to visit it and become acquainted with the enterprising financiers who have charge of the affairs. Mr. Joseph Bochmer, the president, is a native of Ohio, but has been long a resident of this city. Mr. H. H. Shaberg, the vice president, was originally from Germany, but came across many years ago. Mr. Chas. E. Waite, the efficient cashier, was born in Ohio. and is a pleasant gentleman, well versed in banking, having been engaged in that line in Nebraska for eleven years, the past nine of it as assistant cashier in the State National Bank of this city. The popular assistant cashier, Mr. O. J. Wilcox, is from New York.

     COTNER UNIVERSITY.-- This university, established three years ago, was an outgrowth of a desire on the part of the Christian church of Nebraska to found an institution of learning in keeping with the progressive nineteenth century, and with ability to confer a thorough and liberal culture. Over 300 students were enrolled the past year. Beautifully located at Bethany Heights, four miles east of the postoffice, but in communication with Lincoln by an electric car line, the student thus has all the advantages of a metropolis, and at the same time is free from its disadvantages. The building is lighted by gas, heated by steam, and supplied with all modern conveniences. The course of instruction embraces a thorough training in the classical, scientific and biblical studies, in connection with which is a preparatory, normal review and teachers' training departments. Aside from the above classes a special feature is made of medicine and music. The rates of tuition are very low. Cotner forms a glittering gem in the wreath of colleges that surround the capital. For catalogues and anything pertaining to the school, address, D. R. Dungan, Bethany, Neb. For property or investments, address, Briscoe & Van Duyn, Richards' Block, Lincoln, Neb.

     SECRETARY OF STATE -- John Clayton Allen was born at Hinesburg, Vermont, February, 14, 1860. He received such educational advantages as the schools of his native village afforded, until he was old enough to enter the Hinesburgh Academy, where he spent several terms. He finished his education at the New Haven Academy, after which he joined his father in the lumber and harness business, in his native town. In March, 1881, he came to Nebraska and secured a position with the wholesale grocery firm of Raymond Brothers, representing this house in southwestern Nebraska until November 1, 1886, at which time he engaged in the general merchandise busi-

ness at McCook, this State, where he has since resided. He has been president of the city council for three years and was mayor of McCook for six months before his promotion. He is well known all over the State, and has been active in politics in the old second congressional district. In the fall of 1890 he was elected to his present office, and the able manner in which he has conducted it has been a pleasure and gratification to his many friends and supporters. Mr. Allen was married in Lincoln, August 2, 1881, to Miss Abbie Stapleford, a niece of General C. J. Dilworth, from which union a son has come to bless their home. Mr. Allen is also a prominent K. of?. and member of Commercial Pilgrims.

     GEORGE H. HASTINGS, Attorney General.--In the performance of the usual functions of this office, together with furnishing gratuitous legal advice to inquiring constituents, none, in the history of Nebraska have met the requirements in a more satisfactory manner than George H. Hastings. Mr. Hastings was born in Illinois, where he received his educational training in an academy and the state university. At the breaking out of the war he was not old enough to enter the service, being only 12, but his heart was with the union, and he finally succeeded in securing a position as clerk. He came to Nebraska twenty-two years ago, and having previously taken a thorough course in law, was admitted to the bar in this city in 1870. Mr. Hastings soon after removed to Saline County. In 1875 he represented Saline County in the legislature; was also county judge, and was county attorney from 1887 to 1891. In 1888 he was one of the state presidential electors, and was chosen to deliver the vote at Washington. When elected to his present position he was engaged in the practice of law at his home in Crete. Mr. Hastings was elected in November, 1890, on the Republican basis, running 1,000 ahead of his ticket. Mr. Hastings is a gentleman of fine personal appearance, possessing the requisites of a finished orator. His genial good nature wins him friends wherever he goes, and he gives visitors a "Henry Clay" welcome.

     WILBER ROLLER MILLS.--J. M. Elliott, Manager, 221 North Eighth Street.-- When one looks at and examines the product of such institutions as the Wilber Roller Mills, he cannot help thinking the ever more important place the West is taking as a great flour producing country. Mr. J. M. Elliott, a gentleman whose enterprise is plainly manifested in his excellent business principles, established a branch house of the Wilber Mills in this city two years ago, and has met with marked success in his undertaking. He does an extensive wholesale business, catering to the city trade, and owing to the superior quality of the flour the leading brands find a ready market wherever introduced. Mr. Elliott has been within the borders of Nebraska since 1879, and has had much experience in his chosen line. Retailers and parties desiring flour in quantities will find it to their interest to confer with him before placing their orders, for certainly the excellence of the goods and the low prices offer more than ordinary inducements. Mr. E. has a faculty of making friends with those he meets, and takes pride in pleasing his customers.

     THE LINCOLN, Shears & Markel.-- Foremost among the city stopping places is The Lincoln, one of the largest and most complete hotels west of Chicago. It is new, opened January 1, 1891, but is fast coming into popular favor, and among its daily arrivals may be found guests from two hemispheres. The building is a six-story stone structure, covering one-forth of a block, and was completed at a cost of $250,000. Entering the tile-floor lobby, one finds himself in the office, (with cigar and news stand and telephone station,) the roof of which is composed of frosted glass, thus forming a court or hollow square. Entering from the office is the writing room, barber shop, bar and billiard parlors. The house is heated by steam, lighted by gas and electricity, supplied with bath rooms The dining room offers a menu that can not be excelled, and the rates are from $2.50 to $4.50 per day. The Lincoln is the result of the enterprise of Messrs. Shears & Markel, two of Nebraska's citizens. Mr. Markel resides in Omaha, while Mr. Shears, is the resident proprietor.

     L MEYER & CO., Wholesale and Retail Dealers in General Merchandise, 108-110 North Tenth Street.--If it were the desire to single out a house that would stand as a representative of the general merchandise interests of this city, certainly that of L. Meyer & Co., would be selected. This prosperous enterprise was founded in 1874 by Mr. Meyer, and later on received its present name. There is not a store in Lincoln better known, nor one whose tide of success runs smoother, as is evidenced by the army of patrons that daily enter the doors, coming as they do, from this and adjoining counties. The present handsome quarters, a two-story structure, 25x134, were erected in 1885, and are arranged with special reference to a proper display of the goods. $35,000 is represented in a superior stock of groceries, dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, and everything pertaining to a metropolitan general merchandise house. Eight salesmen are employed,