James "Jim" Naiberg, son of Frank Naiberk (aka Naiberg) and Anna Baur, was born January 5 1862 in Pilzen, Bohemia (Czech Republic).8 Jim immigrated circa 1877 to the United States. His immigration story is a little different than most. He was a cabin boy aboard one of the ships bringing immigrants to the United States. During the voyage, Jim didn’t get along with one of the First Mates. After one of the meals, Jim went to throw a dishpan of dirty water overboard, but instead, doused the First Mate with it. Jim “jumped ship” (figuratively) when the ship arrived at the Port of New York. He was about 15 years old at the time. Jim and his brother Frank declared their intent to become citizens of the United States August 16 1890 in Marshalltown, Marshall County, Iowa.1 Jim died May 11 1937 after 75 years, 4 months and 6 days of life. He was laid to rest May 13 1937 in the Bohemian Cemetery, Omaha, Nebraska.8
As a young man, Jim, and his friend John Dragoun, left Iowa and went out west. They got as far as San Francisco. John was killed in Missoula, Montana. About a year later, Jim returned to tell John’s parents that their son had been killed. During the conversation, Jim noticed a pigtailed girl crawling on the fence. The girl was Mary Dragoun. Jim told Mary’s Dad that "when she comes of age, I will send a ticket for her". They were eventually married.
Jim married Mary Dragoun circa 1897 in Nebraska. They had three children: unknown, Frank J. (b.1899) and Mary Ann "Mayme" (b.1901).
Jim owned two saloons in Omaha. One was located on 16th Street and the other down by the Missouri River, on 5th/6th Street, near the railroad roundhouse on Gibson Road. His patrons called him “Schlitz Jim”. He said that Schlitz was the only decent beer, so that’s the only beer he served in his saloons. Jim was forced out of the saloon business when prohibition began in January of 1920. He tried auto painting for a while and eventually went to work for the Standard Furnace & Supply Company, owned by William Nesbit.
Mary Dragoun was born June 1876 in Iowa. She died April 17 1963 in Omaha, Nebraska after 86 years and 10 months of life. Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 19 1963 at St. Patrick's Church. Mary was laid to rest April 19 1963 in the Bohemian Cemetery, Omaha, Nebraska.2
In 1900, James and Mary, with their son Frank, were living in Omaha, Nebraska. James' occupation was recorded as "bartender".3
In 1910, James and Mary, with their daughter Mayme and son Frank, were living in Omaha, Nebraska. James' occupation was recorded as "saloon keeper".4
In 1914, the Naiberg Family was living at 3010 S. 11th St., Omaha, Nebraska. James had a job working as a bartender.5
In 1920, James and Mary, with their daughter Mayme, were living in Omaha, Nebraska. James' occupation was recorded as "auto painter".6
In 1930, James and Mary, with their daughter Mayme, son-in-law Peter Kleine, and grandsons John "Jack" and William, were living in Omaha, Nebraska. James' occupation was recorded as "furnace shop laborer".7
