Difference between revisions of "James Tyler (1844-1919), Architect"

Latest revision as of 11:18, 5 January 2023

James Tyler was born in Usk, Monmouthshire, England on September 26, 1844 to parents George and Jane Price Taylor.[10][11] Before emigrating, Tyler was a stone-cutter and carver, described by Andreas as one of England's most distinguished stone-cutters, working on the remodel of Windsor Castle and other iconic English buildings. He came to America in 1868, settling in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was engaged in the construction of the Four Courts, after which he relocated to Chicago and erected St. James Church. By 1870 he was in Omaha, Nebraska, serving as master mechanic of the post office building there. He moved to Lincoln in 1875 to perform a similar role in the construction of Lincoln's U. S. Post Office and Courthouse. He was thus employed until June, 1879, when he was appointed superintendent of construction of the State insane asylum. [1][2][5] James' brother William H. Tyler also settled in Lincoln and in 1880 established himself as a building stone supplier, often working with his brother on projects.[19] Tyler was a leading architect in Lincoln, especially in the 1880s and early 1890s during a period of rapid growth. In the lean years of the mid- to late 1890s, his emphasis shifted to superintendence of Lincoln's water system, and eventually included responsibility for the municipal electric system as well. He apparently continued his architectural practice (with his son James) until 1907, and resumed the partnership in his last years. James Tyler married Emily Elizabeth Burgis in London in 1868, with whom he had five children, including the future partner in his firm, James Tyler, Jr. The elder James Tyler died on November 1, 1919 in Lincoln.[5][10][11]

This page is a contribution to the publication, Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects. See the format and contents page for more information on the compilation and page organization.

Compiled Nebraska Directory Listings

Lincoln, Nebraska, 1878-1890, 1892-1919

Educational & Professional Associations

1870-1875: "master mechanic" for U. S. Courthouse & Post Office, Omaha, Nebraska.

1875-1879: "master mechanic" for U. S. Courthouse & Post Office, Lincoln, Nebraska.

1880-1883: architect and partner, Smith & Tyler, Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska.

1883-1892: architect and superintendent, Lincoln, Nebraska.

1893-1907: architect and partner, James Tyler & Son, Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska.

1898-1919: City of Lincoln water and light commissioner, Lincoln, Nebraska.[5][83][d]

1916-1919: architect and partner, Tyler, Brandt & Tyler, Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Other Associations

1886-1892: Employed his son James Tyler, Jr., as a draftsman.

1889: President of Lincoln board of Guaranty Building and Loan Association of Minneapolis.[57]

1903: Employed Eugene H. Brandt, future brother-in-law of his son James Tyler, Jr., as a draftsman.

Buildings & Projects

Early Works (Lincoln, Nebraska)

Report (with G. A. C. Smith) to Gov. Silas Garber on condition of Nebraska State Capitol, with recommendation of needed repairs (1878), Lincoln, Nebraska.[86]

R. C. Outcault residence (1878), 1118 G, Lincoln, Nebraska.[43][48][i]

Superintendent of construction, Nebraska Insane Asylum (ca. 1879-1880), Lincoln, Nebraska.[47]

1880-1883 (Lincoln, Nebraska)

Tyler's initial architectural partnership was with George A. C. Smith, who had worked on several post offices before coming to Lincoln in 1878 to take charge of the final stage of construction of the U. S. Courthouse and Post Office there. See Smith & Tyler, Architects for an account of additional work of their partnership.

John Fitzgerald house (ca. 1880), Lincoln, Nebraska.[4][6][20]

Fitzgerald Block (1882), 120 N. 10th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[3][4][21][a]

Webster Block (1882), 230-238 S. 11th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[23][43]b]

Aaron S. Raymond residence (ca. 1882), 1642 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[43][46]b]

Charles M. Leighton residence (ca. 1882), 1700 R, Lincoln, Nebraska.[43]

1883-1893 (Lincoln, Nebraska)

James Tyler practiced independently for a decade before forming a partnership with his son James around 1893. James Jr. was a draftsman in his father's office from 1886.

Fitzgerald's Block, West Lincoln, 1888 (City of Lincoln)

C. C. Burr residence (1883), NW corner of 16th & L, Lincoln, Nebraska.[24][43]

Townsend Block (1883), Lincoln, Nebraska.[10]

Park School (1883), NW corner of 8th & F, Lincoln, Nebraska.[25]

Three-story brick building for Mrs. Kate Coakley (1884), Lincoln, Nebraska.[26]

Brick school house (1884), Dewitt, Saline County, Nebraska.[27]

Plans and specifications for taking down and rebuilding a two-story brick building for M. Noonan (1884), Lincoln, Nebraska.[28]

City of Lincoln Engine house (1884), SE corner of Market square (bounded by 9th, 10th, Q & R), Lincoln, Nebraska.[29]

St. Charles Hotel (1884), Lincoln, Nebraska.[43][44]

Two-story brick school building for Normal school (1885), Peru, Nebraska.[30]

Frame residence for S. Schwab (1885), Lincoln, Nebraska.[31]

Brick building for Aeneas Hurlbut (1885), NW corner of 10th & P, Lincoln, Nebraska.[31]

Remodeling and repair of the north chapel wing of University of Nebraska building (1885), Lincoln, Nebraska.[32]

M. M. White residence (1885), corner of 17th & C, Lincoln, Nebraska.[33]

Hargreaves Bros. warehouse (1885), 745 O Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[43]

Tremont House (1885), SW corner of 8th & P, Lincoln, Nebraska.[43][45]

Dr. James O. Carter's block (ca. 1885), 1020 O Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[43]

Thomas Carr's block (ca. 1885), 926 P, Lincoln, Nebraska.[43]

H. A. Tebbetts residence (1886), Lincoln, Nebraska.[34]

Barn for John Fitzgerald (1886), Lincoln, Nebraska.[35]

John R. Clark house (1886-1887), SW corner 20th & F, Lincoln, Nebraska.[6][4][8]

Touzalin Hotel (1886-1887), Wymore, Nebraska.[43][49][j]

Burrs' Block (1887), NE corner 12th & O, Lincoln, Nebraska.[3][4][10][36][43] (LC13:C09-002)

Brick block for James Ledwith (1887), Lincoln, Nebraska.[37]

Brick block for M. Noonan (1887), Lincoln, Nebraska.[38][43]

Barr & Lamaster Block (1887), Lincoln, Nebraska.[3][43]

Brick block for John Sheedy (1887), Lincoln, Nebraska.[39][43]

Workshop at State Penitentiary (1887), Lincoln, Nebraska.[10][40]

Fitzgerald Block (1887-1888), West Lincoln, Nebraska.[41][42][h]

Masonic Temple (1887-1889), Fremont, Nebraska.[3][50]

J. R. Johnston house (1888), 1422 Boswell, Crete, Nebraska.[3][13][51] (SA01-12)

Proposal for Lancaster County Courthouse (1888), Lincoln, Nebraska.[52][k]

Proposals for a wholesale house for John Fitzgerald (1888), SW corner of 10th & M, Lincoln, Nebraska.[16][f]

Fitzgerald Building/warehouse (1888), 701 P, Lincoln, Nebraska.[6][a]

Seven-room brick school house (1888), Ulysses, Nebraska.[17]

William Meagher residence (1888), 1019 F Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[53]

E. A. Morgan residence (1888), J near 18th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[54][l]

Nebraska Stock Yards Company: new Store House, Chill Room, and other additions to Packing House #1 (1888), West Lincoln, Nebraska.[14]

Mrs. McConnell's store building (1888-1889), O Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[61][n]

A. M. Davis residence (1889), 1701 K, Lincoln, Nebraska.[55][56][82]

J. H. Ames Mansion (1889), Pleasant Hill (now South 20th at Sumner), Lincoln, Nebraska.[56][82][m]

Mayer Brothers store (1889-1890), 112-118 North 10th Street, LIncoln, Nebraska.[58][59][66][68][82]

J. & D. Newman Building (1890), 1023-1027 O Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[59][68]

Remodeling of banking room of First National Bank (1890), SE corner of 10th & O, Lincoln, Nebraska.[60][68][82]

Oppenheimer building (1890), 423-429 North 10th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[62][68]

William H. Tyler house (1890-1891), 808 D St., Lincoln, Nebraska.[7][62][o] (LC13:C07-001)

Plans for a coliseum (1890), Lincoln, Nebraska.[63][p]

Opera house and Aurora State Bank (1890), Aurora, Nebraska.[64][82][q]

Brick block for George Weber (1890), Lincoln, Nebraska.[65][r]

Two-story brick school for District No. 3 (1890), Yankee Hill precinct, Lincoln (vicinity), Nebraska.[67]

Saint Elizabeth Hospital (1891-1892), 11th & South Streets, Lincoln, Nebraska.[69][77][82]

Livery barn for David Fitzgerald (1891), "south side of O street one lot east of Seventeenth," Lincoln, Nebraska.[69]

James Heaton house (1891), NE corner of 11th & E, Lincoln, Nebraska.[70]

Robert E. Moore residence (1891), Lincoln, Nebraska.[3][4][18]

New wing for State Penitentiary (1891-1892), Lincoln, Nebraska.[72][79]

Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1892), NE corner 13th & Ivy, Crete, Nebraska.[3] (SA01-020)

Lincoln Paint and Color Company Building (1892), south side of M Street between 8th & 9th, Lincoln, Nebraska.[71][72][73][77]

Halter Block (1892-1893), SE corner of 11th & P Streets, Lincoln, Nebraska.[15][72][75][76][77][e]

Lamb/McClay Terrace (1892), NE corner of 12th & K, Lincoln, Nebraska.[72][77][82][84]

Buckstaff Bros. Building addition (1892), north side of O Street, 700 block, Lincoln, Nebraska.[77]

E. J. Slater residence (1892), Lincoln, Nebraska.[77]

C. W. Mosher residence (1892), 15th & K, Lincoln, Nebraska.[72][77]

Two double houses for Mrs. Hathaway (1892), 17th & K, Lincoln, Nebraska.[72]

John T. Dorgan residence (1892), 14th & F, Lincoln, Nebraska.[72]

D. M. Crouse residence (1892), 18th & Prospect, Lincoln, Nebraska.[72]

Remodeling for St. Elmo Hotel (1892), N. 10th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[72]

United Presbyterian Church (1892), 16th & R, Lincoln, Nebraska.[74][77]

Plans for J. T. Bullard mansion (1893), McCook, Nebraska.[4]

Remodeling Webster Block for Interior Decorative Company (1893), S. 11th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[78]

New Hospital Building and other improvements to State Penitentiary (1893), Lincoln, Nebraska.[80]

Muir-Cowan Company glass & crockery ware factory (1893), corner of 11th & Y, Lincoln, Nebraska.[81]

1893-1907 (Lincoln, Nebraska)

The father and the son practiced together as James Tyler & Son for over a decade, with projects throughout Lincoln and Nebraska. As early as 1903, James Sr. also began to be listed in Lincoln city directories as City Water Commissioner, while his architectural practice apparently continued. See James Tyler & Son, Architects for an account of the projects of their partnership.

1908-1915 (Lincoln, Nebraska)

For several years the elder James Tyler was listed in Lincoln city directories solely as Lincoln's Water Commissioner and superintendent of the city's Lighting Plant. During the same period, his son James Tyler, Jr. formed a partnership Tyler & Brandt with Eugene H. Brandt. The wives of James, Jr. and Eugene--Julia and Jessie, respectively--were sisters, the daughters of W. W. and Mary E. Palmer.

1916-1919 (Lincoln, Nebraska)

In the last years of his life, James Tyler rejoined his son in architectural practice as Tyler, Brandt & Tyler. Eugene H. Brandt died in 1918 and James Tyler, Sr. died in 1919, but the firm name continued unchanged until at least 1924. The works of that partnership are listed on a separate page for Tyler, Brandt & Tyler, Architects.

Undated

Donald H. Pegler Garage Bldg. (n.d.), 17th & P, Lincoln, Nebraska.[9]

Disputed Attributions

1st National Bank/State Block (1874-1875), 10th & "O" St., Lincoln, Nebraska. SEE William Foster.[10][c]

Burr & Muir Block (c. 1881), NW corner, North 9th & P Streets, Lincoln, Nebraska. SEE Smith & Tyler & SEE William Gray. St. John Building (1888), [t]

Ganter Block (1909), NW corner of 12th & O Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. SEE Woods & Cordner. [10][g]

Notes

a. "Capitalist" John Fitzgerald developed buildings called "Fitzgerald Block" in at least three locales--Plattsmouth, Lincoln, and West Lincoln--and built so many structures in Nebraska's capital city that any contemporary reference to "Fitzgerald Block" must be scrutinized carefully to distinguish one from another. In the 1883 Lincoln city directory, John Fitzgerald's business address was 111 N. 9th. That may have been the earliest of Fitzgerald's Lincoln buildings, as newspaper report of 1879 noted that a new grocery company called "Plummer, Perry & Co.," with Fitzgerald himself being the partner referred to by "& Co.,") was opening in "Fitzgerald's Block, on the west side of the {Government] square."[22] That address was also one of two "Fitzgerald Bldgs" identified in the 1889 city directory--111 N. 9th and 120 N. 10th. The latter may correspond to Pen & Sunlight Sketches of Lincoln's reference to a "Fitzgerald Block" as a work of the firm Smith & Tyler, dating from the period they practiced together--1880-1883.[3] In 1891, the directory lists "Fitzgerald Block" at "Grand avenue, West Lincoln" and "Fitzgerald Building" at P, southeast corner Seventh. The "Fitzgerald Block" in West Lincoln and the 7th & P building were the work of James Tyler, built in 1887-1888 and 1888-1889, respectively, when he was a solo practitioner. The Lincoln News of October 6, 1888 described "The Fitzgerald block at the corner of P and 7th," then under construction, as "one of the most substantial mercantile blocks in the city." A lengthy description of the building, presented as an interview with Tyler, appears in The Daily Call of December 5, 1888.[6][16]

b. Nebraska State Journal in January 1882 announced an upcoming publication containing illustrations of some of Tyler's early projects. The Illustrated State Journal was projected to be “the most perfect and complete specimens of a picture paper ever published in the west. It will contain fine engravings of the capitol and B & M depot, state University, insane asylum, perspective and birds’-eye views of the city, penitentiary, post office, Webster & McMurtry’s, Humphrey Bros’., Holmes & Lau’s, Davis’ and other blocks, the Commercial and other hotels, A. S. Raymond’s, Mrs. Israel Putnam’s, Chancellor Fairfield’s and many other beautiful residences. Four pages will be devoted to illustrations and the other four pages to valuable reading material and advertisements.” The newspaper estimated that there would be two editions of 20,000 each.[46]

c. Tyler is credited [10] with the design of the First National Bank/State Block which stood on the SE corner of 10th & O in Lincoln, but the datestone on that building is clearly visible in historic photos, reading "STATE BLOCK 1874," which precedes Tyler's relocation from Omaha to Lincoln.[22] SEE William Foster for a contemporary account of the building, crediting the design to the Des Moines architect.

d. When James Tyler was nominated for Lincoln Water Commissioner in March 1898, there reportedly were rumors that James Jr. was the candidate--"a mere youngster and therefore not qualified for the position." Nebraska State Journal opined on March 11, 1898 "If the candidate were James Tyler, jr., his selection would be creditable, but the real candidate is James Tyler, sr., member of the firm of James Tyler & Son, architects. If the senior Tyler is nominated and elected he promises to devote his entire time to the office of water commissioner." After his first two year term, the Nebraska State Journal gave his performance in office a resounding endorsement in 1900. Tyler's obituary underestimates that he had been Lincoln's water commissioner for 16 years.[5][83]

e. The Lincoln Daily Call of January 1, 1893 notes "Among the improvements in the building line, with which Lincoln has been blessed during the past year, none can outclass the new Knights of Pythias Castle Hall block, which is being erected by Alexis Halter on the corner of 13th and P streets, and a cut of which appears in this paper." The column is headed "The Halter Block" and an accompanying illustration is captioned the same. The estimated cost of the 5-story building, with an elevator, is cited at $110,000. It is also noted that "The plans have been prepared by James Tyler architect, of this city, and the work is being done under his supervision."[15]

f. When local business titan John Fitzgerald reportedly acquired the northeast quarter of Block 86 (Original Plat of Lincoln, SW corner of 10th & M) in 1888, rumors flew as to how he would develop the site. Lincoln Daily Call of May 9, 1888 suggested a grand hotel and opera house, to which Nebraska State Journal on May 12, 1888 rather tartly replied "THE JOURNAL would like to corroborate that report this morning, but finds that it cannot do so and still remain in the straight path of truth that has been followed so faithfully for twenty years." The Journal then goes on to announce that Fitzgerald "will put up a fine block on the corner in question, completing the same in time for occupancy this year," and describes in detail "Plans for the structure...now being prepared by Architect James Tyler." The structure was to be four stories tall, above a basement, and built to house two wholesale establishments. Two alternatives are described for the exterior: "One is in the strict classical style" but "The design that seems to meet with the most general favor, however, follows the modern Romanesque style." Fitzgerald did not carry out any project on the 10th & M corner before his death in 1895. His Fitzgerald Block warehouse at 7th & P, designed by Tyler, appears to have been related to the "modern Romanesque" double warehouse described in the Journal article. [16]

g. Ganter Block at the NW corner of 12th & O Streets in downtown Lincoln began as a three story office and retail building, constructed in 1909. Building permits for that construction identity Woods & Cordner as the project's architects. In 1915 three more stories were added atop the 25-foot-wide building, and again the building permits named A. W. Woods as the architect.

h. John Fitzgerald platted "West Lincoln" in 1885 as president of the Nebraska Stockyards Company of Lincoln, consisting of eight block-faces of narrow commercial lots and the rest of the 24-block development devoted to 50'x142' house lots. As the name of his company indicated, he soon developed stockyards and packing plants in the vicinity, near his already-established brickyards. In the late 1880s, Lincoln newspapers were attentive to progress in the new industrial town-site. For instance, a brief article in Lincoln Daily News of March 5, 1887 reported: "Architect Hawkins has in hand the plans of a three [sic] story brick and stone block of two stores and a bank on first floor with office rooms, hall for lectures, meetings, religious exercises, etc., above. A change may be made and third story added. Whatever the dimensions it will add to the value of this new industrial centre, and encouraging for other similar structures to accommodate the demand already quite noisey for more mercantile rooms and offices." Apparently the change was not from two stories to three, but rather a change in architects. Nearly six months later, John Fitzgerald posted a "Notice to Contractors" in Nebraska State Journal of October 23, 1887 soliciting "Sealed proposals" for "the construction of a brick block at West Lincoln," and indicating that the plans and specifications could be viewed at James Tyler's office. A "West Lincoln" column in Nebraska State Journal of May 2, 1888 reported "The finishing touches are just being added to the Fitzgerald block, and it will soon be ready for occupancy. It is a handsome brick block, which would do credit to O street. It is hinted that a bank and the post-office will likely go into this building." Perhaps Fitzgerald engaged Tyler as superintendent to construct Hawkins' design; more likely he rejected Hawkins' work and hired Tyler, who did several Fitzgerald projects including his home, Mount Emerald. A fine contemporary photograph of the Fitzgerald Block in West Lincoln was published in 1889 in Lincoln Picturesque and Descriptive, which is reprinted in Lincoln's Early Architecture.[41][42]

i. The 1888 article "Evidences of Architectural Skill As Furnished by Mr. Tyler" in the Nebraska State Journal identifies well over a dozen of Tyler's projects, including several residences. Among the group listed is a residence for R. C. Outcault, which seemingly corresponds to the large, frame Queen Anne style house which is extant (in 2018) at the northwest corner of 11th and D Streets in Lincoln. Richard C. Outcault built and occupied that house around 1885 or 1886. However, the 1892 publication Pen and Sunlight Sketches of Omaha attributes R. C. Outcault's house to J. H. W. Hawkins. Possibly one of the architects designed the 11th & D house and the other superintended its construction. Maybe one or the other of the sources is simply in error. However, it is also possible that both sources are correct, if the authors were referring to two different residences. A gossipy snippet in Lincoln's Daily Evening News of 1885 notes that "Robt. Mitchell, Jr., purchased the Outcault residence on G street, yesterday. Interested parties are now busily conjuring as to who the prospective future Mrs. M will be who becomes mistress of this elegant home." The house Outcault sold to Robert Mitchell in 1885 was 1118 G Street. Outcault acquired 1118 G Street in 1881 from Theodore Hardenberg, who in turn had built the house in 1878. Hawkins was practicing in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania at that time, but Tyler was then in Lincoln at the dawn of his architectural career. In addition, Hawkins' early Lincoln projects included the Watkins House less than two blocks west of the big Outcault House at l1th and D, and the Zehrung House directly west across D Street. In style and scale, Outcault closely resembles Hawkins' Queen Anne residences. Therefore on these pages, Hawkins is credited with the extant house at 11th and D, while 1118 G is attributed to Tyler.[43][48] (E.F.Zimmer)

j. Nebraska State Journal in June 1887 described the Wymore hotel as four stories (including basement), 140'x75', and offering 50 rooms. According to the Omaha Bee later that year, "The new Touzalin hotel at Wymore liens toward bankruptcy before it is opened. Mechanics and material men have shingled it with $20,000 worth of claims."[49]

k. In February 1888, at least thirteen architects vied for the commission to design Lancaster County Commissioners. Nebraska-based architects included Ellis, Mendelssohn, Fisher & Lawrie, Hodgson & Son, Architects of Omaha; and O. H. Placey, Tyler, Hawkins, and Gray of Lincoln.[52]

l. The Lincoln Daily News of August 28, 1888 provides a laudatory description of this house and comments "The designs for this model structure were furnished by James Tyler, Lincoln's reliable architect, who also superintended every detail of construction."[54]

m. The Ames residence was described in 1889 as "This house is to be sixty-six fee long by sixty-two fee wide, will be two stories in height and cost when completed about $15,000."[56]

n. An 1890 report on a lawsuit over final costs for a new building on O Street indicates Tyler was the architect. Mrs. McConnell was the owner of the "handsome store" which was occupied by Semmons on the ground floor and "Noble's gallery" above.[61]

o. Nebraska State Journal provided a summary on building activities around Lincoln in March 1890, including: "W. H. Tyler is preparing to erect a handsome stone and brick residence on his property near the park. It will cost not less than $5,000. Mr. Tyler intends to make the stone work very elaborate in order than it may be an advertisement of his business as well as a thing of beauty and a joy forever."[62]

p. "Lincoln is to have a coliseum," declared Nebraska State Journal on March 20, 1890. "It will not be a big barn like the building in Omaha bearing the name, but a large and handsome structure planned after the hippodrome at Paris. Sketches have been prepared by James Tyler, the architect..." The proposal was described as an elliptical building, 100'x150', seating 8,000.[63]

q. A call in Nebraska State Journal of June 13, 1890, for bids for construction of a "bank building and opera house at Aurora, Neb." mentions that the plans and specs are "on file in the office of architect J. D. [sic] Tyler here in Lincoln and at the Aurora State Bank..."[64]

r. Nebraska State Journal of August 12, 1890 advertised for proposals to build a brick block for George Weber "according to the plans and specifications to be seen at the office of George [sic] Tyler, architect." On August 14th, the architect's name was corrected to "James Tyler."[65]

s. Undated letterhead of the architects Tyler & Son lists numerous projects dating prior to 1893, when James Tyler was a solo practitioner.[82]

t. Lincoln Evening News of May 15, 1890 reported that architect William Gray had been employed by Orson St. John to "furnish plans and specifications for the St. John building next to the Opelt [Hotel]" for 4% on the cost of construction. The estimated cost was $11,500 but the actual cost reached $13,150. At dispute was "whether the plaintiff should receive commission on the real cost or the estimated cost." St. John offered to pay $497, which Gray refused. (The full 4% on the actual cost equals $526.) The judge ordered Gray to accept the $497, and to pay the court costs. Orson Swift St. John of Ohio purchased the south 50 feet of Lots 1 and 2, Block 33, Original Plat of Lincoln, in 1880 (Lancaster Deeds 7-356 & 7-358). The building is extant (2018) at 227 N. 9th. It has long been identified as the "Burr & Muir Block" and credited to James Tyler. However, a close examination of newspapers, deeds and City directories places the Burr & Muir Block at 211-221 N. 9th (south of the mid-block alley) and its construction at 1881, designed by Smith & Tyler.[85]

References

1. A. T. Andreas, History of the State of Nebraska (1882), 1080.

2. A. T. Andreas, History of the State of Nebraska (1882), 1056.

3. "James Tyler," in Pen & Sunlight Sketches of Lincoln (Chicago: Phoenix Publishing, 1893), 108.

4. Lincoln, Nebraska: Why We Grow (Lincoln, Nebraska: Thomas H. Hyde, 1893), 74.

5. "James Tyler Passes Away," Sunday State Journal (November 2, 1919), 8A:6 (and portrait); (Lincoln) Evening State Journal (November 1, 1919), 1 (with portrait).

6. Ed Zimmer, email to David Murphy, October 26, 2000; regarding Fitzgerald Block at 7th & P: (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (September 4, 1888), 8 ("Work will commence next week..."); "Solid Growth. Short Review of the City's Wonderful Progress...Newsy Notes of Doings in and About the City," Lincoln (Nebraska) News (October 6, 1888), 4; "In the City. The New Fitzgerald Block Well Under Way," (Lincoln, Nebraska) Daily Call (December 5, 1888), 4.

7. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

8. William Wood, “Postcard from Lincoln,” Newsletter of the Preservation Association of Lincoln 17:1 (Spring 2009), 3.

9. Thomas Lee Kaspar (1951-2017), Architect, comp. Inventory of architectural records in the archives of Davis Fenton Stange Darling, Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska. 1996. Nebraska State Historical Society, RG3748, Box 16.

10. Mrs. Maryan Tyler Matthew. Personal interview. November 27, 1978. SEE William Foster for a contemporary account of the building, crediting the design to the Des Moines architect.

11. England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Accessed through Ancestry.com

12. 1900 United States Census. s.v. “James Tyler,” Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska. E.D. 57, sheet 4, line 57.

13. Photos by David Murphy, October 1975. NSHS 7510/1:25

14. Contract between Mr. William R. Berger, Mr. James Tyler, and the Nebraska Stock Yard Company president and other employees. Signed February 13, 1888.

15. "The Halter Block," Lincoln (Nebraska) Daily Call (January 1, 1893), 5; with illustration.

16. Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening Call (May 9, 1888), 3; "The Fitzgerald Block," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (May 12, 1888), 7.

17. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (July 20, 1888), 2.

18. Matthew Hansen, James McKee, Edward Zimmer, Lincoln's Early Architecture, (Arcadia Publishing: Charleston, South Carolina, 2014), 55 (illustration).

19. "W. H. Tyler," in Pen & Sunlight Sketches of Lincoln (Chicago: Phoenix Publishing, 1893), 87.

20. Edward F. Zimmer, The Near South Walking Tours: V. 2 (Lincoln, Nebraska: Near South Neighborhood Association, 1990), 61-62.

21. A. T. Andreas, History of the State of Nebraska (Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1882), 1056.

22. Lincoln Picturesque and Descriptive (George B. Pratt: Neenah, Wisconsin, 1889).

23. "Notice to Carpenters," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (October 17, 1882), 4.

24. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (April 19, 1883), 8.

25. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (May 24, 1883), 7.

26. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (April 15, 1884), 8.

27. "Sealed Proposals Will Be Received..." (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (May 24, 1884), 7.

28. "Proposals Will Be Received Until 6 p.m...." (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (June 10, 1884), 7; "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (August 9, 1884), 8.

29. "The City Council. Petitions Presented, Ordinances Passed and Claims Allowed...Reports of Committees," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (September 9, 1884), 1; "Proposals Wile [sic] Be Received at Office of the City Clerk..." (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (September 20, 1884), 7.

30. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (June 12, 1885), 7.

31. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (August 4, 1885), 8; (September 8, 1885), 8.

32. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (August 12, 1885), 8.

33. "Sweet Home," Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening News (August 29, 1885), 4.

34. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (April 16, 1886), 8.

35. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (October 16, 1886), 8.

36. “The Boom. It Strikes the Town. Past, Present and Future of Lincoln Realty. Some Facts Regarding the Activity in Lincoln Dirt.” (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (February 20, 1887), 4.

37. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (March 19, 1887), 1.

38. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (April 10, 1887), 1.

39. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (June 17, 1887), 4.

40. "New Public Buildings. The Board of Public Lands and Buildings Award Several Important Contracts," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (July 29, 1887), 8.

41. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (October 23, 1887), 8: "West Lincoln," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (May 2, 1888), 7; illustrated (photo) in Lincoln Picturesque and Descriptive (George B. Pratt: Neenah, Wisconsin, 1889); reprinted in Matthew Hansen, J. L. McKee, E. F. Zimmer, Lincoln's Early Architecture (Arcadia Publishing: Charleston, South Carolina, 2014), 49.

42. Plat of "West Lincoln Lancaster Co. Neb.," signed by John Fitzgerald, June 23, 1885. Plat 222, Office of Lancaster County Engineer.

43. "Evidences of Architectural Skill As Furnished by Mr. Tyler," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (January 1, 1888), 8.

44. Ed Zimmer, Historic Haymarket, Lincoln, Nebraska (Lincoln, Nebraska: Lincoln Haymarket Development Corporation, 2014), 49.

45. Ed Zimmer, Historic Haymarket, Lincoln, Nebraska (Lincoln, Nebraska: Lincoln Haymarket Development Corporation, 2014), 38.

46. “The Illustrated State Journal,” (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (January 25, 1882), 4.

47. Advertisement of Smith & Tyler, "Architects, Superintendents, and Builders" notes under James Tyler: "Late Supt. of Construction, Nebraska Insane Asylum," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (October 5, 1880), 2.

48. "Mr. Hardenberg is erecting a dwelling house in the south part of the city," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal, (October 4, 1876); (Lincoln, Nebraska) Daily Evening News (March 18, 1885), 4; Lancaster County Deeds V:529 (1877), 10:111 (1881), 6:357 (1885).

49. Incorporation of Touzalin hotel company, McCook (Nebraska) Tribune (March 25, 1886), 2; "Wymore and Blue Springs. Great Strides Made by the Twin Cities of the Blue," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (June 5, 1887), 23; "State and Territory. Nebraska Jottings," Omaha (Nebraska) Daily Bee (September 30, 1887), 4.

50. "Nebraska in Brief" (cornerstone laying of Fremont Masonic Temple), (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (August 13, 1888), 4; "Over the State" (dedication of Fremont Masonic Temple), (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (January 13, 1889), 4.

51. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (January 4, 1888), 8.

52. "After a Courthouse. The County Commissioners Commence the Work of Examining Plans--A Large Number of Architects in the Competition," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (February 22, 1888), 2.

53. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (August 18, 1888), 8.

54. "Another Attractive Lincoln Home Ready for Occupancy," Lincoln (Nebraska) Daily News (August 28, 1888), 4.

55. "Building and Trade," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (March 24, 1889), 3.

56. "A Season of Solid Growth. Lincoln Shows Great Building Activity...Fifteen Hundred Carpenters Employed in the City and Environs--Beautiful Residences..." (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (June 23, 1889), 6.

57. Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening Call (May 13, 1889), 5.

58. “A Business-like Move,” (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (December 1, 1889), 3; "A Magnificent Structure," Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening News (February 25, 1890), 4.

59. “The Newman Building,” and “The Mayer Bros.’ Block,” (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (February 9, 1890), 8.

60. "A New Banking Room. Important Changes at the First National. The Room to be Remodelled Throughout and Made Much More Elegant and Convenient," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (March 2, 1890), 5.

61. "In District Court. A Nine-Dollar Difference Leads to an Expensive Lawsuit. That is the Amount That Took Mrs. McConnell and Louis Jensen Into Court," Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening Call (March 7, 1890), 4.

62. "Bits of Building," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (March 16, 1890), 6.

63. "A New Coliseum To Be Built in Lincoln This Season. The Plans Drawn and Other Arrangements Partially Perfected for the Proposed Building." (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (March 20, 1890), 7.

64. Call for "Sealed bids for the construction of a bank building and opera house at Aurora," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (June 13, 1890), 7.

65. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (August 14, 1890), 7.

66. "A Gratifying House-Warming. Mayer Bros. in Their Handsome New Store. Thousands of People Crowd Each Other in Their Eagerness to View Its Attractive Interior. Eleven Thousand Souvenirs Not Enough." (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (August 28, 1890), 5.

67. "Notice to Contractors," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (September 2, 1890), 4.

68. "One Half Mile of Frontage. How the City Has Grown Commercially. A Brief Description of Notable Business Buildings Erected During the Year." (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (December 28, 1890), 12.

69. "Architects and Builders. What They Are to Do This Season...What St. Elizabeth's Hospital Will Be When Completed...A Great Institution" and "A Fine Stable," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (March 8, 1891), 11.

70. "In a New Domicile. James Heaton Moves into His New Residence," Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening Call (October 25, 1891), 5.

71. "A Fine Building," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (March 27, 1892), 16.

72. "James Tyler, Architect," Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening News (July 23, 1892), 2.

73. "Tons of Product. Extensive Exportations and Local Demand for Manufactured Goods," Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening News (August 17, 1892), 8.

74. "Notice to Contractors," Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening News (September 9, 1892), 5.

75. "The New Castle Hall," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (October 9, 1892), 14.

76. "Men Who Builded. A Half Million Spent in Business Blocks. Solid Structures for Permanent Investment Mark the Last Year...The Halter Block," Lincoln (Nebraska) Daily Call (December 31, 1892), 13 (illustrated).

77. "Architect James Tyler," Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening Call (December 31, 1892), 16.

78. "Decorate Houses. The New Interior Decorative Company. The Strongest Institution of the Kind West of Chicago Right Here in Lincoln," Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening Call (May 12, 1893), 1.

79. "Were not Derelict...Cell House Plans Produced," (Lincoln) Nebraska Semi-Weekly State Journal (May 19, 1893), 5.

80. "The State Printing Board...The Board of Public Lands and Buildings Looking to the State Institutions..." (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (June 24, 1893), 5; "City in Brief," Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening News (August 8, 1893), 8.

81. "Another Wholesale House. The Muir-Cowan Company of Ohio Locates in Lincoln. To be a Wholesale and Manufacturing Concern," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (July 7, 1893), 6.

82. Undated letterhead for the partnership Tyler & Son, listing numerous projects.

83. "Republican Petitions are Numerous Today. Men Who Want to be Nominated for the Various City Offices File Their Announcements of that Fact with the Central Committee," Lincoln (Nebraska) Daily News (March 5, 1898), 5; "Every Voter A Delegate. Republicans to Nominate City Candidates Today...Good List of Candidates from which to Select...," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (March 11, 1898), 2; "A Sweeping Victory. Republicans Carry the City by a Handsome Margin...Water Commissioner James Tyler...," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (April 6, 1898), 4.

84. “Row Houses for Mrs. Lamb,” The Inland Architect and News Record Vol. 21. (illustration)

85. "Realm of Justice...District Court Proceedings," Lincoln (Nebraska) Evening News (May 15, 1890), 4. For mis-attribution, see Matthew Hansen, J. L. McKee, E. F. Zimmer, Lincoln's Early Architecture (Arcadia Publishing: Charleston, South Carolina, 2014), 94.

86. "The State House. Its Condition--Report of the Examining Experts," (Lincoln) Nebraska State Journal (October 19, 1878); "The State House Repairs," The Bee (Omaha, Nebraska) (November 13, 1878), 1. [Note: Matt Hansen of the Office of the Capitol Commission uncovered this project as part of his ongoing study of all three of Nebraska's state capitol buildings.]

Page Citation

E. Zimmer & D. Murphy, “James Tyler (1844-1919), Architect,” in David Murphy, Edward F. Zimmer, and Lynn Meyer, comps. Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects. Lincoln: Nebraska State Historical Society, December 29, 2022. http://www.e-nebraskahistory.org/index.php?title=Place_Makers_of_Nebraska:_The_Architects Accessed, November 27, 2024.

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