Jim McKee: The Bohanan brothers -- from pork chops to conglomerate
(This column originally ran Nov. 9, 2014.)
Beginning in 1868, the first of four brothers began arriving in Lincoln when its population was still measured in the hundreds. Starting with a meat market, three of the brothers built an empire in the city that touched virtually everyone. Today the once-ubiquitous Bohanan brothers' name is nearly forgotten, only three of their business buildings survive, and all have lost their name association, some nearly 75 years ago.
Major Gilbert Bohanan, who was born in March 1841 in Peoria, Illinois, arrived in Lincoln in April 1868 with his younger brother Franklin. Their father, a butcher by trade, passed on the skill, though both brothers graduated from Coles Commercial College, giving them a broad business education. Although they admitted their resources totaled only $89 and a few tools, as soon as Major and Franklin arrived, they ordered lumber from Plattsmouth and Nebraska City. On June 9, 1868, they had built and opened Central Meat Market at 937 O St. and moved to a house at 1029 M St.
The following year, their 22-year-old brother, Walter, joined them, bringing with him a net worth of $35 in debt. About 1872, the frame butcher shop was rebuilt in brick and a second story added. In 1874, Major and Walter moved to the north side of U Street between 10th and 11th streets, a site now rather incredibly occupied by the University of Nebraska Memorial Stadium's South Stadium. In 1875-76, Black Horse Livery Stable at 221 S. 10th Street and Peoria Livery at 323 N. Ninth Street were constructed. As a separate business venture, Walter then built the Peoria House Hotel on a quarter-block parcel of land at Ninth and O streets in 1879.
Yet another, smaller livery stable was established in a back alley with one spring wagon and one horse. This stable, by acquiring frontage properties adjacent, was added onto three times, increasing the original building by 20 by 30 feet, 70 by 100 feet and 55 by 100 feet. By 1888, this stable had 40 head of horses, two hacks and a delivery wagon in inventory, supposedly making it the largest stable in Nebraska. In 1882, the brothers purchased a fledgling omnibus line, putting them in the transportation business as well.
Edward Bohanan moved to Red Cloud in 1884, then after living briefly in Kansas returned to Lincoln in 1887, where he began working for Farmers & Merchants Fire Insurance Co. Edward then formed Columbia Fire Insurance Co. in 1900, which he merged into Columbia Fire Underwriters. He ultimately ended up owning the Bohanan Block and more than 3,000 acres of farmland in Nebraska while living at 946 D St. in Lincoln.
On May 25, 1890, their livery barn at 221 S. 10th St., across the street from Bohanan's Hall, caught fire with an estimated 50 to 60 tons of baled hay in storage. Within 15 minutes the fire had spread to the second story hayloft, which collapsed, killing firefighters Clarence Protsman and Joseph Thornburg. Although the cause of the fire was never discovered, arson was suspected.
In 1887, Bohanan Brothers built a three-story masonry building 100 by 106 feet on the southwest corner of 10th and N streets. The upper floors contained three meeting rooms, the biggest of which they advertised as the largest public hall in Nebraska. It was in Bohanan's Hall on July 29, 1890, that more than 800 disgruntled farmers and labor leaders met as the People's State Independent Convention, which evolved into the Populist Movement.
Still in the meat business, Bohanan's Central Market reported packing 20 to 40 head of hogs per week all summer in 1888. When Major Bohanan died in August 1900, the businesses were assumed by Edwin I. Bohanan, who subsequently opened Windsor Stables and Palace Stables, both of which are still standing, one as a reception hall/restaurant annex, the other an office building.
By 1917, Franklin had returned to Peoria in retirement, while Walter and Edward had died.
In 1923, the Lincoln Star moved from what it termed the Bohanan Building on the southeast corner of 11th and M to its own new building on the southwest corner of 12th and M streets, in the same block.
The Bohanan Brothers' businesses in Lincoln ultimately included a meat market, major business buildings, residential properties, real estate sales, a hotel, insurance, stables, an omnibus line, Capitol Hacks, a three-hearse mortuary and considerable farmland. Like many business families, they divided their interests: Some were Republicans, some Democrats, some Baptists, other Episcopalians, but always a cohesive family.
Only three business buildings remain, none having the Bohanan name in their descriptions, leaving the amazing brothers relatively unknown today.
Historian Jim McKee, who still writes with a fountain pen, invites comments or questions. Write to him in care of the Journal Star or at .
