James Charles Dahlman | |
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Mayor of Omaha | |
In office 1906–1918 | |
Preceded by | Harry B. Zimman |
Succeeded by | Edward Parsons Smith |
In office 1921–1930 | |
Preceded by | Edward Parsons Smith |
Succeeded by | John H. Hopkins |
Personal details | |
Born | DeWitt County, Texas | 15 December 1856
Died | 21 January 1930 Omaha, Nebraska | (aged 73)
Nationality | American |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Hattie Abbott Dahlman |
Children | Ruth Baughman, Dorothy Dahlman |
Occupation | Politician |
Profession | Cattle industry |
James Charles Dahlman (December 15, 1856 – January 21, 1930), also known as Jim Dahlman, Cowboy Jim and Mayor Jim, was elected to eight terms as mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, serving the city for 20 years over a 23-year-period. A German-American and an agnostic,[1] Dahlman grew up in a ranching area and started working as a Texas cowboy. He was elected as a county sheriff and small town mayor in western Nebraska before moving to Omaha.
Called the "perpetual Mayor" in Omaha, Dahlman was seen by many as a cover man for the city's vice elements. Earning the reputation as the "wettest mayor in America", Dahlman saw the number of saloons in Omaha double during his first 10 years as mayor. The term "Dahlmanism" was coined to describe his politics.[2]