by Gary R. Rosenberg, © Douglas County Historical Society, 2008-2010

The mayors of Omaha have come from all walks of life: twenty of the city’s chief executives were businessmen, including a grocer, a beer brewer, three bankers and five in real estate. Eleven lawyers filled the ranks, joined by a surveyor, a teacher and two engineers. Most of those who served as mayor have hailed from the eastern half of the country. Glenn Cunningham became the first native son elected mayor in 1948. Eight Omahans have followed him. Four have come from New York, with three each from Illinois and Ohio. Two sets of brothers filled the role — Canadians Ezra and Joseph Millard and Omahans Glenn and Robert Cunningham.
   Several have aspired to higher office, though relatively few have made it to the state or national stage. James Boyd is the only former Omaha mayor to serve as Governor of Nebraska. Joseph Millard and Edward Zorinsky served as Nebraska Senators, while Glenn Cunningham and Hal Daub each served several terms as Second District representative to Congress. Terms of those elected to the mayor’s office have ranged from Andrew Poppleton’s seven months — he was one of five who resigned — to nearly 21 years by James Dahlman.
   While some were beloved and others beset with problems, it seems the men who aspired to the office of Mayor of Omaha have shared an affection for the city and a real desire to improve the lives of its people.

Click on the photograph to read a short biography

Jesse Lowe
March 5, 1857-March 2, 1858

Andrew J. Poppleton
March 2, 1858-Sept. 14, 1858

George R. Armstrong
Sept. 14, 1858-March 10, 1859
March 5, 1861-Nov. 5, 1862

David D. Belden
March 10, 1859-March 6, 1860