Autobiography of Robert Wilkinson Furnas. 151 



nebago and Ponca Indians. During his term as Indian agent, from a 

 condition of anpual support by the government he elevated the Omahas 

 agriculturally to the production and sale of 40,000 bushels of surplus 

 corn in one year. Through his efforts the mission school was increased 

 from thirty-five pupils to one hundred and forty-five. 



In 1872 was elected governor of Nebraska. After term of service 

 (expired, returned to Brownville, where he has since, and to date, been 

 engaged in farming, fruit and forest tree growing. 



His educational advantages were very limited; never attended 

 school over twelve months; obtained good practical education by efforts 

 while in a printing oflice, and over midnight lamp. 



Was a member of G. A. R. and military order of Loyal Legion of 

 the United States. 



Since a resident of Nebraska has held numerous official positions 

 not above named, among them was also colonel of the First Regiment, 

 South Platte Militia; was seven years President of the Nebraska State 

 Board of Agriculture; eight years vice president of the American 

 Pomologlcal Society; three years postmaster at Omaha Agency; was 

 one of the first regents of the Nebraska State University, and for two 

 years president of the board; one term president of Nebraska Soldiers' 

 Home; one year special United States pension agent. 



Politically, originally, "old line whig;" latter days, republican. 



Mernber of Methodist Episcopal church until he came to Nebraska; 

 Mnce here, Presbyterian. 



Was Grand Secretary and Grand Master of I. O. O. F. of Ne- 

 braska; aJsQ Grand repres,entative to United States Grand Lodge same. 



In the Masonic fraternity Robert W. Furnas was initiated, passed 

 and raised in Franklin Lodge No, 14, Troy, Ohio, April, 1852. In No- 

 vember, 185.3, he received the chapter degrees In Franklin Chapter No. 

 24, and October, 1854, received council degrees in Franklin Council No. 

 14. He participated in the formation of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska 

 and was Grand Secretary from 18*58 to 1861, and again from 1869 to 

 1872, and was Grand Master from 1866 to 1867. He received the order 

 of knighthood In Columbia Commandery No. 2, Washington, D. C, in 

 March, 1865; Scottish rite degrees to thirty-second degree in Washing- 

 ton, D. C, and the thirty-third degree at Omaha in 188 — . He was also 

 Grand Patron of Grand Chapter O. E. S. and Grand Commander and 

 Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Nebraska. Many minor 

 offices in the lower bodies were also filled by him with honor and fidelity 

 to the fraternity. His eminent fitness and efficient work led to his con- 

 stant preferment and increased the debt of the order to him. 



