A log hut served as the first store building in Sidney and was built by a man called "French Louis." It was located about four miles south of the present town site, but when a station was established at Sidney on the railroad, he moved the store to the town. Most of the stock of goods at that day consisted of necessary supplies and whiskey.

In 1868, Charles Moore built a frame hotel, store and saloon, and about the same time Thomas Kane built the second frame store building and became the first postmaster of Sidney.

The name of Tom Kane stands out conspicuously in the development of Sidney and Cheyenne county, as he was naturally a builder and pioneer developer, taking an active part in all public affairs. He was not only the first

postmaster, but also the first treasurer of the county. He was instrumental in the movement to have the county organized. Mr. Kane was a prominent ranchman of this district, located near Bronson where he made good improvements, being among the first to erect a good stone dwelling house. As an early attorney of Cheyenne county, Mr. Kane was naturally a leader in many movements for the development of the country. He became secretary of the Cattle Association of Western Nebraska when it was formed, taking part in the settlement of many of the cattle disputes and diffi-

A Fine Residence of Sidney

culties of the early days. When the railroad tried to evade paying taxes Mr. Kane siezed an engine on the track. First he order the deputy sheriff, A. Solomonson, to stand in front of the engine ; then the engineer started the engine and Solomonson yelled to Kane, who replied, "Stand where you are." "But they will run the engine over me," replied Solomonson.