ten acres, in front of the depot, in which the unusually beautiful trees, floral decorations, with fountain, vases, etc., in the centre, remind one at once of an old eastern city of culture and refinement. A wonderful beginning has been made in this promising manufacturing centre of West Kearney, where there are located a cotton mill over 400 feet long (which employs 400 hands), a paper mill over 100 feet long (which employs thirty hands), besides other industries about to locate. Thus it bids fair to become one of the most pushing and successful industrial centres in the State. The following are the officers: R. L. Downing, president; C. M. Clapp, vice president; J. J. Bartlett, treasurer; H. D. Watson, secretary and general manager. Liberal arrangements and terms will be made with parties who intend locating industries here. All those who come to West Kearney will be given the same encouragement that has been given the establishments already located here. This company, from its very organization has been an object of special note, not only on account of its long connection with business pursuits and its pre-eminence in all matters of public enterprise connected with the city, but also for the integrity and energy always displayed by its officers.

KEARNEY LAND AND INVESTMENT COMPANY.--One of the flourishing corporations known to Kearney is the above company. It has a capital of $100,000 and ever since its organization in August, 1887, it has prospered, owing to the fine business abilities of its officers and directors. Sound investments made in Kearney have paid the best of any and there are numerous openings still awaiting the capitalist and the business man. The company have developed a trade of great magnitude, dealing in desirably situated city, business and residential property, vacant lots, cheap suburban lands by the acre, adapted for subdivision, etc. The officers are: F. J. Switz, president; B. Coddington, Sr., vice president; Homer J. Allen, treasurer; H. D. Watson, secretary and general manager. The last named, H. D. Watson, is also secretary and general manager of the West Kearney Improvement Company (capital $1,000.000), which corporation has been instrumental in building up West Kearney. Mr. Watson is a native of Massachusetts and has lived here four years. He is a gentleman well-known for his push and enterprise, and one who enjoys the confidence of all.


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