PROPOSED NEW SEAL The legislature of 1921 authorized the governor to appoint a commission to design a new seal, and also a state banner. The governor appointed George A. Williams of Fairmont, Dr. George E. Condra of Lincoln, and Mrs. E. B. Penney of Fullerton, as members of this commission. The commission made the following report: "In carrying out the provisions of the law (House Roll 571), under which it was working, the commission invited the counsel and co-operation of the people. There was some little criticism on the part of those who feared the commission might do violence to the traditions that attach to the early history of the state, but on the whole there has been a splendid spirit of co-operation and some of the leading men and women of the state have sat with the commission from time to time. There has been no attempt to burden the seal with heraldic symbols, but rather to make use of those material objects readily understood and comprehended by the people. The outstanding features of the seal speak of the agricultural, educational, industrial and historical. Standing out in bold relief is the shield with the scales of justice, and the accompanying motto: 'Equality before the Law.' The wheat, corn, locomotive, steamboat and blacksmith with his anvil are retained. Three bound volumes stand for education, and included are also two antelopes and a buffalo head. The golden rod finds a place, and, taken all in all, the design is a work of beauty and artistic skill that is sure to give satisfaction. "A number of drawings were submitted to the commission. The one accepted is the work of B. G. Goodhue, the capitol architect, and is executed free of all cost. The design, while complete and approved in all its details, is still in the rough and will not be exhibited until ready for the metallic artist. "The state banner consists of a beautiful field of blue with the emblem and motto of the state reproduced thereon. The golden rod is also found on the banner, as required by Section 3 of the bill. "It is contemplated that when the seal is completed, it will be reproduced in bronze in size about twelve or fourteen inches across, and will find a place in the interior decorations of the new state house." STATE FLOWER A joint resolution introduced by Representative L. P. Judd of Boone county, and approved April 4, 1895, designates the golden rod (Solidago serotina) as the floral emblem of the state. Another joint resolution introduced by Senator C. H. Sloan of Geneva, and also approved on April 4, 1895, after referring in the preamble to the fact that Nebraska had, "in a popular sense, been designated by names not in keeping with its history, industry or ambition," conferred upon the state the popular designation-"Tree planters' state. HISTORICAL ROSTER Territorial Officers of Nebraska GOVERNORS Francis Burt, October 16, 1854, to October 18, 1854. Died October 18. 1854 and vacancy filled by Secretary T. B. Cuming to February 20, 1855. Mark W. Izard, February 20, 1855, to October 25, 1857. October 25, resigned and vacancy filled by Secretary Cuming to January 12, 1858. William A. Richardson, January 12, 1858, to December 5, 1858. Re signed December 5, and vacancy filled by Secretary J. Sterling Morton until Governor Black's arrival, May 2, 1859. Samuel W. Black, May 2, 1859, to February 24, 1861. February 24, resigned to enter army and vacancy filled by J. Sterling Morton, secretary, until May 1. Alvin Saunders, May 1, 1861, to February 21, 1867. SECRETARIES Thomas B. Cuming, August 13, 1854, to March 12, 1858. Died March 12, 1858. Was acting governor, October 18, 1854, to February 20, 1855, and October 25, 1857, to January 12, 1858. John B. Motley, March 23, 1858, to July 12, 1858. until arrival of J. Sterling Morton. J. Sterling Morton, July 12, 1858, to May 6, 1861. Acting secretary Acting governor, December 5, 1858, to May 2, 1859, and February 24, 1861, to May 6, 1861. Algernon S. Paddock, May 6, 1861, to February 21, 1867. Acting governor, May 6, 1861, to May 15, 1861. AUDITORS Chas. B. Smith, term of offce began March 16, 1855. Samuel L. Campbell, term of office began August 3, 1857. TREASURERS B. P. Rankin, term of office began March 16, 1855. James S. Izard, term of office began March 16, 1855. Fenner Ferguson. Augustus Hall. Term of Office Chief Justice October 12, 1854-1859 March 15, 1858-1861 William Pitt Kellogg. May 27, 1861. Resigned 1861.... May 27, 1861 William Kellogg...... May 8, 1865-1867............................ May 8, 1865-1867 Edward R. Harden......December 4, 1854-1860............. Office abolished by act of January 11, 1861. Revived June 11, 1867. UNITED STATES MARSHALS Mark W. Izard, October 28, 1854. Eli R. Doyle, April 7, 1855. Benjamin P. Rankin, March 29, 1856. Phineas W. Hitchcock, September 19, 1861. DELEGATES TO CONGRESS Napoleon B. Giddings, elected December 12, 1854. Phineas W. Hitchcock, elected October 11, 1864. State Officers of Nebraska from its Organization All state elections are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in the even numbered years. The term of all elective state officers begins on the Thursday after the first Tuesday in January of the odd numbered years. GOVERNORS— David Butler, February 21, 1867, to June 2, 1871. Elected in 1866, but did not enter upon the duties of the office until the admission of the state into the union. Re-elected October 8, 1868. Re-elected October 18, 1870. Impeached. Succeeded June 2, 1871, by W. H. James, secretary of state, until the inauguration of Governor Furnas. Robert W. Furnas, 1873-1875. Silas Garber, 1875-1879. Albinus Nance, 1879-1883. James W. Dawes, 1883-1887. |