R
.E. Moore is remembered for his significant contributions to Lincoln's history, despite few visible remnants remaining today. As a mayor, lieutenant governor, prominent attorney, banker, and three-term state senator, Moore left an indelible mark on the city.

    Born in Illinois in 1849, Moore graduated from Illinois Wesleyan with a degree in literature before studying law and being admitted to the bar at 23. He arrived in Lincoln in 1871 and established a law practice, quickly becoming police judge when the city had no jail. The Moore family initially resided on the south side of N Street.

    Moore's initial investment was the platting of Newton, a village northeast of Lincoln that failed to prosper. In 1877, he formed Security Investment Co. with his brothers Thomas and John, which dealt in real estate, farm loans, and investments. The company incorporated in 1886 and moved to the Richards Block on O Street.

    Moore also became president of Union Savings Bank at 111 S. 10th St., which closed in 1895 due to the national depression. He was associated with City National Bank of Lincoln and organized First National Bank of Red Cloud, as well as Mid West Life Insurance Co. of Lincoln.

    As a prominent Republican, Moore served three terms in the Nebraska Senate from 1887 to 1893 and later became lieutenant governor from 1895 to 1897. In 1891, he built his Queen Anne mansion at 1740 E St., which was eventually razed for Hazel Abel Park.

    Moore died on December 6, 1921, leaving a bequest of $100,000 to the Lincoln Hospital Association. The city matched this amount, and Lincoln General Hospital was built in 1925 with one section named the Emily J. Moore Annex. A 1940 addition increased the hospital's capacity to 175 beds, naming it the R.E. Moore Memorial Wing.

    Today, the site of Moore's mansion is a quarter-block park, frequently used for weddings and gatherings. The Bryan West Campus retains the R.E. Moore name on one wing in honor of his contributions to Lincoln's history.